Free walking tours in Don Benito and what to see

Must-sees

Don Benito is the main town of the Vegas Altas del Guadiana, in the east of the province of Badajoz, a farming and market town surrounded by irrigated land. The centre revolves around the Plaza de España, with the town hall and the church of Santiago Apóstol, a 16th- and 17th-century church the size of a cathedral, with pinnacled buttresses and rib vaults inside. Close by are the church of San Sebastián, the town's oldest religious building, and the convent of the Discalced Carmelites.

To see how people lived in the area, visit the Ethnographic Museum, in the former house of the Counts of Campos de Orellana, with dozens of rooms devoted to 19th- and 20th-century trades and customs. The Classic Car Museum brings together old cars, tractors and lorries. The Casa de la Cultura, by the architect Rafael Moneo, and the Teatro Imperial complete a walk round the centre.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Don Benito. The most practical plan is to explore the centre on your own and ask at the tourist office about the museums and routes in the area. From here it is easy to visit Medellín, with the remains of the Roman city of Metellinum and its castle, or go walking in the Sierra de Ortiga.

How long to spend

Allow half a day for the centre, the church of Santiago and the two museums. Add Medellín, a few kilometres away, and you have a full day. With two days you can include Villanueva de la Serena, right next to Don Benito, and try the local food, with dishes such as ajo de calabaza and sweets like gañotes and pestiños.

Where to stay

The most convenient choice is to stay in the centre, near the Plaza de España, within walking distance of almost everything. Don Benito has city hotels and holiday flats, with plenty aimed at business travel. If you cannot find a room, Villanueva de la Serena is next door. For a quieter stay, Medellín has small places to stay in the shadow of its castle.