For lovers of Spanish cuisine, La Feria del Queso is one of the best food festivals and cheese competitions in the world. It takes place in the small town of Trujillo, which draws up to 100,000 people every May. Spain is the fourth-largest consumer of cheese and many of the festival’s offerings can’t be found outside the region of Extremadura, so arrive with an empty stomach.
Cheese samples will run about half a euro, and a wine tasting will be about €1. Nowhere else will you find this amount of quality and selection, ranging from the national favorite, Manchego, to the local specialty, Ibores, to the renowned delicacy, Torta del Casar, which uses the milk of 20 sheep for just 2.2 pounds of cheese. Past festivals showcased more than 300 varieties a year, most from Spain, but with plenty of representation from Europe and the rest of the world.
Extremadura is not just a cheese capital, the region is known for its dehesa forests, vital for the sustenance of its most famous export, Iberico ham, sometimes credited as being the finest ham in the world. The black Iberian pigs raised for curing acquire their taste from the forest’s acorns before getting served with tapas, bread and wine. Trujillo might be the best place to sample the ham, right in the middle of its production center. The region is also known for making paprika, Spain’s second-most famous spice export after saffron.
Once you’ve eaten your fill, be sure to enjoy Trujillo’s history and architecture. The town’s rustic appeal is bolstered with stone churches and 16th-century palaces, many now owned by Spain’s elite. The outlying Extremadura region is wonderful for outdoorsman and wildlife enthusiasts, but if you’re looking for a daytrip out of Trujillo, head to the towns of Guadalupe, Caceres and Merida.
Read This Next
The Best Food Cities in Spain
Destination
Jan 28, 2016#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Car Enthusiasts Head to California for La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
Head to La Jolla, California, this April for the 18th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. The automotive and lifestyle festival offers car fanatics a variety of free and paid events. This year’s theme showcases the roaring 20s and glamorous 1930s. The event takes place April 19–21.
Sponsored Content
Discover Nashville Neighborhoods
Whether you are interested in music, art, history, food, sports or fashion, Music City has something for everyone to sing about. Nashville is accessible, friendly and authentic, with diverse neighborhoods, a storied musical heritage and a creative culture that energizes the city.
Surveys
Mar 26, 2024Study Discovers Destinations Where Hotels are Cheaper Than Home Rentals
For the longest time, travelers touted home rentals as an affordable alternative to hotels. However, is that really the case? Do you really get more for your money when you book an Airbnb versus a hotel room?
Slideshow
Mar 26, 20245 Must-See Sites in Tallinn, Estonia
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are five must-see sites in Tallinn, Estonia.
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024A Trendy Lifestyle Hotel Opens in Downtown Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee, is now home to a new trendy hotel, located half a block from Broadway and steps from shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Tempo by Hilton Nashville marks the second property to open nationally from Hilton’s stylish new brand. The hotel, which officially opened its doors Feb. 15, features 306 rooms across 16 floors.
ShareThis