Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera

I heartily recommend visiting the Valley of La Vera in the north of Cáceres and while there, staying at the Parador of Jarandilla de la Vera. You should remember that the area has more activity in summertime when the temperatures are more agreeable. Jarandilla serves as a good starting point and you can do day-trips to the Monastery of Yuste, Plasencia, the mountains, the spectacular Valley of Jerte, and, of course, buy some local paprika.

Jarandilla has been a key area for various civilizations since times immemorial. You can find various examples of the area’s historical, cultural, and archaeological legacy from the Celts, Romans, Visigoths, and Arabs.

The Parador of Jarandilla is like most other Paradors: majestic and elegant. It’s a 15th century castle-palace and we entered only to have a drink in the interior courtyard and we fell in love at first sight. You only need to see the photos to understand why. The only time I saw the inside was when I went to the bathroom, but I hope to come back and stay here one day.

Once again, in summertime, in beautiful Extremadura, we find a great destination in the 15th century Medieval Castle-Palace, where one finds a national parador (state-run luxury hotel), with a stupendous regional cuisine and really pleasant service. A castle with possible roots in the Templars and frequented by Carlos I of Spain and V of Germany. All this means that, when you are there, it feels like you are in another era. Highly recommended for a short disappearance ... not in intensity, just in time, which we so lack in this day and age.

Good hotel in the middle of the village with pleasant gardens. Having a drink in their patio next to a fountain with running water under the shade of the palm trees is a real pleasure. Friendly staff. Only flaw: not very accessible with many loose steps, staircases everywhere and no lift to most rooms.