In the province of Cáceres we find the municipality of Cuacos de Yuste, a spectacular setting for an excellent holiday. There's a fascinating heritage to the town and beautiful natural landscapes to discover in this part of the La Vera region.
This destination is undoubtedly a perfect option for anyone interested in seeing living history and traditional culture on show, thanks to the wide range of tourist attractions and all the services on offer.
Before going into what this town has to offer, we're going to tell you a little about its history. The first inhabitants of the area lived in small settlements of which some remains have been excavated. But, without a doubt, the golden age of this town came with the arrival of Charles V, when it was granted the title of "villa".
What to see in Cuacos de Yuste and the surrounding area?
One of the most interesting places in the town is the Monastery of Yuste, which is located in a spectacular setting surrounded by nature. The monastery was built in the 15th century by some hermits from the region of La Vera who later joined the Order of St. Jerome.
Later, in 1556, Emperor Charles V decided to retire to this impressive place after abdicating the crown and passing power to his son. For his retirement, he had the monastery's rooms enlarged and lived there for just over a year. When he died, he was originally buried under the High Altar of the church, before his remains were taken to the Monastery of El Escorial by order of his son. Undoubtedly, this monastery is one of the most emblematic sites in the town.
Other sites worth visiting include the House of Juan de Austria, where the Emperor's son lived. On its premises there is a traditional pepper drying room. You can also visit the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and the chapels of Santa Ana and La Soledad.
The German cemetery is located in the immediate vicinity of the monastery and is the resting place of the remains of the fighters of the First and Second World Wars.
The best time to visit this town is during the various festivals. The calendar of festivities includes Carnival, San Juan, the Virgen de Agosto, which is one of the liveliest, and the Cristo del Amparo, which takes place on 14 September and is the oldest in the town.
How to get to Cuacos de Yuste?
The easiest way to get there is by car, following the road and signposts. You can also get there by train and there are buses that drop you off in the centre of town.
Once you arrive, you'll find plenty of houses and apartments for holiday makers, as well as a hostel. Make the most of your trip to discover the region of La Vera, where there are plenty of holiday cottages. We recommend you visit areas such as Garganta la Olla.
