The name Extremadura
‘Extremadura’ doesn’t refer to an extreme climate. It comes from the Roman expression ‘extremo duero’, which means "on the far side of the (river) Duero," (at that time the Duero was the frontier of the Roman empire).
The climate
The climate of Extremadura is not as extreme as some people believe (and may often tell you). Extremadura has a land climate and some regions, like Valencia de Alcántara, enjoy a micro-climate. Although it can get very hot in July and August (35 – 40 C), it’s seldom humid and at night the temperature usually drops to a comfortable 20 C. November and March are the so called "rain months". In winter, the daytime temperature can reach 18 C and at night it can drop to below zero. Overall the climate is very pleasant; warm, sunny and dry, often accompanied by a cool breeze.
Demography and infrastructure
Extremadura has two provinces, Cáceres in the North and Badajoz in the South. The government is based in the city of Mérida. Extremadura encompasses more than 40.000 km2 and has a population of about 1.1 million. Around 35% of the population lives in the major cities of Cáceres, Plasencia, Badajoz, Mérida, Zafra and Trujillo.
Extremadura’s infrastructure is excellent. Many new roads and motorways have recently been completed. The opening of the motorway from Salamanca to Sevilla (Routa de la Plata) is planned for 2007.
Telephone and internet connections (ADSL) are available (almost) everywhere.
In the future the AVE (high speed train) from Madrid to Lisbon will connect with Extremadura thereby opening the region to visitors from Barcelona and cities in Northern Europe (TGV and Thalis connection).
International airports are located in Madrid and Sevilla as well as Lisbon (Portugal). The airport of Badajoz is the nearest national air link. Lisbon, a 2 ½ hour drive from Valencia de Alcántara, is the closest international airport.
Economy
Extremadura has no heavy industry or huge production sites (let’s keep it that way!). The small and medium sized local companies produce mostly agricultural and related products such as meat (Ibérico ham), olive oil, wine, cork, leather, spices, fruit and vegetables etc. Although Spain is member of the EU and receives its subsidy shares, most entrepeneurs are not yet used to the idea of a competitive open European Market or how to deal with such a market.
Nature
Extremadura has almost as many Roman and Moorish monuments as it has granite rocks. Various cities have been designated World Heritage sites by Unesco.
Flora and fauna remain unspoiled and intact. It is an ideal habitat for a variety of species - wolves, foxes, birds (lots of storks!), predators, snakes and other animals - that are threatened in much of Europe. They all thrive in the climate of Extremadura.
The Extremadura landscapes are an eclectic mixture of South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, according to those who have travelled those countries. Wide open spaces, rock formations, rolling hills, steep mountains, empty roads, crisp, clean air, clear skies, peace and tranquility... it’s all here in Extremadura, Spain.
If Ireland is God’s backyard,
then Extremadura is His frontyard
Tourism
No wonder economic growth is based on tourism, both national and international.
The promotion and support of initiatives (for instance B&Bs, hotel accommodations, outdoor activities etc.) are major objectives of the Extremadura Junta (government).
Links:
www.valenciadealcantara.net
www.guiaextremadura.com
www.viamichelin.com
www.hoteliberica.com
www.turismoextremadura.com
www.spainforum.com
www.turismoruraleljiniebro.com
earth.google.com
www.guidelines.nl
www.casaescobarjerez.com
www.nave-do-grou.com
www.leoneholzhaus.exto.nl
www.castelo-de-vide.com