Bulls and dehesa pastures

Amongst its woods of holm-oaks and incomparable natural spaces, Extremadura watches over the mysteries of the breeding and combat of the fighting bull. Discover them, visit emblematic places and be a spectator at events related to this mythical and noble animal.

Visit Olivenza and its famous Bull Fair, the start of the bullfighting season in Spain; Táliga and its breeding pastures; Barcarrota and Fregenal de la Sierra; both with bullrings within their castles. You should also attend the International Livestock Fair in Zafra and enjoy the festivities of Las Capeas in Segura de León.

Your route should also include the bullring in Mérida, a blend of neo-Mudejar elements and cast-iron architecture, as well as the bullfighting museum in Badajoz.

And from the Province of Badajoz to that of Caceres, in Coria you will enjoy their famous Sanjuanes and in Torrejoncillo the bull-running. Then, in Moraleja you can visit the Victorino Martín Museum. Sierra de Gata, the Monfragüe National Park, Plasencia and Cáceres are other areas linked to the fighting bull, either for breeding, unique bull rings or other important events.

In all these places you can visit breeding farms to see in situ the breeding and selection of fighting bulls, go on photographic safaris, ride around the pasturelands in 4x4 or organise capeas. You can obtain information about all this and more in the tourist offices of the main destinations.

You can combine these activities with historical heritage, Flamenco shows, gastronomy trails such as that of the Jamón Ibérico Dehesa de Extremadura and the Vino Ribera del Guadiana; visits to areas designated as Special Protection Areas for birds, as well as fishing and practising water sports, etc.