Zafra, situated in the province of Badajoz within the Extremadura region of Spain, serves as the capital of the Zafra-Río Bodión comarca. With a population of approximately 16,677, this historic town offers a quiet alternative to Spain’s major tourist hubs. It is renowned as the hometown of Fray Ruy Lopez, author of one of the earliest European treatises on chess, and the humanist Pedro de Valencia. For frequent-flyer hotel travelers seeking cultural depth and tranquility, Zafra provides a serene base to explore the architectural heritage of western Extremadura without the crowds.
🕐 Europe/Madrid · 💱 EUR
Zafra offers a slow-paced, culturally rich environment ideal for travelers seeking history over nightlife. The town center and surrounding districts provide convenient access to key landmarks. Staying here allows guests to immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of Extremadura, with easy walking access to sites connected to its notable historical figures like Fray Ruy Lopez.
Zafra does not have its own airport. Travelers typically fly into nearby hubs such as Badajoz (BJZ) or Mérida, then connect via bus or train. Given the lack of direct air links, planning ground transportation in advance is essential for a smooth arrival and departure experience.
Spring and autumn offer mild weather, making them the best times to explore Zafra’s historical sites and enjoy leisurely walks. Summers can be hot, so travelers may prefer indoor activities or evening explorations during these months to maintain comfort while staying in the city.
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Located in the part of town most popular with tourists, this restaurant is a leading name in Zafra’s culinary heritage. Now completely renovated, it has taken on a new lease of life in the hands of the couple running it. Carmen and Javo, who met at the one-Michelin-star El Invernadero in Madrid, decided to head off on their own and, in so doing, transformed the cuisine on offer here, skilfully combining the cooking of Extremadura with that of Argentina in a nod to their respective origins. Only one concise menu is available, although medias raciones are also an option.
WebsiteWell located in the town’s historic quarter, La Rebotica occupies the interior of an old house that has managed to bring itself up to date while maintaining its welcoming rusticity. Its updated take on traditional cuisine, with a focus on Retinto beef as well as cod dishes, is well supported by a good selection of Ribera del Guadiana wines. Don’t miss the delicious “trilogy of Iberian meat (“presa”, sirloin and “secreto”)!
WebsiteA great option if you’re visiting the Sierra de Aracena, its nature reserve, or Linares de la Sierra, a beautiful town of attractive cobbled streets. Run and owned by a married couple, Arrieros occupies a typical whitewashed mountain property with a welcoming rustic interior that features an attractive fireplace, wood ceilings and rustic-contemporary furnishings with an eye for tasteful detail. The chef’s emphasis here is on an updated take on regional-style cooking in which Iberian pork takes centre stage, with a particular focus on offal. This focus is showcased on the two tasting menus (Rut
WebsiteLos Rosales, a district on the outskirts of the town of Tocina in the province of Seville, has made its mark on the region’s culinary map thanks to a couple who decided to return to their roots having worked in prestigious restaurants such as Atrio, Casa Marcial, Bardal, etc. In this unpretentiously furnished eatery run by Juan Carlos Ochando (in the kitchen) and Elena Pérez (front of house), the contemporary cuisine on offer is firmly focused on two tasting menus (Ochando and El Gran Ochando) and seasonal ingredients, with half-plates available with some dishes. We especially enjoyed the whit
WebsiteUnder this intriguing name, which is a celebration of an almost forgotten dish from Extremadura, this simple restaurant attempts to revive traditional regional flavours from a modern perspective. The young duo at the helm, Josemi Martínez and Mercedes Rincón, are embarking on their own personal project here after working in some of the finest establishments, some even outside Spain. Both chefs, who throughout their careers have always been ambassadors for the products of their home region, uphold traditional Extremaduran recipes using modern techniques and the best local seasonal produce, brin
WebsiteLocated just a few steps from the city’s historic Alcazaba, and standing above some of Mérida’s Roman remains visible through a glass floor, this restaurant is definitely worth considering for tapas, a meal or just a drink given the pleasant Roof Bar on the first floor. The cuisine here, including a good selection of Joselito-branded starters and select grilled meats, also features two tasting menus (4 and 8 courses), the longer of the two with a wine-pairing option.
WebsiteA long-standing restaurant (it opened its doors in 1982) that wows with its renovated and original interior design and its extensive menu brimming with traditional flavours, particularly mouthwatering when it comes to fish and seafood, but without neglecting Extremadura's meats and cold cuts. Unmissable dishes? The Revuelto Pepehillo, the Sevillian hake, the tasty oxtail stew...
In the heart of Badajoz, on the ground floor of a corner building next to the cathedral, lies a simple bistro with the soul of a gastronomic bar, which surprises with its culinary offerings. Under the Basque name of Bidaia, a term that could be translated as ‘journey’, the young couple at the helm, Elena Ruiz and Álvaro Serrano, champion a small market à la carte and two set menus, which are closely linked to the season and hark back the traditional roots drinking from memories and personal experiences, mainly in the north of Spain. We loved the all-natural prawn tartare and its mellow Iberian
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