Merida, Spain
Merida is a city within the province of Badajoz in Extremadura and is one of our favourite cities. We first visited Merida some twenty years ago. On our re-visit in October 2026, little had changed other than restoration work on the Roman ruins had progressed immensely.
On arrival in Merida, we found the Municipal area for free parking for motorhomes. It is not the most attractive location, in fact it was filthy. It was however, free and just a ten minute walk into the historic part of the city.
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Explore
ROMAN THEATRE
15-16BC and a capacity for 6,000 spectators
ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE
A gladiator arena dating from 8BC for 15,000 spectators
TEMPLE OF DIANA
1st century granite temple
LOS MILAGROS AQUEDUCT
800 metres of 1st century Roman architecture
PUENTE ROMANO
Roman bridge nearly 800 metres long
ROMAN CIRCUS
A 400 metre long chariot racing ground that could accommodate 30,000 spectators
Merida is rich in Roman history and one of the most impressive structures in the aqueduct. It sits in the middle of the park and easy to get to on the way into the town centre. Whilst it has been repaired, it has not been restored so much of what you see is original. It once fed water from the reservoir to the Roman city.
Wander through the narrow streets, lined with shops, cafes and restaurants and head towards the museum. Here you will find the Roman theatre and circus. You have to pay to get in but they are both impressive and interesting.
Merida is a huge tourist hotspot with numerous coaches arriving all day, students visiting and every nationality coming to see the sights.
The tourist office will give you a free plan of the city and highlight all there is to see. You won't see it all in one day.
The night before exploring the city, we had the most amazing stop over alongside the Roman reservoir, Lake Prosperpina. It was a quiet, wooded area, just a few feet from the water and 15 minutes drive into the city.
We met several motorhomers of all nationalities and it was a friendly atmosphere.
The area was reasonably tidy other than general rubbish from day visitors.
There are no facilities here but you are assured of a good night's sleep.
