Lying in south-west Spain, Extremadura is bordered to the north and east by Castile and Leon, to the south by Andalucia and to the west by Portugal.

Many insiders say this region is Spain’s best kept secret as far as tourism is concerned. What it lacks in coast, Extremadura makes up for in stunning historic towns and mountains, forests and lakes.

The Roman city of Merida is one of the region’s highlights together with Plasencia, another historic city with ancient walls.

Provinces: Caceres and Badajoz.

“Aceite de oliva, todo mal quita.”