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4 days 5 nights
Daily Tour
2 people
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The route of the Vía de la Plata between Mérida and Cáceres follows one of Spain’s oldest Roman roads, originally linking Augusta Emerita (Mérida) to Asturica Augusta (Astorga). It begins in Mérida, famous for its Roman heritage, and traverses varied landscapes before arriving at the medieval city of Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Along the way, we will encounter traces of Roman engineering such as milestones, old pavements, and remains of ancient inns (mansiones). The path is popular among pilgrims seeking quieter alternatives to the more traveled northern routes. With its mix of history, rural beauty, and cultural depth, this segment offers an immersive and contemplative experience through the heart of Extremadura.
Photo of Victor Suárez on Unsplash
This is the starting day of our route. Mérida, the ancient Roman capital of Lusitania, is one of Spain’s most important archaeological cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its standout monument is the Roman Theatre, remarkably preserved and still used today for performances. Next to it lies the Amphitheatre, once the site of gladiator fights, and the National Museum of Roman Art, which showcases mosaics, sculptures, and artifacts from the Roman era. Also unmissable is the Temple of Diana, a majestic Roman temple right in the city center, and the Arch of Trajan, part of the original city forum.
Beyond the core monuments, Mérida is rich in Roman infrastructure. The Puente Romano, one of the longest surviving Roman bridges in the world, still spans the Guadiana River. We can also visit the Casa del Mitreo, a Roman villa with impressive mosaics, and the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress built using Roman foundations. Together, these sites make Mérida a unique blend of Roman grandeur and later historical layers.
Starting in Mérida, the ancient Roman and pilgrimage route leaves the city via the impressive Roman aqueduct of Los Milagros, then climbs gently through the surroundings of the Proserpina reservoir. This first section combines urban heritage with open rural landscapes and relatively easy terrain, making for a scenic and accessible beginning to the stage.
The arrival into Aljucén marks a good rest‑point for us: the village has services and stands at the threshold of a more solitary leg ahead. Beyond Aljucén the path enters the dehesa and the natural park terrain of the Parque Natural de Cornalvo, with about 20 km ahead to the next major stop where there are no intermediate services—so water, food and early start are key.
This section heads out from Aljucén into the almost completely unserviced countryside, as the trail enters the scenic Parque Natural de Cornalvo. The path leads through dehesa (open oak savannah) and meanders over dirt tracks and gentle slopes, crossing the provincial border from Badajoz into Cáceres. The absence of any services for about twenty kilometres after Aljucén means we must carry ample water and food before starting this leg.
Upon arriving at Alcuéscar, we will find full services, making it a sensible stopping point. The trail ends this portion with a gradual ascent towards the town, culminating in views over the countryside and the tower of the local church.
The route leaves Alcuéscar via a paved track that soon turns into a dirt path winding through olive groves, holm‐oaks and open “dehesa” landscape. After crossing the Ayuela River and passing the small settlement of Casas de Don Antonio (which the route bypasses), we walk parallel to the N‑630 road on the corridor of the old Roman road, with several visible Roman milestones (miliarios) marking the way.
After 16 km we reach Aldea del Cano, a small village with modest amenities and a notable Gothic church of San Martín. The village itself sits a short detour off the main way‑marker; the stage is moderate in elevation and makes for a suitable half‑day.
This segment from Aldea del Cano to Cáceres, passing through plains and gentle terrain with minimal elevation changes. The path departs the village, crosses streams and a Roman bridge along the way, skirts the aerodrome at La Cervera, passes through the area of Valdesalor, and then enters into the outskirts of Cáceres to finish in its historic centre.
Cáceres’ historic city center, known as the Ciudad Monumental, is a compact treasure trove of medieval and Renaissance architecture, all easily walkable. Entering through the Arco de la Estrella, we step back in time to cobbled streets and stone buildings that have remained nearly unchanged for centuries. Key sights include the Torre de Bujaco, offering panoramic views of the old town; the Concatedral de Santa María, a Gothic-Romanesque cathedral with an impressive altarpiece; and the Plaza Mayor, the lively gateway to the old quarter. Noble houses like the Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo showcase the power and wealth of the city’s former aristocracy.
The area is also home to several museums and cultural spaces. The Museo de Cáceres, located in the Palacio de las Veletas, features archaeological finds and a remarkably preserved Moorish cistern. For modern contrast, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Helga de Alvear offers cutting-edge exhibitions in a striking building just outside the medieval walls. The city center is small enough to explore on foot in a day, yet dense with history, making it perfect for slow, immersive discovery.
| # | Discount group | From adult | To adult | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Discount Single Use | 2 | 2 | 360,00€ |
