Hotels in Badajoz

Badajoz is a frontier city in the truest sense: the capital of Spain's Extremadura region sits on the Guadiana river right against the Portuguese border, and its history is a long record of being fought over. The Moorish Alcazaba crowning the old town is one of the largest Islamic-era citadels in the Iberian peninsula, and the city's walls witnessed Wellington's bloody siege of 1812 and darker episodes during the Spanish Civil War.

Today it is a working regional city rather than a showpiece, with the Puente de Palmas, the arcaded Plaza Alta and a lively carnival among its draws, and Portugal's fortified town of Elvas a short hop away. Be honest: it sees few international tourists, parts of the old quarter below the Alcazaba have long felt neglected, and summers are punishingly hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings. Stay in the historic centre around Plaza de España and Plaza Alta to keep the citadel, river and best tapas streets within easy walking distance.