As Extremoduro would say, for some, life is galloping along a paved road of hours, minutes and seconds. However, we offer you the solution so that this is not the case, today we will talk about the scenic roads that exist in the north of Cáceres, where your trip is not a point of origin and destination, it is an experience where time stops and the important thing is to travel slowly to discover what the wonderful environment wants to teach you.
Nature, tranquility and, in short, landscapes that seem straight out of a story. From Casa Rural Villabellosa, you have at your fingertips some of the most picturesque and magical routes in the region, perfect for traveling by car, motorcycle or even bicycle. Ready to discover them? We tell you everything!
From La Vera, through Jerte, to Cáparra: 60.7 km
Localities: Garganta la Olla, Piornal, Cabrero, Casas de Castañar, El Torno, Cabezabellosa and Villar de Plasencia.
Itinerary: Start/end at the junction of CC-17.3 with the EX-203 and start/end at the junction of CC-11.1 with the A-66.
La Olla Gorge
In this town you can find authentic medieval streets, which preserve their traditional architecture, with half-timbered houses and typical balconies. In addition, you can dive into its magnificent natural gorges and pools, ideal for cooling off in summer. Finally, don’t forget to visit the Church of San Lorenzo Mártir, a historic temple with a magnificent altarpiece and the House of the Dolls, which is said to have been a brothel in the time of Charles V.
Piornal
The highest town in Extremadura: At 1,200 meters above sea level, it offers impressive views of the Jerte Valley. It is also commonly known for the Jarramplas festival: If you visit in January, you can enjoy this traditional festival in which a masked character is stoned with turnips. Another highlight of the area is the Cascada del Caozo, one of the most beautiful corners of the region. If you travel in autumn, let yourself be carried away by the colors offered by chestnut trees, this explosion of colors being a visual marvel.
Cabrero
TheViewpoints of the Jerte Valley stand out, their views of the valley are spectacular, especially in spring during the cherry blossoms. If what you want is to disconnect, this rural environment is perfect, since it is a quiet and serene town, perfect to get away and enjoy nature.
Houses of the Castañar
Landscape ofchestnut and cherry trees make Casas del Castañar the ideal place for walks and contact with nature. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a space for reflection, the Ermita del Cristo del Humilladero is a small but charming place. Finally, there you can find the Cherry Interpretation Center where you will learn about the tradition of cherry cultivation in the area.
The Lathe
Inevitably we have to mention theMirador de la Memoria: An enclave with beautiful views of the entire Jerte Valley, which has a sculptural group by the artist Francisco Cerdenilla Carrasco. Another of the enclaves of the Sierra de El Torno are the huts. You can find more than a hundred of these old pastoral buildings. If, on the other hand, you want to explore the “urban-rural” character, you can walk through its streets to see the typical stone and wood houses of the area.
Beautyhead
The first thing that comes to mind when talking about this beautiful town is the Pico Pitolero. With its altitude, 1,352 meters, you can see panoramic views of the Jerte, Ambroz and Alagón valleys, as well as the Granadilla Lands, the Sierra de Gata and the Las Hurdes mountains. On clear days, it is possible to even see the city of Cáceres and the Peña de Francia.
This enclave has gained relevance in recent years due to the inauguration of a take-off runway for free flight in March 2023, which has positioned Pico Pitolero as one of the best areas for paragliding and other types of flight in Spain. The runway has three takeoff orientations, allowing flights in various wind conditions.
For lovers of hiking and nature, the ascent to Pico Pitolero offers routes that cross landscapes of great beauty, including oak and chestnut forests, as well as various fountains and streams. The summit is equipped with telecommunications antennas and a geodetic point that marks its maximum altitude.
As if this were not enough, Cabezabellosa has a fabulous viewpoint, not suitable for everyone! Officially known as Mirador de la Ermita del Castillo, it is located on Cerro del Búho, about 500 meters from the center of the town. Opened in 2022, this viewpoint offers impressive panoramic views of the regions of Trasierra-Tierras de Granadilla, Valle del Ambroz, Las Hurdes, Sierra de Gata and Valle del Alagón. On clear days, it is possible to see the Sierra de Francia in Salamanca and even Portugal. The structure of the viewpoint, composed of steel, wood and glass walkways, is harmoniously integrated into the natural environment, allowing visitors to enjoy different perspectives of the landscape. Furthermore, nearby is the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora del Castillo, which houses a spectacular 18th century altarpiece.
Villar de Plasencia
Set in the foothills of the Trasierra mountains, this picturesque town offers a combination of historical heritage, natural beauty and cultural traditions that make it an attractive destination for visitors.
TheParish of the Assumption is a 16th century church with interesting Gothic and Renaissance elements. It stands out for its Mudejar coffered ceiling in the presbytery and its ashlar bell tower, which displays the coat of arms of Bishop Vargas Carvajal, sponsor of its construction in 1524.
The Villar mosaics. It consists of the union of small ceramic fragments, using the technique called “trencadís”, with a long tradition in Valencia. The result is made up of colors that create scenes that are authentic paintings. It is normally used to decorate exteriors.
The privileged location of Villar de Plasencia makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the north of Cáceres. Hiking lovers can enjoy routes such as the “Camino Vespasiano”, which connects the municipality with the ancient Roman city of Cáparra, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in history while traveling through landscapes of great beauty.
Finally, highlight the proximity to Plasencia From here you can make a quick getaway to this historic city.
From Jerte to Ambroz: 48 kms.
Localities: Hervás, Gargantilla, Segura de Toro and Casas del Monte.
Itinerary: Start/end at the junction of CC-102 (road to the port of Honduras) with the N-110 and start/end at the junction of CC-15.3 with the N-630.
Hervás
Known for its well-preserved Jewish quarter, one of the most prominent in Spain, where you can get lost in its narrow cobbled streets and admire the traditional architecture. Don’t miss the Fuente Chiquita Bridge and the Church of Santa María de Aguas Vivas. In addition, the Pérez Comendador-Leroux Museum offers an interesting art collection.
Choker
This small town stands out for its natural environment and traditional architecture. The El Perché neighborhood is the oldest and preserves houses with the typical architecture of the area. It is an ideal place to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the Ambroz Valley.
Segura de Toro
It stands out for its Celtic origin, evidenced by the stone boar located in the main square. The town retains its traditional architecture and offers stunning views of the valley. Near the town is the Castaños del Temblar area, a group of centuries-old chestnut trees of great beauty.
Casas del Monte
Located in the foothills of the Trasierra, this town is known for its natural pool, ideal for a refreshing swim in the warmer months. In addition, it is an access point to the Vía Verde de la Plata, an ideal route for hiking and cycling that follows the old railway route.
In short, along this route, you will enjoy lush oak and chestnut forests, especially spectacular in autumn. The route offers numerous opportunities to stop and enjoy viewpoints, recreational areas and charming small towns that dot the landscape.
