Surroundings Cáceres
Located just south-west from Madrid lies the splendid province of Extremadura, imbued with remarkable historical and natural landmarks. The northern fringe of the province is bounded by towering mountains while lush, rolling meadows stretch southwards. Come explore the beautifully preserved hamlet of Guadalupe, and the verdant valleys of La Vera and El Jerte where you’ll savour fresh, locally sourced products.
The first stop is located just a short, steep drive up to the 18th-century Santuario de la Virgen de la Montaña. The sanctuary houses a 17th-century statue of the patron saint of the city and is perched on a 600-m high ridge, affording incredible views of the Old Town of Cáceres and the surrounding landscape.
If you head to the northernmost edge of the region, you’ll run into the black slate mountains of Las Hurdes, believed to have once been the home of evil spirits and ferocious peoples. The striking, rugged natural beauty and unique cultural heritage which permeate this area is one of the most fascinating of Spain.
The medieval town of Plasencia lies on the road to Las Hurdes, right on the banks of the Jerte River. The age-old town harbours a complex of two impressive cathedrals: the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral and the 15th-century Gothic cathedral. Other main sights include the 12th-century city wall, the 15th-century Convento de Santo Domingo and the 16th-century Palacio de Mirabel. With this line up of monuments, it should come as no surprise that Plasencia is revered for its architectural heritage.
Plasencia is also the gateway to the stunning Valle del Jerte which is a delight for the sights each spring when cherry blossoms cover the valley with a plush blanket of white. Come enjoy the wonderous beauty of this enclave any time of the year: hike along vertiginous gorges, filled with water running from the majestic Sierra de Gredos; explore incredibly charming, cobblestoned villages where time seems to have come to a halt; and savour succulent, soul-warming local cuisine and wine.
Equally as breathtaking is the region of La Vera, nestled at the base of Sierra de Gredos. This verdant enclave boasts an incredible plethora of historic, cultural and natural wonders. The scenic regions of La Vera and El Jerte can be accessed from the village of Piornal, the highest village in Extremadura.
Visit the pastoral grounds and 13th-century monastery of Monasterio de Yuste where Carlos V, Holy Roman Emperor retired after he abdicated. You’ll quickly see why the Monarch decided on this placid location in the lush countryside to live out his retirement.
Continue your historical journey in the neighbouring town of Jarandilla de la Vera. This quaint medieval town looks like it fell off the pages of a fairy tale with its medieval city wall and palaces. One of these historic landmarks includes the Castillo de los Condes de Oropesa where Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor resided while Monasterio de Yuste was undergoing renovations.
These are just a few sights the region has to offer. There is also Jaraíz de la Vera, considered by many as the capital of paprika; the historic, medieval towns of Cuacos de Yuste and Garganta de la Olla; and Losar de la Vera, Madrigal and Aldeanueva de la Vera, and may other superb natural and historical landmarks.
Extremadura is steeped in century-old history. Archaeological evidence dates to prehistoric times, far before the Romans founded Mérida, situated about an hour drive from Cáceres in the province of Badajoz. The city was located at one end of the Vía de la Plata (the Silver Route), an ancient commercial route running from south to north.
Mérida, also known as Augusta Emerita, was founded in 25 BC and was the splendid capital of the ancient Roman province of Hispania. The city became one of the most important hubs of the Roman Empire. Its prestige and wealth funded great architectural monuments which still stand today. These include the Amphitheatre; the Temple of Diana (partly built into a Renaissance palace); the Trojan Arch; and the Puente Romano over the Guadiana River. These are just some of the landmarks this vibrant, historical city has to offer.
Related plans
Where to eat in Cáceres: from cheap eats to haute cuisine
Cáceres offers a wide range of good restaurants and food bars where generous portions are the norm. There is something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Garganta de los Infiernos: the source of water in the Jerte
The impressive Reserva Natural de la Garganta de los Infiernos – or Hell’s Gorge Nature Reserve – is a 7000-hectare paradise of spectacular landscapes and natural pools.
Cherry blossom in the Jerte Valley
The Jerte Valley reaches the height of beauty in spring, as one and a half million cherry trees break into blossom and cover the valley in a blanket of flowers. This coincides with the local Cherry Blossom Festival.