Cáceres is a city of stone and silence. The Ciudad Monumental (Old Town) is so perfectly preserved that it feels like a time capsule—no cars, no store signs, just honey-colored Gothic and Renaissance palaces protected by Moorish walls. It is the setting for Game of Thrones (King’s Landing) and House of the Dragon for a reason.
The soundtrack of Cáceres is the clacking of storks’ beaks. They nest on every tower and church spire, watching over the city like guards. At night, the lighting is dim and amber, creating deep shadows that feel medieval. It smells of woodsmoke and the pungent, creamy aroma of Torta del Casar, a local sheep cheese that is so runny you slice off the top and scoop it out with bread.
It is a university city, so the Plaza Mayor is lively, buzzing with students drinking cheap beer. But step through the Arco de la Estrella, and the noise vanishes. It is a place to get lost in the alleys, discovering hidden convents that sell sweets through a turntable window.
To enjoy Cáceres, seek the contrast: the rowdy energy of the Plaza Mayor versus the ghostly quiet of the Plaza de San Jorge at midnight.
The perfect plan for Cáceres:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: The Dragon’s City
- Morning: Plaza Mayor. Enter through the Arco de la Estrella. Walk the Plaza de Santa María. Touch the statue of San Pedro de Alcántara’s toes for luck.
- Afternoon: Cistern (Aljibe). Under the Museum of Cáceres. It’s one of the best preserved Moorish cisterns. Lunch: La Cacharrería. Famous for tapas. Get there early.
- Evening: Torre de Bujaco. Climb the tower at sunset for the view of the Plaza Mayor. Dinner at Atrio (2 Michelin stars) if you are rich. If not, Mastropiero (Gastrobar with garden).
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Towers & Nuns
- Morning: Plaza de San Jorge. The Dragon pit location. Visit the San Francisco Javier Church.
- Afternoon: Convento de San Pablo. Buy sweets. Walk the Judería (Jewish quarter).
- Evening: Drink in Plaza Mayor. Watch the storks return to nests.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Nature
- Morning: Los Barruecos (20 min drive). Massive granite boulders and lakes. Also a GoT filming location (Loot Train battle). Visit the Vostell Malpartida museum (weird modern art).
Weather
Spring: Magical. Cherry blossoms in nearby Valle del Jerte. 18°C.
Summer: Very hot. The stone retains heat.
Autumn: WOMAD festival (music) fills the medieval streets with global sounds.
Local Customs
1. Cheese: Torta del Casar is intense. It smells like old socks but tastes like heaven. Don’t put it in the fridge; serve at room temp.
2. Cobblestones: Do not wear heels. The stones are uneven.
3. Convent Sweets: Buy Yemas from the nuns at Convento de San Pablo. Say “Ave Maria” when the turnstile spins.
History & Culture
Founded by Romans, rebuilt by Almohads (who built the walls), and conquered by Christians in 1229. The nobility built fortified palaces here, but Queen Isabella ordered the towers cut down (mochadas) to curb their power—only the Stork Tower remains intact. It was the first city in Spain to be declared a World Heritage Site.
Getting Around & Safety
Walking: The only way. Cars are banned in the old town.
Train: Station is a bit far from center (Uber/Taxi).
Info for Nomads
Very quiet, inspiring for writers. Low cost.
Workation Vibe
Good wifi.
- Los Siete Jardines: Cafe in the old town. Beautiful garden, inspiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it just a movie set? +
It feels like one, but real people live here (mostly in the new town). The old town is mostly museums/hotels now.
How is the food? +
Pork heavy. Iberian ham and cheese are staples. Migas (fried breadcrumbs) are the classic breakfast.
Is it safe? +
Extremely.