Plasencia

Founded by King Alfonso VIII of Castile in 1186 as a Reconquista frontier stronghold, Plasencia is a walkable town in northern Extremadura with a historic centre declared a cultural heritage site, a concentration of churches, and a café-lined core. The Jerte Valley opens at its doorstep, with vineyards and mountain scenery close by. Two festivals — Martes Mayor and Holy Week — both carry official tourist-interest status.

• Population40,141
• Nearest water0.4 km
• Nearest mountain3.6 km