A beautiful place to enjoy and relax: La Vera
Popular architecture mixes with Nature, water in many rivers across mountains and countryside, and singular and beautiful places. The region of La Vera attracts everyone who goes there.
Water is the main element in the region of La Vera.
The crystal-clear water falls from the Tormantos and Gredos mountain ranges, joins together with the Tiétar River’s course, and forms gorges and natural swimming pools.
We begin this journey in Jarandilla de la Vera.
Among all the historical buildings of this town, the summer Palace of the Counts of Oropesa stands out. Emperor Charles V lived here for several months until his austere palace in the Monastery of Yuste was finished. Nowadays this building is a hotel that belongs to the national network of Paradores.
In Jarandilla, as in many other towns of the area such as Garganta la Olla, Cuacos de Yuste or Aldeanueva de La Vera, a typical medieval Jewish architecture stands out. Houses are made of adobe, stone and wood. They maintain their original structure and have been adapted to modern times.
Moreover, Jarandilla celebrates Los Escobazos, an ancient feast: on the night of December 7th, people burn brooms to welcome each other. This feast is based on an old pastoral tradition.
Paprika is one of the best-known products La Vera provides. Peppers are dried and afterwards ground into powder, thus obtaining the so-called ‘red gold’. The Regional Government of Extremadura has created a Guarantee of Origin to maintain and improve its quality. It is so exquisite that we will take a tin or two home.
From Jarandilla we head towards Villanueva de la Vera. This town has been declared a historical-artistic ensemble. The essence of the Gredos mountain range is present in the surrounding areas and in Villanueva de la Vera itself.
The Gualtamino gorge and the Devil waterfalls are some of the most outstanding natural places. Besides, Villanueva celebrates the Peropalo Feast, a traditional way to enjoy carnival.
On the road we reach Valverde de la Vera. Throughout its streets, water from the mountain range runs through small channels to orchards. It is worth going for a walk and enjoying the scenery, where empalaos carry a large wooden beam every Maundy Thursday. It is truly amazing to see how these men carry the beam to keep their promises.
We are close to Losar de la Vera, where the views are precious. From this point we have the chance to enjoy the greenest corners of Extremadura. Near Losar de la Vera you may enjoy the natural gorge of Cuartos.
Hot summer, but don’t worry…
A few kilometers away, in Cuacos de Yuste, is the Monastery of Yuste. Emperor Charles V chose this place to spend his last days due to the quiet surroundings and the microclimate of the area. For this reason he ordered an austere annexed building to be built, directly connected to the church in case he was not able to walk.
Monastery of Yuste
Nearby towns were influenced by the fact that Emperor Charles V lived there. Garganta la Olla, for instance, is a popular town of the area which provides trout and good wines; moreover, it is bathed by excellent gorges. This was an important town during that age, and proof of this are the buildings built while the German court was there.
Jaraíz de la Vera is the most populated town in La Vera. Delicious gastronomy and excellent crafts stand out. It has been declared a historic ensemble where the main square, full of stately homes, stands out, as does Santa María’s church, built in the 14th Century, the oldest building in town.
Our last stop before reaching Plasencia is in Tejada de Tiétar. This town is well known for desserts, paprika, olive oil and cured Iberian ham. All these products have official quality certifications.
La Vera’s landscapes invite you to discover them. The small towns are full of interesting places, as are the surrounding natural areas, where mountains and hills fill a unique, unforgettable outlook.