Villanueva de la Vera – Water, Trails and Culture

Villanueva de la Vera was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1982. The historic streets are narrow, shaded and protected from the rain; typical water channels direct water to the orchards at lower elevations. Vernacular architecture includes timber framing on the upper floors, as well as natural-stone or ashlar masonry on the ground floor, which insulates the houses against ground moisture.

Culture and Townscape

Around the Plaza Mayor, also known as Plaza de Aniceto Marinas, the houses are approximately three storeys high and have wooden balconies. Their arcades once served as a marketplace. At Lancho de la Panderona, part of the rock was removed to build the surrounding houses; the site is considered particularly worth seeing.

The Iglesia de la Concepción is currently designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest. It was originally built to accommodate worshippers from four surrounding villages and has three naves of unequal size. On both sides of the transept, the altar fronts are made of 16th-century Talavera tiles.

The Ermita de San Antón also tells of routes from the past: it once provided shelter for travellers and pilgrims on their way to the Sierra de Gredos. After a fire destroyed its roof, the chapel was moved to a new location in 1760. Below the El Chorrillo fountain, there was once a small fountain that was used as a washing place.

Peropalo has held the status of a regionally significant tourism festival since 1965 and is regarded as a traditional celebration containing elements of rural carnival customs. At the Centro de interpretación del Peropalo, visitors are introduced to the Peropalo festival, partocha culture, local traditions, and the way of life and customs of Villanueva de la Vera.

Water and Landscape

The Garganta de Gualtaminos is a watercourse that flows into the Tiétar and belongs to the Tajo river basin. The Cascada del Diablo waterfall lies in this gorge, one kilometre from the edge of Villanueva de la Vera in the direction of Madrigal. It is one of Extremadura’s 20 water landscapes, descends 70 metres over a short distance, and a straightforward path leads to a viewpoint.

The El Librito pool on the Garganta de Gualtaminos changes considerably with the seasons. In winter, the watercourse overflows its banks, while in summer rock formations, paths, channels and pools become visible again. In Parque del Corchito, spring water is available for refilling bottles or freshening up.

The Ruta Riolobos passes cork oaks, oaks, pines, hackberries, strawberry trees, junipers and heather; the diverse birdlife uses these areas for shelter. The route to Puente de la Ombrigüela runs through a shaded riverside forest to the Piscina Natural de Villanueva de la Vera.

When comparing a holiday apartment in Villanueva de la Vera, you can compare travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective offer pages. This information provides an objective basis for planning your own trip; culture, water landscapes, trails and regional cuisine can be considered as different areas of focus.

Trails and Regional Cuisine

The Ruta de los Prados is a 3 km circular route with a low level of difficulty; it can be travelled on foot, horseback or by mountain bike. It passes through oak forests to a natural viewpoint overlooking Villanueva, the Tiétar Valley, the Rosarito Reservoir and the Montes de Toledo. Different trail lengths, means of transport and viewpoints offer various ways to explore the landscape.

Villanueva de la Vera is part of the protected production area of Pimentón de la Vera. The town offers homemade dishes whose characteristic ingredients include Pimentón and Verata goat cheese. Pimentón and Verata goat cheese are considered to be entirely artisan-produced.

Other Places

Other places: Valencia De Alcantara, Calzadilla, Alía, Botija, Losar De La Vera, Hinojal, Collado, Jaraíz De La Vera

To the higher-level travel overview: Cáceres.