Extramadura

[gspod]

Has anyone been to the area west of Madrid out to the Portuguese border - I think it's called Extramadura. I am thinking about going to this area as, I believe, it is mountinous, remote and sparsly populated which is what we like.
I would like to know if it's worth a visit or just a dull, barren landscape. Also are there any nice campsites - don't need whistles and bells just a good, clean sanitary block.
We have been to the east of Madrid a few times - Moutains of Cuenca and Tarragona but I believe the dried hams from Extramadura are the best.
Cheers

 

[Timolgra]

but I believe the dried hams from Extramadura are the best.
Cheers

That's because they're Black Iberian pigs which feed on Acorns

 

[gspod]

Yes I was told this a few years ago which made me wonder if there are large oak forests in this area - I also think that there are corck forests too, it looks pretty mountinous on the map and there are rivers - all these factors added up may equal a desirable place to visit.
Good logic or not?

 

[Edventure]

Great area to ride through.

Very scenic and very little traffic.

 

[Balders1450]

Great area to ride through.

Very scenic and very little traffic.

+ 1

 

[gspod]

If we visit this area we would look to stay for about 5 nights. Any advice as to a central base area, preferably with a decent campsite.
Cheers

 

[fast and bulbous]

Am planning to go to Extremadura myself in last 2 weeks in May. Some camping some accom some fishing 3 of us so far. We are in Hull so youre not too far away. interested?

john

 

[Vern]

It's a fantastic area to play in. Don't bother with campsites, just rough camp where you want. Take a fishing rod with you

 

[gspod]

Hi John
If we do go it will probably be last 2 weeks of June / 1st 2 weeks of July.
I would be greatful to hear your experiences though. Also I shall post a heads up to a new ferry route I discovered the other day on this forum - very interesting.

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

Gets very hot in July - 42 degrees, too hot to have visor open!

 

[AndyT]

I was over there a few months ago on my bike (West of MAdrid) in the Gredos Mountains and its very nice. The ham is a speciality of the area but very pricey. We stayed in a little village fairly high up and the patron has won many competitions for cutting the ham which is cut so thin it looks like its been cut with a laser beam, very nice though washed down with something strong.

I can't remember the name of the hotel we stayed in all I remember is the owner spoke no English what so ever however you always get by It was very cheap too at around 150 euro for 3 nights half board inc food and drink.

If you go you should visit Salamanca which is a fantastic small City (The Cambridge of Spain).

By the way it gets 40 Deg C + in the summer so travel very light

 

[AndyT]

Just found a pic of the Ham we had ....mmmmmmm

 

[boatman]

Passed through and back on Morocco trip in april last year
some awsome bits of riding roads !!!!! nicely rural

 

[gspod]

hopefully we shall be there for the last week of june (so not too hot) then traveling through to the Cuenca mountains for the first week of July (we know it's not too hot there) then heading north from there for the second week of July.
Thanks for all the info - that ham looks amazing.
Still want a right up John please.