It was the last stage of the Grand Tour to be designated a historic site, but his CV is certainly impressive.

From the 13th century onwards, it was the seat of the chief commandery of the Order of Alcántara, so get ready for a display of medieval grandeur: streets radiating out from the monumental Church of Santa María la Mayor de la Asunción, declared asset of cultural interest classified as a monument.

The most curious thing about them is their mansions, some with corner balconies, a true masterpiece of Renaissance granite engineering; simply marvellous! What’s more, without even realising it, you’ll be combining culture with nature, as The town centre itself is a Special Protection Area for birds (SPA), with its colonies of lesser kestrels watching over you from the rooftops. But if you want to see more birds, head over to the Brozas and Ejido Pond, an idyllic spot for spotting local birdlife: grey herons, sandpipers, cormorants and cranes in winter.

All in all, a place to stop off for those with time to spare, amongst stately homes, a castle, churches, birds and echoes of days gone by.