Trujillo, Spain is one of the most quaint places to explore in Spain!
Nestled in the rolling hills and valleys of Extremadura, Trujillo provides a stunning landscape complete with castle ruins, vibrant culture and delicious gastronomy.
Whether you are looking for engaging activities or just aimlessly wandering through its meandering streets – there’s something for everyone in this small Spanish city.
With so much to see and do here it can be hard to know where to start – that’s why I’ve put together a quick guide covering some of my favorite things to do in Trujillo, Spain!
Table of Contents
1. Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is essentially the main square in Trujillo, and it’s one of Spain’s most spectacular plazas, as Lonely Planet put it.
The square is “surrounded by baroque and Renaissance stone buildings,” with intricate, beautiful facades backed by a skyline of towers and turrets.
It’s simply a pretty place to walk around, and arguably one of the more romantic city areas in all of Spain. The main attraction is a bronze statue of the famous conquistador Francisco Pizarro.
We’ll have more on him below, but this is actually an interesting statue in that it wasn’t made for its current purpose. It was sculpted to resemble Hernan Cortes and given to Mexico.
But Mexico has a very negative general opinion toward Cortes (understandably so), so the statue was repurposed and now represents Pizarro.
If you want to stay near the Plaza Mayor and in a very special place, the Hotel Parador de Trujillo in the ancient convent Santa Clara.
It is considered one of the best Paradores in Spain.
2. Castle of Trujillo
Castillo de Trujillo is the most striking structure in town, built on a hill overlooking the main city. It’s difficult to say precisely how old it is, because it’s essentially a 13th century castle built on top of an Arab fortress that dated back to the 800s.
It was already one of the main things to see in Trujillo before gaining new renown in 2017.
A list of spectacular Game Of Thrones filming locations for people to visit noted that Trujillo Castle became the fictional Casterly Rock in season seven of the hit HBO drama.
Therefore it’s a great place to visit in case you are into movies set in Spain.
Naturally, there were a lot of effects used to make it look different, but that does still make it more exciting to see.
3. Santa Maria Church
The full name for this attraction is Iglesia de Santa Maria la Mayor, and like the city itself it represents a blend of history (and architecture). Supposedly a Visigoth temple (meaning pagan) at its origin, it was converted to a mosque during Muslim rule of the area, and later became a Christian church.
The construction and artistry of the church demonstrates all of these influences, making it a particularly interesting old building to explore – especially if you have an interest in history or architecture.
4. Pizarro House Museum
The Pizarro statue in town may be a fraud, but Pizarro himself, and the conquistadors his memory represents is a legend.
Spanish explorers of the new world are currently the subject of one of the most popular games on the internet: an animated slot set in Peru in 1541.
Additionally there are light rumors of a Leonardo DiCaprio film about the conquest of the Aztecs (by Cortes).
The Spanish conquistadors may have a negative reputation, but it’s a very important one in history, which makes this museum one of Trujillo’s most amazing attractions.
It’s a preserved and converted 15th century home believed to have belonged to the Pizarro family.
5. Gloss Gin Club
For a more modern attraction, the Gloss Gin Club is perhaps the coolest bar in town, and well worth a stop. It’s an indoor/outdoor wine and gin bar built into a stone building, and always a good time.
The design is minimalist in an attractive way, and there are supposedly over 50 varieties of gin on site, which makes the menu fun to experiment with.
6. Visit the Alcazaba
Trujillo is a town steeped in history, and the Alcazaba serves as a testament to its rich past.
This historic fortress is located at the highest point of the town, and its impressive architectural style dates back to the Muslim rule of Spain in the 9th century.
As you step inside, you’ll be transported back in time, with beautifully preserved courtyards and gardens that offer a glimpse into what life might have been like centuries ago.
But the real draw here is the observation tower. From its pinnacle, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the town below, and it’s no exaggeration to say that this view will take your breath away.
A visit to the Alcazaba pairs perfectly with other nearby attractions, such as the beautiful Plaza Mayor and the stunning Church of Santa Maria.
In all, it’s one of the best things to do in Trujillo, Spain
7. Explore the Convento de la Coria
If you’re looking for a truly unique cultural experience in Trujillo, the Convento de la Coria should be at the top of your list.
This fascinating attraction was once home to a community of Franciscan monks, and its stunning architecture and beautifully preserved interiors are a testament to the rich history of this region.
As you explore the convent, you’ll come across beautiful courtyards, intricate frescoes, and even the preserved cells where the monks once lived.
8. Taste the local cuisine
Trujillo, Spain is a foodie’s paradise, with its unique and flavorful local cuisine. The city’s signature dishes are renowned for their intense aromas and robust flavors.
From the succulent steaks at Alberca to the traditional Mediterranean fare of La Abadia Tapeando, there is something to tantalize every palate.
For a truly unforgettable experience, indulge in the savory flavors of Mesón La Troya’s famous paella or sample the exquisite tapas at El 7 de Sillerias.
To get an authentic taste of Trujillo, be sure to try some of the region’s classic dishes such as cecina (dried salted meat) and embutidos (sausages). It is one of the top snacks from Spain.
Or visit Restaurante Corral Del Rey for a unique take on traditional Spanish cuisine.
9. Attend the Chíviri Festival
Attending the Chíviri Festival in Trujillo, Spain is an experience that should not be missed.
This popular festival has been taking place since the beginning of the 19th century and is a celebration of Easter, also known as “La Pascua”.
During this time, the Plaza Mayor becomes a huge fair with local produce tasting accompanied by a good Extremadura wine and traditional songs being sung.
Attendees can expect to see locals dressed in regional costumes and dancing to the sound of traditional songs. Here you’ll see several things for what Spain is known for.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with people from all over the region coming together to celebrate their culture.
10. Take a day trip to Monfragüe National Park
Monfragüe National Park is a must-see for any visitor to the area.
Located just a short drive away, this unique Extremadura national park has become one of the best places in Spain for bird watching and hiking.
With its wild mountains and scrubland, it’s also one of the largest and best preserved stretches of Mediterranean mountain landscape in the world.
Visitors can explore its stunning scenery, look out for rare birds, and take in breathtaking views from its many viewpoints.
Insider tips include visiting Torrejon el Rubio to see birds of prey at close quarters, or checking out FIO held in Villarreal de San Carlos – not to mention taking advantage of all the great hiking trails on offer!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
