Mission & PurposeCáceres

Cáceres for young people:what to see and do

A World Heritage city that is calm, affordable and full of culture. Here's what to see and do in Cáceres if you're young and coming to study or spend a season.

By the YWAM Cáceres team

Cáceres is a great city for young people who want culture, history and a calm pace of life without giving up time with friends. It has about 95,000 inhabitants, a university, theatres, cinemas and one of the best-preserved old towns in Europe, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. And unlike big capitals, you can get everywhere on foot and end up knowing people by name.

If you're coming to study, do a school or spend a season here, these are some ideas of what to see and do.

What to see in the old town of Cáceres

The old town is the city's great treasure: cobbled streets, palaces, towers and fortified houses of golden stone that have hardly changed since the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Some must-sees:

• Plaza Mayor: the city's main meeting point, always lively, at the foot of the walls.
• Arco de la Estrella: the main gate to the old town. Walk through it and the modern city is left behind.
• Bujaco Tower: an Almohad tower next to the Arco de la Estrella, overlooking the whole square.
• The walls: built on Roman remains and reinforced in the Almohad period, they surround the entire historic centre.
• Co-Cathedral of Santa María and Golfines Palace: Gothic architecture, stone coats of arms and centuries of history within a few steps.
• Plaza de San Jorge: at the foot of the church of San Francisco Javier, often a stage for concerts and festivals.

Don't miss the old Jewish quarter either, with its narrow lanes and whitewashed houses, or spots like the Cuesta de Aldana. The best plan is to wander without hurry, especially at sunset, when the stone turns golden, or at night, when the old town falls silent.

What is there to do in Cáceres as a young person?

Life in Cáceres is calm, but not boring. Evenings stretch out on the terraces, weekends mean walks, a drink with friends or a concert, and the university gives the city a young feel.

A few plans worth trying:

• Meet in the Plaza Mayor and climb up into the old town to watch the sunset among the towers.
• Go out for tapas with friends: here, tapas are part of social life.
• Catch theatre, music or exhibitions in squares, palaces and venues throughout the year.
• Hunt for filming locations: the old town has been a set for films and series, including Game of Thrones.
• Practise languages: at our English conversation club, which meets twice a month, you'll meet people from the city and from other countries.

Festivals you shouldn't miss

Cáceres is alive all year round. The WOMAD festival fills the old town with music from around the world and is one of the most special times to experience the city. Holy Week is one of the most impressive in the region, with processions winding through the stone streets of the old town.

Throughout the year there are also concerts, theatre seasons and exhibitions in squares and palaces. If you're into the arts, Cáceres is a deeply inspiring place, which is why the arts have a special place at our base.

What to eat in Cáceres

Extremaduran food is simple and full of flavour. A few things you have to try:

• Iberian ham, one of the region's great sources of pride.
• Torta del Casar, a creamy local cheese you spread on bread.
• Migas, a humble bread-based dish with lots of flavour.
• Paprika from La Vera, which gives colour and flavour to many dishes.

Day trips near Cáceres

One of the best things about living here is everything around you:

• Los Barruecos: a natural area near Malpartida de Cáceres, with huge granite boulders, ponds and storks nesting on the rocks. It's also home to the Vostell Museum.
• Monfragüe National Park: about 70 km away, famous for its birds, with viewpoints like the Salto del Gitano and a castle with spectacular views.
• Trujillo: half an hour away, another medieval gem with a grand main square.
• Mérida: an hour away, with its Roman theatre and many remains of ancient Emerita Augusta.

Lisbon, Seville and Salamanca are a few hours away, perfect for a weekend trip.

Is Cáceres a good place to spend a season?

For many young people, yes. Living in Cáceres costs much less than Madrid or Barcelona, and it's a safe, walkable city with hot summers and mild winters. It's about 300 km from both Madrid and Lisbon, and most international students fly into Madrid and continue by train or bus.

To find out more about the city, visit our Why Cáceres page. And if you like the idea of spending a few months here growing in your faith, take a look at the DTS in Cáceres.