From Calatayud to Mérida

Today our journey continued from Calatayud to Mérida, covering about 570 km through Madrid.

The route from Calatayud to Mérida is quite exciting, and today we will pass through various regions and cities again.

We drove past Madrid. Madrid as a traffic hub. Madrid is the center of many important roads and rail connections in Spain.

The major highways (Autovías) radiate out from Madrid in all directions of the country. We drove south past the city and took one of the ring roads meant to alleviate traffic.

We drove through interesting suburbs and satellite towns. Madrid has several large suburbs, including Getafe, Alcorcón, Leganés, and Fuenlabrada. These cities have their own universities, shopping centers, and cultural institutions and feel like small towns within the large metropolis. The famous traffic challenges, Madrid is known for its dense traffic, and commuter flows from the entire metropolitan area often cause high traffic density on the roads. About 6.7 million people live in the metropolitan area of Madrid, meaning that approximately 14% of the Spanish population is concentrated in this region.

The M-30, M-40, and M-50 (ring roads) are often heavily trafficked, especially during rush hours. Fortunately, it is Sunday, and the rush hour is absent. It is already exciting and challenging enough to weave through the Sunday traffic.

We travel through regions with different characters, Aragon and La Mancha, which could not be more different.

From the green hills and plains of Aragon to the vast, dry areas of Castilla-La Mancha to the hilly forests of Extremadura, the landscape changes dramatically. Extremadura, while less known, is very rich in history and culture. It is home to many conquistadors and boasts impressive Roman ruins.

Mérida, our destination, was founded by the Romans as Emerita Augusta and is known for its well-preserved Roman structures, including a theater, an amphitheater, and an aqueduct.

The river Guadalquivir flows through Andalusia and Extremadura and was important for trade and transport during Roman times. Mérida is located near this river.

Upon arriving in Mérida, we check into our hotel. The location and hotel are top-notch.

We set off on a sightseeing tour of Mérida.

Mérida is one of the most fascinating cities in Spain, especially due to its rich ancient history. It is located in the region of Extremadura and was founded in 25 BC by Emperor Augustus as