http://www.visit-western-spain.com Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:00:45 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Friend-sites-of-visit-western-spain.com-170.htm Web sites and blogs related with travel and tourism, other places, different points of view.. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Have-a-great-Summer-in-Extremadura-258.htm Temperatures rise, the sun shines in its peak and the plain turns into golden. It is time to travel, know and enjoy Extremadura and its amazing natural surroundings. A perfect time to be delighted with the fresh water of gorges, rivers, natural swimming pools, dams,lakes... Silent and calmness afternoons lead to noisy nights where there are lot of things to see and do. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/How-to-search-and-book-hotels--country-houses-and-apartments-261.htm Extremadura has a wide offer for lodging: hotel with all equipment and services, apartments to travel with family and rural houses to stay for groups and families.. Just from a luxury five stars hotel to the most beautiful and traditional rural houses in the midle of nature. From Visit Western Spain we try to simplify the process of finding and booking accommodation. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Saint-Isidro-pilgrimage-in-Fuente-de-Cantos-238.htm Every May the 15th the inhabitants of Fuente de Cantos celebrate a country party to conmemorate the Saint Isidro's day. Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Saint-Isidro-Pilgrimage-in-Valencia-de-Alcantara-239.htm Every 15th of May the inhabitants of Valencia de Alcántara go to the countryside to celebrate the farmers Saint Isidro Day. Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-Battle-of-La-Albuera-231.htm About the middle of May, the town of La Albuera (Badajoz) reproduces the historical battle that took place there between Napoleonic troops and english-spanish-portuguese troops. It is noteworthy the wonderful cavalries and infantries from different countries, the colourful uniforms and banners, and the scent of the gunpowder. Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/A-walk-through-La-Vera-242.htm Popular architecture is mixed with Nature, water in many rivers across mountains and countries, and singular and beautiful places. The region of La Vera attracts everyone who goes there. Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Christian-Easter-celebrations-in-Caceres-246.htm Caceres' Easter tradition has been recently declared as National Tourist Interest celebration. Lots of visitors and tourits travel to Cáceres during this week in order to attend this event and enjoy this beautiful medieval city. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Guide-for-Extremadura---Western-Spain-225.htm This is a short guide for the regional zones in Extremadura - Western Spain area. You can take it as a start point to plan your trip to western Spain. This guide includes a resume of monuments, history, culture and a reference for lodging: rural houses, apartments and hotels. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/El-Chiviri-celebration-at-Trujillo-240.htm El Chiviri is a celebration which combines tradition and warmth, these aspects become keepsakes which live on the memories of those who were there. Trujillo welcomes visitors in a great celebration at its main square. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Christian-Easter-celebration-in-Badajoz-city-245.htm The brotherhood tradition in Badajoz was born in the 13th Century as a result of the catholic peak which came along with the Reconquest. Nowadays nine brotherhoods go out in processions along the streets in order to recreate different aspects of Christian Easter. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Easter-celebrations-in-Merida-248.htm The Guadiana river and the historical Roman buildings of Merida are witnesses and participants of the Christian celebrations of this ancient city. The impressive Via Crucis in the Roman amphiteatre is one of the most attracting acts of the Easter week in Merida. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Easter-celebrations-in-Jerez-de-los-Caballeros-247.htm Inhabitants of Jerez de los Caballeros embellish their city in order to celebrate a barroque style Holy week. Imagery and feeling join together in a unique Easter which attracts people from all places to visit and enjoy this beautiful tradition in Jerez de los Caballeros. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/La-Octava-del-Corpus-237.htm La Octava del Corpus is a celebration full of symbolism in Peñalsordo, a little town located at the east part of Extremadura. The horsemen wear flashy clothes to recreate the momment when the christian troops conquested the Castle of Capilla. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Pilgrimage-of-Virgen-de-Piedraescrita-244.htm The main feast of Campanario is dressed with floats made by its inhabitants. Light and colour fulfil the party which involves the inhabitants in the designing and creation of the floats, as far as music and dance come along with pilgrims on their way where the written stone was found. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-Chanfaina-234.htm The last Sunday of April the town of Fuente de Cantos (Badajoz) offers one of the most famous and well-known dishes of Extremadura: that is the chanfaina, lamb stew. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-Santa-Cruz---Holy-Cross-Feast-235.htm The village of Feria celebrates Springtime with an ancient custom. Thousands of flowers embellish this medieval village during the 2nd and 3rd of May. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-Empalaos-at-Valverde-de-la-Vera-241.htm From Maundy Thursday night to Good Friday the Empalaos cover the village of Valverde de la Vera surrounded by mistery, tradition and devotion in this religious event. