The city has a collection of stunning Roman ruins (Image: Getty)
Most tourists head to , when travelling on holiday to .
Or they may choose to visit and explore some of the country’s most famous cities – such as , Madrid and Valencia to name but a few.
Due to their popularity and international fame, most of these places tend to suffer from – an issue that is becoming increasingly more controversial.
For those looking to escape the crowds and discover new places to visit, one Spanish region in particular stands out.
The Plaza de España is a great place to hang out (Image: Getty)
Extremadura is a western Spanish region bordering , and comprises the provinces of Cáceres and Badajoz.
It’s a remote area of mountains, forests, lakes and reserves, notably Monfragüe National Park and Cornalvo Natural Park, both sheltering diverse birdlife.
The region is also home to some of Spain’s, and Europe’s, most outstanding .
These can be found in the regional capital of Mérida, that was originally founded in the 1st century BC by the Romans.
Visitors can still see traces of the magnificent empire dotted across this UNESCO Heritage City.
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Among them is the Teatro Romano, a theatre that has remained in operation for over 2,000 years.
Originally built in 15 BC, the building’s outstanding features are its striking Corinthian columns and the central entryway featuring statues of gods.
Performances are held here every year, including concerts, plays and ballet.
The highlight is the Festival de Teatro Clássico, which pays homage to the ancient theatre traditions of and Rome.
Another outstanding architectural monument is Mérida’s Alcazaba – an Islamic fortress that was constructed around the 9th century by Abd ar-Rahman II.
Among its noteworthy features are the remains of a Roman cistern which used to store water from the Guadiana river.
Mérida is a foodie’s delight, awash with a new-wave of taperías offering dishes of locally grown produce.
Extremadura is home to Iberian pigs, fattening up on acorns, meaning some of the finest jamon is produced here.
However, visitors can also sample local Montanchez ham and patatera sausage, as well as other charcuterie delights and pork cuts flavoured with the local pimenton.