Extremadura is Spain's westernmost autonomous community, bordering Portugal, and one of Europe's best-preserved landscapes of Roman ruins, medieval castles, and vast dehesa oak woodlands. Home to the UNESCO-listed city of Cáceres, the Roman theatre of Mérida, and some of Iberia's finest jamón ibérico, the region rewards travellers seeking authentic Spain without the tourist crowds.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Jamón Ibérico de Bellota
The definitive Extremaduran souvenir — buy vacuum-packed slices (€15–30 / ~$16–$33 per 100g) at airport duty-free or specialist delis. Whole legs (€150–600 / ~$164–$654) available at farms near Montánchez.
Where: Charcuterías, Carrefour supermarkets, Montánchez village deli stalls
Torta del Casar cheese
The region's iconic runny sheep's milk cheese (€8–15 / ~$9–$16 per wheel); vacuum-packed travels well. Available in Casar de Cáceres directly.
Where: Mercado Municipal de Cáceres; specialist delis in Cáceres city; Casar de Cáceres village
Pimentón de la Vera (smoked paprika)
D.O.P. smoked paprika tins (€3–8 / ~$3.30–$8.70); sweet or spicy. Essential cooking ingredient.
Where: Any supermarket; La Vera village shops; Jarandilla de la Vera market
Extremaduran ceramics
Blue-and-white folk pottery from Arroyo de la Luz; handmade plates, bowls, and tiles (€8–60 / ~$9–$65)
Where: Artisan shops in Cáceres old city; Arroyo de la Luz (25 km from Cáceres)
Ribera del Guadiana wine
D.O. Ribera del Guadiana red and white wines (€5–20 / ~$5.50–$22 per bottle); robust and underrated
Where: Wine shops in Mérida and Badajoz; Aldi supermarkets; bodega direct sales in Almendralejo
Pitarra brandy
Local Extremaduran brandy made from wine distillation (€8–15 / ~$9–$16)
Where: Supermarkets and delicatessens throughout the region
Cherry products (Jerte Valley)
Cherry liqueur (patxarán de guindas), cherry jam, dried cherries (€3–12 / ~$3.30–$13)
Where: Jerte Valley village shops; cherry festival stalls in March
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mercado de los Martes, Plasencia
Spain's oldest weekly market (since 1189); fresh produce, ceramics, clothing, local foods, jamón stalls
Where: Plasencia
Hours: Tuesday only, 8 AM–2 PM
Mercado Municipal de Cáceres
Fresh produce, local charcutería, Torta del Casar cheese, and regional foods in an old covered market
Where: Cáceres
Hours: Mon–Sat 8 AM–2 PM
Mercado de San Albín, Mérida
Traditional market with local produce, jamón, wines, and cheese near the Roman sites
Where: Mérida
Hours: Mon–Sat 8 AM–2 PM