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-Capeas-in-Segura-de-Leon-249.htm During the second week of September, Segura de León hosts its main feast. The people of this town make a celebration which preserves a brave tradition. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Folk-International-Festival-in-Fregenal-de-la-Sierra-250.htm From 10th to 15th August, different cultures of the World meet to shows their traditional songs and dances, and to be enriched from each other. This folk festival is celebrated every year in Fregenal de la Sierra, located in the south zone of Badajoz province. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Classic-Theater-Festival-of-Merida-251.htm Classic Greco-Latin Plays come back to life in the magnificent stage of the Roman Theatre of Mérida. It has a great prestige due to the combination of theatre, culture and all the well-kept Roman Heritage. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-History-of-Extremadura-through-its-Emblematic-Cities-233.htm From Roman ages all the way to Arab stage until the Conquest of America this is a small travel across some of the most important cities of Extremadura: Mérida, Trujillo y Cáceres. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Saint-George-Night-236.htm On April the 22th night, Cáceres retruns to its muslim period when the city was reconquered by the Christian army. The Moors and Christians battle and the dragon burning in the Plaza Mayor (main squarere) are the most attractive aspects of this magical night. Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Cherry-Tree-Blossom-Feast-230.htm At the end of March, the Valley of Jerte welcomes the spring season showing its best distinguising feature: the beauty of its cherry trees blossoming. Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-Battle-of-La-Albuera-232.htm On May 16th, 1811, one of the bloodest battles of Spanish Independence War took place in La Albuera. Stout's napoleonic army fought against the anglo-hispanic-portuguese allied army commanded by Beresford. Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Campina-Sur-121.htm This route leads us to go deeper into the towns of LLerena and Azuaga, both have a rich historic-artistic heritage that invites to take a look at. Moreover, we enjoy the visits to Regina's Roman Theatre or Jayona Mine. Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Great-Bustard---The-queen-of-plains-229.htm It is the european heaviest bird and the biggest flying bird. Some of the biggest males weighing up to 20kg. Extremadura holds about 25% of the spanish great bustard population, that is about the 15% of Earth population. Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Los-Barruecos-124.htm The Natural monument of Los Barruecos is composed of large granite stones on the edge of ponds. Vostell Museum is located in an 18th Century woolen washing place. Besides in the surrounding area we may find old tombs, Roman edification remains, or the megalithic remains of Hijadilla are other interesting spots in los Barruecos. Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Candelas--the-magic-night-in-Almendralejo-224.htm February the 1st night the city of Almendralejo let itself to be conquered by the fire which takes away bad spirits and ghosts. It is noteworthy to see how the city burns. Lots of people travel to Almendralejo to enjoy this celebration. Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-miterious-Jarramplas-222.htm The January 19th and 20 th, the Jarramplas, a mystical figure, walks by Piornal narrow streets. This figure symbolizes the Good over the Evil. Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Las-Carantonas-223.htm It is celebrated on January the 20th. This party counts on specific characteristic and characters which combines catholic tradition and pagan elements. The striking costumes are full of symbolism and mystery. Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Carnival-in-Badajoz-220.htm The carnival fills with colour and original costumes the streets of Badajoz. This is one of the most important and well-known carnivals in Spain. Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Winter-charm-210.htm The day starts and I can see the country all around covered in frost, like a thin white carpet that is going to hide with the morning sun. I like to smell the smoke from firewoods and the old cooking flavors of this little town in Extremadura Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-crane--Grus-grus--197.htm Every winter, about 75.000 cranes goes to Extremadura. This region is nowadays the main winter habitat for the european crane. Cranes cover in three weeks 3.000 kilometers from their nesting habitats in the North of Europe. Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-Great-Dams-Route-138.htm This route leads the traveller 5 great reservoirs at the East of Extremadura: La Serena, Zújar, Orellana, García Sola , and the Dam of Cíjara. Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Discovering-the-charming-zone-of-La-Serena-139.htm The richness of this natural area lies in its historical legacy and its delicious gastronomy. Livestock farming is the main activity in this charming land which shows their best to become a magic memory. Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Gastronomy--Excellent-wines-and-warmth-in-Tierra-de-Barros-141.htm Reservoirs and rivers water this clayey ground which produces good wines and crops. Almendralejo, known as 'The warmth City', stands out due to its industrial and agricultural industry. Villafranca, Santa Marta, Aceuchal, Villalba, Los Santos de Maimona, Alange, Hornachos... And many other towns and villages offer a huge number of things to see and do. Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Sierra-de-Gata-140.htm Sierra de Gata is one of those fabulous places full of incomparable corners that enriches those who go there. It is located in the border with Porutgal and Salamanca, this situation increases its cultural legacy; the result of all these regions confer a memorable magical touch to all the towns and villages of Sierra de Gata. Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Monfrague-National-Park.-132.htm The National Park of Monfragüe is located between Navalmoral de la Mata, Plasencia and Trujillo, it is one of the most important ornithological nucleus in Spain. In this amazing enviroment imperial eagles, black vultures, and tawny vultures fly over the park. Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Orellana-s-dam-and-Sierra-de-Pela-133.htm The special conservation area Orellana reservoir belongs to the international wetlands. The mountain range of Pela, the wetlands, fertile plains and plains compose one of the biodiversity landscapes of great importance in Extremadura. Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/San-Pedro-Mountain-Range-134.htm In the western zone of Cáceres province is located the mountain range of San Pedro, this area has been declared Special Conservation Area (ZEC) and Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) where Mediterranean forest and thickets are home for a wide variety of species. Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Hornachos-Mountain-Range-129.htm The great mountaint range of Hornachos is located on Tierra de Barros region, in the centre of Badajoz Province. This special conservation area stands out due to the varieties of vegetable life, moreover outlook to beautiful landscapes and plains that surrounds it. Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Plains-of-Caceres-and-Sierra-de-Fuentes-130.htm The Special Conservation Area of The Plains of Cáceres and Sierra de Fuentes is between two large steppes in Extremadura, where a great amount of birds species like black storks, great bustard, or partridges live. Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Jayone-Mine--Mina-la-Jayona--131.htm This old iron mine is placed on the mountain range of the Jayone, in the municipality of Fuente del Arco, in Badajoz province. Its recovering reveals a relevant beautiful habitat that show pasture landscapes. Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/World-Heritage-Cities-in-Extremadura-135.htm A journey that shows us the cities of Cáceres, Guadalupe and Mérida. They had been declared World Heritage by UNESCO. Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/A-Journey-through-the-Stone-Age-in-Extremadura-137.htm This journey shows us the megalithic constructions on the western Extremadura. Around Valencia de Alcántara there is one of the biggest megalithic ensembles in Europe, it is made up of 40 Neolithic Chalcolithic dolmens which are located in a small geographical area. Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Dolmen-of-Lacara-136.htm The dolmen was built during the Chalcolitic period. This great tomb is a referent in prehistoric constructions in Spain. Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Natural-Park-of-Cornalvo-125.htm Holm oaks and cork oaks surround the Roman dam of Cornalvo which was built over Albarregas river, and whose purpose was to supply Emerita Augusta (Mérida) with water. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Infernos-Gorge-Natural-Reserve-128.htm The Natural Reserve of Garganta de los Infiernos (infernos gorge) is located on Jerte Valley, at the northwest of Tormantos mountain range, the southeast of Gredos mountain range and Jerte River. Water surrounds the Jerte Valley and the waterfalls, streams and gorges compose the natural reserve. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Castanar-de-Ibor-Caves-126.htm The karst caves emphasize delicate speleothems made of aragonite and calcite. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-Hidden-Treasures-in-the-Valleys-of-Ambroz-and-Jerte-120.htm Rivers Ambroz and Jerte cross a specific ecosystem composed of a rich and varied flora. The cherry tree plantations show a magnificient spectacle during their flowering season. As well as a great historic and cultural heritage. These are the best features of these two beautiful areas. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-last-travel-of-Emperor-Carlos-V-122.htm What led the most powerful man on the face of the Earth to retire to the Monastery of Yuste? Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Fuentes-de-Leon-Caves-127.htm At the south of Badajoz province, the caves of Fuente de León are placed just in the border between Extremadura and Huelva province. On July 2001 it was declared Natural Monument of Extremadura. Inside we may contemplate imaginative speleothems: stalactites, stalagmites, bunches of aragonite and other rocky formations. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-Magical-Autumn-in-the-Valley-of-Ambroz-123.htm It's November, and the Valley of Ambroz celebrates the arrival of autumn with an extense program of cultural and playful activities. Thu, 22 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-Pero-Palo-feast-221.htm Villanueva de la Vera lives carnival time reproducing an ancient tradition. The people of this town judges a puppet that represents a bandit. Sun, 29 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/Carnival-in-Navalmoral-219.htm Navalmoral de la Mata conmemorates its main feast. The city is embellished and joyful to welcome its own inhabitants and visitors to live this cheerful feast. Sun, 22 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.visit-western-spain.com/cubic/ap/cubic.php/doc/The-Easter-Christian-representation-at-Oliva-de-la-Frontera-243.htm Every year during Eastern takes place a representation of Jesus life in this little town at the southwest of Extremadura. Streets become living sceneries where the most important episodes of Jesus last days are played. Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0100