The region of Extremadura isn’t a huge tourist destination, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. Places like Zafra, Badajoz, and Merida are all just a short drive from Seville, and they’re packed with historic attractions that you won’t need to fight through crowds to visit. Zafra, sometimes referred to as “Little Seville”, has a similar vibe to Seville, with whitewashed architecture and a charming atmosphere. There are numerous things to do in Zafra during a day trip, making it the perfect town to stop at if you’re travelling between Seville and Merida or Badajoz.
Zafra has a deep rooted history dating back to the Roman period. It expanded greatly under Moorish rule, which you can see through the town’s architecture and culture. During the Middle Ages, Zafra became the home of powerful noble families, and it always maintained its importance as a connection between Seville and the north of Spain, so its trading links run deep too. From Renaissance plazas to delicious food and beautiful whitewashed streets, there are a lot of things to do in Zafra to keep you busy for at least half a day.
When is the best time to visit Zafra?
Zafra is a quiet getaway during most times of the year, but the region of Extremadura can reach exceedingly high temperatures in the summertime, so it’s best to avoid travelling to Zafra then if you can. Instead, I’d recommend between April and June or September to October when the weather is still quite warm but it’s mild enough to walk around the town and not feel uncomfortable. In October, the Feria Internacional Ganadera takes place which is one of the oldest agricultural fairs in Spain.
If you do intend to visit any part of Extremadura in the summer, make sure you dress for the extreme heat and have plenty of sunscreen and water with you. The best time to see Zafra would be from sunrise to mid-morning when the sun hasn’t reached its peak yet. Or, you can see the town closer to sunset but it’s probably still very warm at that time.
Things to do in Zafra, Extremadura
Plaza Grande
One of the top things to do in Zafra is to walk around Plaza Grande. This plaza dates back to the 16th century and it was originally designed as a meeting place that also held events such as festivals and markets. The buildings that surround the plaza were once shops and inns that catered to the merchants and pilgrims passing through the town, and it’s still a very lively area today with plenty of restaurants and bars. There’s not a lot to see in the plaza itself, but it’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.
Plaza Chica
Plaza Chica may be smaller in size than Plaza Grande, but it’s actually much older. It served as the commercial centre of Zafra during the medieval period, and it was the town’s original market square. It also played a big role during the time of the Silver Route, which was a Roman road stretching between Seville to Gijon that was used for trade and later as a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. This is a much quieter plaza than Plaza Grande, but there are still some nice places to eat here.
Iglesia de la Candelaria
Iglesia de la Candelaria is an impressive church in Zafra that was commissioned in the 16th century, and took over 100 years to build. The church is free to go inside, with the most important feature being the main altarpiece that was created in the 17th century. You can also find pieces of art from Francisco de Zurbaran who’s known for being one of the greatest Baroque artists in Spain. If you want to go inside Iglesia de la Candelaria, make sure you check the opening times online beforehand as there are some times of the day it’s closed.
Palacio de los Duques de Feria
Visiting Palacio de los Duques de Feria should be high on your list of things to do in Zafra if you’re a history enthusiast. Although it’s now part of the Parador Hotel family, this palace has a history dating back to 1443. It served as both a defensive structure and a luxurious residence for the Dukes of Feria, who were among the most influential families in the region. The palace looks almost like a medieval castle, with its large square towers, but it also features a Renaissance inner courtyard that reflects the wealth of the dukes.
Even if you aren’t staying at the Parador, you can take a quick look inside and maybe grab something to eat or drink while you admire the interior of the palace.
Convento de Santa Clara
One of the best things to do in Zafra to learn more about its history is to visit the Convento de Santa Clara, which is also home to a museum. The convent was initially founded in 1428 and it was home to the Poor Clare nuns. Part of the convent is still active today as well. It was built on the site of a hermitage and over the years new features were added to it such as the Baroque church and the cloisters.
Convento de Santa Clara has a museum next to it too, which was opened in 2007. Inside, visitors can get up close to sacred art, manuscripts, and embroidery that helps to tell the history of Zafra and the convent.
