Читать книгу The Sierras of Extremadura. 32 half and full-day walks in western Spain's hills онлайн

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Local cafés and bars open early; 6.00 am is not unusual. They serve coffee and breakfasts, which can be anything from churros (doughnut pastry sticks), to tostadas, with cheese and ham or the traditional olive oil and tomato paste.

Village shops close on Saturday at noon and do not reopen until Monday at 10am. They will stay closed on public holidays and puentes – days that bridge holidays and weekends.

The best tapas are often found in village bars

Language

Castilian Spanish is the language used in Extremadura, although you may well wonder if this is really the case when you’re in conversation with a local. The Extremeño dialect is difficult to follow and the ‘s’ at the end of many words disappears altogether. However, the people are friendly and patient and will wait happily while you try out your Spanish – although their answer may not be so slow. The words habla despacio (‘speak slowly’) are handy. Many people involved in tourism do speak some English, though.

Money

Spain’s currency is the Euro. Avoid high denomination notes when paying cash in village shops and bars. Credit and bank cards can be used in towns in major supermarket chains. Paradors and hospederías will accept card payment for accommodation but some casas rurales may want cash. ATMs are widespread but not in every small village, so plan ahead.