Villanueva de la Vera
A BIT OF HIKING
The locals say that one of the greatest pleasures offered He will see her is to admire through various walks its beautiful water gorges . For this, there are three routes suitable for walkers of any level: the first is the trebuchet , which starts at Jarandilla de la Vera until Guijo from Santa Barbara where you have to make a stop along the way to taste its exquisite village bread before starting the climb up the mountain. If you are lucky, you can see a mountain goat that comes down from the snow to the meadows. The tour ends in the pond of the stake , a spectacular cascade of crystal clear emerald green water where the bravest can take the first dip of the season.
Trabuquete Trail
The second route is known as the the mines , a path that begins in Losar de la Vera and that is characterized by being among oaks, thyme, the fragrant and showy jara, the lavender and a multitude of waterfalls.
And, finally, essential is also the excursion to the spectacular Monfragüe Natural Park , one of the largest bird watching points in Spain and almost in Europe. In fact, It is said that storks do not come from Paris... but from Vera.
Water gorges dot the landscapes of La Vera
FILL THE STOMACH
The gastronomy of La Vera It deserves to be enjoyed without haste and at a good table. It has certain deeply rooted dishes such as revolconas potatoes, La Vera salad, Extremadura migas or pumpkin black pudding -always homemade-. A success is to eat at the Ruta Imperial restaurant _(Machoteral, s/n. Jarandilla de La Vera) _ which offers stupendous views and, warning in advance, one of the the best kid stews in the area . Attention to its star dessert, the thin apple pie whose recipe is devised by chef Quique Dacosta, a close friend of the owner.
The Meson La Posada _(Calle Francisco Pizarro, 1 in Jarandilla de la Vera) _ is also a must to discover the most traditional dishes of Extremadura cuisine, at the hands of Conchi , its owner and in charge of the kitchen. And for those looking for a more international influence, there is La Cerradilla in Villanueva de La Vera _(Av. de la Vera, 145) _, which offers Asian food prepared in the Extremaduran way.
Its fine apple pie is reason enough to visit La Vera
SWEET DREAMS
He will see her It is dotted with a multitude of rural houses that offer a wonderful communion with the environment, but if we must highlight the perfect option that fuses relaxation, silence and views, it is, without a doubt, La Vaquería Canta El Gallo in Jaraíz de la Vera. It is a rural hotel whose charming owner, Soledad, manages to transmit her passion for the area to all her guests. It has a wide animal repertoire such as chickens, dogs and even friendly donkeys; three independent houses with their own mini “pools” and a central one in which Soledad organizes the best dinners in the area, based on products from her own organic garden and presented in exquisite tableware with a multitude of candles presiding over the table. She will love attending some of the courses she offers, such as jam making or flower arranging.
Three independent houses (very 'animal') with pool
MANDATORY VISITS
The region keeps within it some towns that are well worth a visit. One of them is Villanueva de la Vera , declared a historic-artistic site for its layout and architecture and today considered eco-hippy because of the large number of neighbors who practice a healthy lifestyle - yoga classes proliferate - and one hundred percent organic.
Also considered a historical-artistic complex, it is Pasaron de la Vera , perhaps the most romantic in the area where it is delightful to stroll through its old streets and take a few artistic photographs. Lastly, the little Pot Gorge It is famous for its location, being surrounded by mountains and full of gorges and natural pools. In its small Jewish quarter is the Rincon Llana street , one of the most photographed in the place. Not far from there - five minutes by car - appears the curious German military cemetery created in honor of the soldiers of World War I and II . Being in the middle of nature, it enjoys unbeatable views worthy of being immortalized.
Pot Gorge
FEEL LIKE CARLOS V
The story tells that the Emperor Charles V He spent the last two years of his life in the province of Cáceres, leaving an important mark on the area. Since Tornavacas to Yuste , the extreme stage of the Charles V Route It has great tourist interest and although it has the big day in February, spring is, without a doubt, the best time of year to visit it. Key visiting points are Palace of the Counts of Oropesa , in Jarandilla de la Vera, current National Parador in which the Emperor stayed and the Monastery and Palace House of Yuste , declared a European Heritage site and which was built in the 15th century as a shelter for hermits and later as the residence of the monks of San Jerónimo.
Jarandilla de la Vera Parador
WHERE YOU GO DO WHAT YOU SEE
They say that the ideal way to fully enjoy a place is to emulate the habits of the locals. Well, in La Vera the most widespread sport is fly fishing and it so happens that the best season to practice it is spring and the perfect point is Jaranda Gorge . What is fished or at least tried if you are a novice? the trout
Jaranda Gorge
another hobby is have a weekend picnic and one of the chosen areas is that of the Dehesa , a place between spectacular oaks, cork oaks, holm oaks and of course, the rockrose in flower . When it comes to gastronomy, to live the experience like a local, you have to try, at least, a glass of homemade Pitarra wine . That yes something strong, we warned! and taste c Fine filth such as pig's ear or tail which are served in most of the typical village taverns. And to return with an indelible memory, nothing like enjoying a sunset in Las Veguillas , a magical place at sunset from which to spot imposing storks or red kites.
The flowering of the Dehesa
THE SOUVENIRS YOU MUST TAKE
If you're looking for physical memories, the best souvenir is related to the stomach . The raw material is of such excellent quality that it will not cost you to devise an authentic gourmet "shopping basket" to take with you as a souvenir. In it must not be missing, of course, a good cheese, various sausages especially the chorizo something sweet like perrunillas or floretas , jam or homemade honey like the ones sold in small shops in ** Guijo de Santa Bárbara ** and a bottle of raspberry liqueur. Of course, it is inexcusable not to acquire paprika . If you have time, you can discover its processing by visiting the ** Las Hermanas ** factory, in Cuacos de Yuste. Yes, warning in advance.
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