Map
8 ideas, picked for these days
A weekend in Guadalupe and the Villuercas, three hours from Madrid
On 12 October Guadalupe celebrates the Hispanidad Festival, because its Virgin is patron saint of Extremadura and Queen of the Hispanidad, and the village receives pilgrims. If you want the festival, go that day; if you want calm, arrive on Saturday. Beds opposite the monastery are booked weeks ahead.
A birdwatching weekend in Monfragüe, three hours from Madrid
In October the deer of Monfragüe are in rut: at dawn and dusk you hear them roar from the viewpoints and tracks. The park organises free guided walks with booking in October, and the guided Sunday 4x4 goes out at the times of greatest activity.
A Weekend in Lisbon, Two and a Half Hours from Badajoz
12 October is a working day in Portugal, so Lisbon has the rhythm of a normal autumn weekend, with a good temperature for the Alfama slopes. Watch out if the long weekend includes a Monday: the Jerónimos and Belém close every Monday. Book the timed ticket.
Two Nights in Ericeira, an Hour from Lisbon: Surf, Mafra Palace and the Tapada
October is one of the good months to start surfing in Ericeira, with the water still warm and autumn waves on the school beaches. Mafra palace is closed on Tuesdays: if the holiday falls on a Tuesday, do Mafra on the Monday. Book the lesson on the school's website.
A Night in Óbidos from Lisbon: the Walls at Dusk, Dinner by the Wall-Walk and a Canoe on the Lagoon
September and October are Óbidos's months without summer's queues on the Rua Direita, and the canoe on the lagoon still goes out. As 12 October is not a holiday in Portugal, the village is quiet. A Nova Casa de Ramiro is closed on Sundays: dinner is the Saturday one.
Autumn in Hervás and the Ambroz Valley, three hours from Madrid
From early October to the last weekend of November, the villages of the Ambroz Valley celebrate the Otoño Mágico, with walks through the chestnut grove and markets every weekend. In mid-October the chestnut grove begins to turn yellow. Book the Vía Verde bike.
Cáceres and Trujillo: King's Landing and Casterly Rock
In autumn you walk happily up the slopes of Cáceres and Trujillo, which in summer scorch from mid-morning. From October to April Trujillo castle opens in the afternoon from 16:00 to 19:00, just in time for sunset. The Cáceres free tour does not run every day: confirm it.
Trujillo: HABLA winery and sunset at the castle
From October to May the guided sunset visit at Trujillo castle goes out in mid-afternoon, and you are back in Badajoz at a reasonable hour. The Bodegas HABLA tasting is at 12:30, with tapas: whoever tastes should not drive.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is 12 October a holiday in Portugal?
No. It is a working day there; Portugal's October holiday is the 5th, Republic Day.
When is the rut in Monfragüe?
In October, with the deer in rut. It is heard mostly at dawn and dusk.
What happens in Guadalupe on 12 October?
The Hispanidad Festival is celebrated, because the Virgen de Guadalupe is Queen of the Hispanidad and patron saint of Extremadura. There are more people than usual.
What can you do in a single day?
Cáceres and Trujillo, with the castle at sunset, or Trujillo with a wine tasting, less than two hours away.