Route through the north of Cáceres

We begin our route by entering the province of Cáceres on the N-110 from the province of Ávila. As soon as we enter, a sign welcomes us to the Jerte Valley and from a viewpoint we can contemplate the grandeur of the landscape. If we are lucky enough to travel during the cherry blossom season, the spectacle is even greater. After taking some photos we continue down the valley in the direction of Jerte.

• It is an ideal place to park the van near the viewpoint of the Jerte Valley and have breakfast with incredible views.

Passing the village of Jerte we will find the turn-off that takes us to the Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve. There we can leave the van and follow the Ruta de los Pilones, which will take us to some incredible circular pools carved by the force of the water. On the way back we can eat in the picnic area at the beginning of the route or in one of the restaurants in Jerte or Cabezuela del Valle.

• Don't forget your Tropicfeel. And in summer you should also bring your swimming costume and towel, as the Los Pilones area is one of the best bathing areas in Extremadura.

In the afternoon, if we still have enough energy left and depending on the season, we can do a multitude of adventure activities such as canyoning, rafting, 4x4 routes…

• Possibility of canyoning in the gorges of Papuos or El Hoyo. We can spend the night in the campsite or in the motorhome area in Jerte.

Between Jerte and Cabezuela del Valle there is a road that takes us to Hervás via the Puerto de Honduras. This is another great viewpoint over the Jerte valley to the south and the Ambroz valley to the north. The road is narrow and winding. We descend to Hervás through oak and chestnut forests.

• Don't forget to stop at the pass and admire the views over both valleys.

Hervás is the capital of the Ambroz valley. It is a beautiful town with an outstanding Jewish quarter, declared a historic-artistic site and one of the best preserved in Spain. It is a must to wander through the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, up and down the slopes, where you will find houses that still conserve their traditional architecture. At the highest point is the church of Santa María de las Aguas Vivas, from where there are spectacular views of Hervás and the surrounding area. If you are looking for a hiking route, you are sure to find one to suit you, from walking along the abandoned railway track, to reaching the Chorrera de Hervás, or even climbing up to the Honduras pass through the chestnut groves of Ambroz, which in autumn is quite a spectacle.

• It is a good opportunity to try the traditional cuisine of the area in some of its inns where grilled meat is their speciality.

Granadilla is a beautiful walled village that was evacuated in 1960 with the construction of the Gabriel y Galán reservoir. Although the waters never covered it, all the farmland was flooded and it is still classified as flood-prone land. The Castle Tower, the church of La Asunción and the perimeter wall stand out. After an important process of recovery and restoration, today it is possible to visit (check opening hours) and discover this small peninsula in the Gabriel y Galán reservoir.

• We can spend the night in the Granadilla car park.

After breakfast in the picnic area of Granadilla with views of the reservoir, we get into the van and head towards Plasencia, a must-see place in the north of Cáceres. Retracing our steps we head towards the motorway Ruta de la Plata, the A-66. Once we join it we head south.

• On our way to Plasencia we can take a detour to visit the Roman city of Cáparra, one of the most important in the 1st century. The remains include the Cáparra Arch, which reached a height of 13 metres and is unique in Spain due to its structure.

We will spend the whole day visiting Plasencia because there are many things to discover. It is essential to visit its two cathedrals, in Romanesque and Gothic styles. We must visit one of the most beautiful Jewish quarters in Spain. Don't forget to admire the double wall of Plasencia and its 16th century aqueduct. Take the opportunity to stroll around the Plaza Mayor square, try any of the typical Extremaduran dishes in one of its bars or restaurants, or do some shopping. Plasencia will not disappoint you. 

• We can spend the night at the city campsite or on the banks of the Plasencia reservoir.

La Vera is one of the best known regions in the north of Cáceres. It is an ideal place for lovers of road trips because of the beautiful landscapes and villages that we find on our journey and for those who love to take a dip in the fabulous natural pools that we find along the route. We leave Plasencia heading east. We take the EX-203 road towards Jaraiz de la Vera. It is our turn to enjoy the views of the dehesas of Extremadura from our vehicle. Once we reach Jaraíz de la Vera we continue along the EX-203 to our next destination, Cuacos de Yuste.

• In Jaraíz de la Vera, before entering the village, we can turn off on the CC-31.3, towards Pasarón de la Vera, and stop at the Mirador de Gredos. From here there are fabulous views of the Sierra de Gredos and the region of La Vera.

La Vera stands out for the popular architecture of its villages, and Cuacos de Yuste is a clear example of this. Strolling through its streets and discovering the hidden nooks and crannies is a pleasure for the senses. The houses are built of stone, adobe and half-timbering. The main square with its porticoed main square and the Cuatro Caños fountain in the centre stands out. The most important monument in Cuacos de Yuste is the Monastery of Yuste. This palace was the residence of Emperor Charles V during the last two years of his life. It is interesting to stop at the German cemetery on the way up to the monastery. This German cemetery is the result of gathering the bodies of German soldiers who died on Spanish soil during World War I and II.

• On your visit to Cuacos de Yuste take the opportunity to buy paprika from La Vera, the best in the world.

Visiting the villages of the region is well worthwhile, but a good swim in any of the river gorges that we will find in a hot summer is spectacular. We will find beautiful pools and natural swimming pools in every village we pass through. We can stop at the San Gregorio pool in Aldeanueva de La Vera, at the Serradilla bridge in Jarandilla de La Vera, at the Cuartos gorge in Losar de la Vera or at the natural pool in Villanueva de La Vera. Our road trip will end in Madrigal de La Vera next to the Roman bridge, where there is a unique natural swimming pool.

• Of course, don't forget your Tropicfeel and swimming costume to enjoy these jewels of nature. To spend the night, you can choose from the campsites in the region.