Zafra

Zafra is a town of 17,000 people (2018) in Extremadura. Dominated by its 15th-century fortress (Alcazar) Zafra is a pleasant town where you can take a stroll or hang out in one of its parks eating tapas while watching the world go by. It has a medieval quarter, which surrounds the fortress and there are numerous winding streets and historical buildings to explore.

Understand
Zafra has always been an industrial and commercial city, serving surrounding areas mainly dedicated to agriculture. A commercial base are the fairs that have been celebrated for Saint John since 1395 and for Saint Michael since 1453.

See

 * The castle, which is famed for the white marble renaissance patio designed by Juan de Herrera, is the main reason people visit Zafra.
 * Plaza Grande and Plaza Chica are the two attractive arcaded plazas where people sit to watch the world drift by.
 * Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria Church
 * Convento de Santa Clara - tombs of the Figueroa family who were the original inhabitants of the castle.

Buy
There are plenty of your standard shops in Zafra.

Eat
East good authentic tapas sitting in one of the plazas, or at one of the many bars in Zafra’s winding streets. You can also get a good Chinese just off one of the squares.

Drink
This region is famed for its wines so will have no problem indulging in some of their specialties.

Look out for a rather lovely liquor made from acorns; special to Extremadura.

Go next
Los Santos de Maimona, Fuente del Maestre, Usagre, Villafranca de los Barros, La Lapa