Jarandilla de la Vera & the Monastery of Yuste

Just south of the Sierra de los Gredos mountains is an area known as La Vera. It is a beautiful rural area of charming villages scattered amongst the lush countryside. Jarandilla de la Vera is the best known of these villages and is a fine base from which to go walking.

The most popular trail is the 10km Ruta del Emperador which goes to the monastery of Yuste.

The village of Jarandilla itself has plenty of interest for the visitor to see in its ancient streets such as the house of Don Luis de Quijada. This part of Spain was a key point for Roman conquests throughout Europe and you can still see the remnants of that era in the Roman bridge and the Roman mausoleum near the village.

Take a stroll around the village and you'll come across a number of churches and convents. Also look out for the 12th century Senora de la Torre which is one of the village's key buildings. Just a few kilometres away is the area's most famous attraction, the Monastery of Yuste.

This building was originally founded in 1408 by a group of monks and the monastery grew in size due to various plots of land being given to it. Royal connections proved key to its development and it was destined to be the home of King Charles I.

However, an even bigger Royal connection, and the one that made the monastery famous worldwide, is that the reigning king at the time, Carlos V, used the monastery to rest during his final years before he died, having already passed the throne to his son, Felipe II. Such was the reverence for the king that a special palace was built within the walls for him. Walk around the monastery and you'll find other treasures such as the Gothic church there which has a special altar by the renowned architect Juan de Herrera.

There are plenty campsites in the area which are most popular during the summer months. However, if camping isn't your scene then you should consider staying at the Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera which is housed in a 15th century castle where Carlos V stayed during the construction of Yuste. It has a large swimming pool and excellent views across the valley.  For a cheaper option in a fine location check out La Posada de Pizarro. There is fine dining at the parador as well as at the Casa Tarra family restaurant.