Spain Off the Beaten Path: Jarandilla de la Vera

September 2, 2019
Jarandilla de la Vera is one of those off-the-beaten-path places in Spain that deserve a visit. Located in the western region of Extremadura, Jarandilla has a lot to offer. It houses one of the most beautiful hotels in Spain -a former castle turned Parador- it's close to the stunning Monasterio de Yuste where Emperor Carlos V retired to die, and near Valle del Jerte where you can see the amazing cherry blossom festival every spring.

On this post I'm going to tell you all about Jarandilla. Its role in the history of Spain, the Parador hotel, the best things to do in the area, what to buy and how to get there.
parador jarandilla vera extremadura caceres luxury hotel

JARANDILLA DE LA VERA: A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

Many different civilizations have settled in Jarandilla throughout history from the Celts to Roman and Arabs. All of them have left a legacy we can still enjoy today.

The most important monument in Jarandilla is the 15th century palace/castle of the Counts of Oropesa -now a Parador hotel- where King Carlos V of Spain stayed while the Monasterio de Yuste -the place where he was living after abdicating- was undergoing renovations.

Carlos V was the most powerful man of his time. He was king of Spain as Carlos I and king of Germany as Carlos V. His empire extended from Spain to Austria, the Netherlands and Spanish America. In 1555, he abdicated in favor of his son Philip II and retired to the Monasterio de Yuste where he died in 1558.

JARANDILLA DE LA VERA: WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

The best place to stay in Jarandilla de la Vera is the Parador, a four-star luxury hotel. There are few experiences as magnificent as staying at a real castle and feeling like 16th century royalty...but with modern day comforts.

The place is perfect to relax for a few days thanks to the quietness surrounding the area and the whole atmosphere of the hotel.
parador jarandilla vera extremadura caceres luxury hotel
parador jarandilla vera extremadura caceres luxury hotel
parador jarandilla vera extremadura caceres luxury hotel spain
parador jarandilla vera extremadura caceres luxury hotel spain
parador jarandilla vera extremadura caceres luxury hotel spain

Needless to say, the restaurant at Parador de Jarandilla is the best place to eat and try local delicacies. Both locals and guests are drawn to the magnificent cuisine. The patio is wonderful for summer dining and drinks. I will never forget the wow-effect when we arrived and the first thing we saw was the patio at blue hour with strings of light bulbs from one side to the other. It's probably the most romantic dinner setting I've ever seen.
parador jarandilla vera extremadura caceres luxury hotel spain restaurant food

I also recommend trying the lovely swimming pool surrounded by trees in summer.

Read more about castles in Spain you can stay in

JARANDILLA DE LA VERA: THINGS TO DO

  • Explore the town of Jarandilla. You will find several medieval bridges, the house of Don Luis de Quijada and religious heritage.
  • Visit the Monasterio de Yuste. It's just a few kilometers away in Cuacos de Yuste. King Charlos V chose this place to spend his last days because of the quiet surroundings. The place is simply breathtaking, no wonder the king chose it as a place to live. I recommend getting there early to have the place to yourself -it starts to get crowded around 12- and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere that characterizes monasteries. Tickets are 10€.
  • Visit a German cemetery. At a short walking distance from the Monastery you can find this WWI and II cemetery. Spain did not participate on either war, casualties were from the navy or the airforce and were washed ashore on the Spanish coast.
  • Take a swim at crystal clear natural pools. Jarandilla de la Vera is located in the region of Extremadura where there are no beaches. However, there are a few natural pools to beat the heat during the summer months.
monasterio yuste carlos V cuacos caceres extremadura
monasterio yuste carlos V cuacos caceres extremadura
monasterio yuste carlos V cuacos caceres extremadura

