The La Vera county and the nearby Ambroz Valley, in northern Cáceres, are the greenest, freshest face of Extremadura: crystal-clear water gorges for summer, one of Spain's most spectacular autumns, villages with timber-framed houses, and the home of La Vera paprika. A peaceful, delightful destination, not overcrowded, ideal for a motorhome. Here's the guide.
The gorges: natural pools
La Vera's great summer attraction: the gorges (the nearby Garganta de los Infiernos, the pools of Cuacos, Jaraíz, Losar), rivers of cold, crystal-clear water with natural pools to swim in, surrounded by nature. A relief during Extremadura's hot summers.
The golden autumn of the Ambroz
The neighbouring Ambroz Valley experiences its "Magic Autumn", one of the most beautiful colour displays in Spain: chestnut groves and forests turning gold and red in autumn, with Hervás (and its beautiful Jewish quarter) and Baños de Montemayor (thermal spa; see thermal spas) as a base. A must in October-November.
Villages and paprika
- Cuacos de Yuste and the Monastery of Yuste (where Charles V retired).
- Garganta la Olla, Valverde de la Vera, Villanueva: villages with traditional timber-framed architecture.
- La Vera paprika (PDO), the star of the local cuisine.
- Nearby Plasencia and the Jerte Valley (cherry blossoms; see the Jerte).
Practical tips
- Summer for the gorges; autumn for the Ambroz's colour (the best time).
- Small villages: use designated areas and respect local overnight rules.
- Combine La Vera, the Ambroz and the Jerte for a complete trip through northern Cáceres.
In summary
La Vera and the Ambroz Valley are Extremadura at its greenest: gorges for summer, a spectacular golden autumn and charming villages with paprika. The step to take today: if you're going in summer, enjoy the gorges and their pools; if you're going in autumn, don't miss the colour of the Ambroz Valley (Hervás), one of the finest in Spain; combine both valleys with the Jerte. Combine it with the routes through Extremadura.