Arco del Cubo de Zafra
For a glimpse into Zafra’s past, passing through Arco del Cubo de Zafra is a must. This is all that remains of the town’s 15th century defensive walls, and the name derives from the round shape of the tower. Although Zafra wasn’t the site of any huge battles, it held a strategic position between Badajoz and Seville which made it an important trade town. This meant it was often the target of local conflicts and banditry, so fortifying the town to some degree was important. Arco del Cubo de Zafra is one of the top things to see in Zafra, so make sure it’s on your list!
Puerta de Jerez
Puerta de Jerez is another highlight in Zafra that shouldn’t be missed. It’s located a short walk from Plaza Grande, and it served as the southern entrance to the town, heading towards Seville and ultimately Jerez de la Frontera. It was a crucial gate for guiding travellers along the Silver Route, and today it’s still used as a symbolic entrance to the old town of Zafra. As you pass through Puerta de Jerez from the road, you’ll be met with a beautiful whitewashed street with the tower of Iglesia de la Candelaria in the background.
Casa del Ajimez
In terms of unique things to do in Zafra, seeing Casa del Ajimez comes high on the list. This is one of the finest examples of Mudejar architecture in Zafra, and it’s well known for its twin-arched windows, which have Islamic roots. These windows are designed to allow ventilation and light while still maintaining privacy in the home. The house itself mostly likely belonged to a wealthy merchant in the 15th century, and sometimes the house is open to the public for tours, though that wasn’t the case when I visited.
Pilar del Duque
If you have time during your day trip, you may want to add Pilar del Duque to your list of things to do in Zafra. While it’s not the most exciting attraction, this public fountain dates back to the 16th century, so it does have some history behind it. Pilar del Duque was once the main water source for livestock and locals, and as the name suggests, it was commissioned by the Dukes of Feria. It features an elegant stone column with a coat of arms on it, which is a nod to its noble patronage.
Places to eat in Zafra
Meraki
Despite its small size, there are some great places to eat in Zafra. I’d recommend looking at the restaurants in Plaza Grande and Plaza Chica first, as they’re the most central. I had dinner at Meraki, located in Plaza Grande, which is a modern restaurant with a creative Mediterranean menu. You’ll find some classic Spanish dishes available as well as a few with a modern twist. The outdoor terrace is a nice spot to dine in the early evening or grab a drink while you people watch and take in the historic atmosphere of the plaza. The prices are reasonably priced considering the location too.
Pikend Pizza
If you’re looking for somewhere casual and affordable to eat, check out Pikend Pizza located next to Arco del Cubo de Zafra. This pizza restaurant is located inside a restored 18th century olive mill, and there are still features of the mill present inside the modern restaurant, which is interesting to look at. All of their pizzas are made fresh to order, and while it may not be the best pizza you’ve ever had, it’s a great option for something quick and tasty to eat in Zafra.
Where to stay in Zafra
Casa Ruy Lopez
Zafra has its fair share of nice accommodation options, but for me, nothing beats Casa Ruy Lopez. This boutique hotel is located near Arco del Cubo de Zafra with lots of free on-street parking available. There are only eight rooms inside this guesthouse, and all of them have been lovingly decorated with modern features. I chose the single room which was located on the first floor, with air conditioning, a TV, a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a charming continental breakfast available in the morning for no extra charge. There are also free water bottles and tea available in the hallway for guests to use at any time of the day.
Is Zafra worth visiting?
While looking up things to do in Zafra, you’ll notice that there aren’t too many attractions to choose from. That being said, if you’re planning a trip to Extremadura, it’s a town that’s definitely worth visiting for at least a few hours, as it’s rich in both history and culture. There are also several noteworthy restaurants here, including one in the Michelin Guide, so it’s a great town for foodies as well. Zafra is a good place to base yourself from if you plan to visit other places in Extremadura such as Badajoz or Merida, and you’ll find the accommodation options are cheaper overall than other nearby cities.
If you have any questions about things to do in Zafra, or you’re not sure how much time you should spend here, please get in touch. You can reach out via email or through the contact form on my website. Don’t forget to follow along with my travels on Instagram and TikTok too, where you’ll come across more helpful travel tips.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I would personally recommend.
Pin this blog post for later!