IF YOU HAVE TIME...
A little bit further you can find the following gems:
  • Nature lovers can hike the beautiful trails at Monfragüe National Park (90 km)
  • See the cherry trees blossom in spring at Valle del Jerte. This magnificent event happens every spring. Valle del Jerte is the best place in Spain to see the cherry blossom trees. (40 km)
  • Discover the city of Plasencia with its cathedral, palaces, walls, gates and bridges. There's another beautiful Parador in Plasencia. (50 km)
  • Visit Parador de Guadalupe (100 km). The hotel enjoys an incredible location on the site of the Royal Monastery of Guadalupe, which has been declared a World Heritage Site. 
Read more about these Paradores

JARANDILLA DE LA VERA: WHAT TO BUY

La Vera region is famous for its sweet paprika. Peppers are dried and afterwards are ground into powder. Be sure to buy some on your trip to give your meals a hint of Spanish flavor when your get back home.

Read more about what to buy in Spain
anthropologie sybil floral midi skirt
monasterio yuste carlos V cuacos caceres extremadura
monasterio yuste carlos V cuacos caceres extremadura

JARANDILLA DE LA VERA: HOW TO GET THERE

Jarandilla de la Vera is 220 km west of Madrid which takes about 2h 20' by car. See Google Maps. It's perfect for a weekend getaway when you need some rest and relax.

GET THE LOOK
You can find my Anthropologie skirt 40% off here.

Liked this post? Pin and share it!
spain caceres jarandilla de la vera extremadura parador luxury hotel

37 comments

  1. So beautiful there, those vines are nice. Love our bag!

    Marie
    The Flower Duet

    ReplyDelete
  2. Beautiful!! Never have heard of it so it was nice to see it through your eyes!
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. So beautiful - what a gorgeous place to visit.


    Thanks for linking up at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2019/09/a-strange-sight.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful photos. We traveled to Spain 2 years ago on a guided tour and really enjoyed it but it is clear there is much more to be seen! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Spain is so enchanting. It seems every corner is incredible. I hope someday I get to see the country.


    https://calrat.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. This looks like a lovely place to visit. Your photos are amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comSeptember 3, 2019 at 7:03 AM

    Wow - fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great collection of HQ photos.
    I like this in your blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Absolutely stunning! I love hydrangeas so much and they were all blooming so beautifully! xo, Biana-BlovedBoston

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love places with natural pools and so much beauty!
    Spain is gorgeous!

    www.fashionradi.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I appreciate places like these that are off the beaten path and offer so many treasures. I would be in heaven exploring a place influenced by so many cultures! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos and opening my eyes to this spectacular location.

    https://passportcouture.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. A beautiful garden! I really like the rock wall, it must have taken a lot of time.

    I'm happy to see your link on 'My Corner of the World' this week! Thanks for linking up!




    My Corner of the World

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a lovely place to visit! Love the photos.

    https://ofmiceandramen.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-tomb-of-unknown-soldier.html

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow, this place is beautiful. The gardens are amazing.
    x, Julie | ThisMainLineLife.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a beautiful trip! Love the colorful skirt you got there dear.
    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. So very stunning! I love how you encorporate the history of your trips on your blog posts, I love to learn more about an area. Gorgeous pictures, I love the flowers and the outdoor area. Your floral skirt is lovely on you!
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. It looks absolutely beautiful and yum that food! :)

    Your floral skirt in the last few photos is especially pretty on you too! :)

    Hope that you had a great weekend :) Thank you so much for joining the #weekdayWearLinkUp :) I just posted this week's linkup, I'd love you to join again! :)

    Away From Blue

    ReplyDelete
  18. These photos are absolutely stunning. Thanks for sharing

    michellespaige.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. That sounds nice, Cathy. What places did you visit?

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks. I really hope you get to come as well :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. We visited Avila, Madrid, Mont Surat, and Barcelona. It was most enjoyable!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love them as well! Hydrangeas are gorgeous

    ReplyDelete
  23. So glad you enjoyed the post. Stay tuned for more off-the-beaten-path places in Spain!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks, Jess! Glad you like the skirt

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks, Jess! That feedback means a lot to me :)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking out the time to leave a comment!