We will be driving from Seville to Lisbon and are planning one stop - our options are Italica, Merida and Badajoz. We are leaning towards Badajoz, but welcome any recommendations and information.
Thank you!
Are you picking up your car in ES and dropping it off in PT? If yes, expect to pay a very high drop-off fee.
We are considering a private transfer, which is also expensive.
Just wondering which would be the best stop along the way.
Thanks.
Italica is a day trip from Sevilla--looks like that would be only for someone especially passionate about Roman ruins. Merida contains some extraordinary ruins and I would recommend to anyone, but I have not been to Badajoz.
Sevilla-Merida-Lisbon is a bus route if you wanted to save the money...
Italica pairs well with Carmona if you have a car. I liked Italica, but it is very exposed to the sun. (I have been to Pompeii, but I wasn't expecting the equivalent. Italica is bigger than many of the Roman sites in Portugal. Note amphitheater across the modern street.)
I personally would not make such a long drive in Portugal. It's too much work!
Mérida is far more interesting than Badajoz! No comparison. Badajoz is... meh, really.
Thanks for all of the information.
We have changed our plans, and will be travelling by bus, which takes a different route.