In the south of the Sierra de Gredos we find the beautiful municipality called Villanueva de la Vera, which is part of the province of Cáceres and one of the most beautiful towns in Extremadura.
The charm of its natural surroundings along either side of the River Tiétar and its beautiful town centre, where the typical architecture of La Vera is shown to perfection, make the town a perfect countryside getaway destination.
What to see in Villanueva de la Vera? There are many places of interest in the town centre, making up a walk through the history of the town from its origins to the present day.
The most ancient historical remains in the area were found in Cañada de Pajares. A Bronze Age hoard was uncovered with artefacts such as spearheads, bowls and pots, as well as bracelets and necklaces preserved in a good state.
From the pre-Roman period, remains at Cerro Castrejón show that there was an ancient settlement here. There is also a Dolmen very close to the centre of the town.
The town centre has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site, precisely because of the well-preserved architecture that you will see in its streets. They will lead you to one of the busiest spots: the Plaza de Aniceto Marinas, which is arcaded and is the location of today's Town Hall.
In terms of religious heritage, the parish church in honour of the Immaculate Conception and the hermitages of El Cristo and San Antón stand out.
If you are a nature lover you will be delighted to know that one of Spain's most impressive waterfalls, the famous Cascada del Diablo, is located in this municipality, in the Gualtamino Gorge.
The town has a population of more than 2,000 permanent inhabitants, although in the summer season the population increases significantly. Among the seasonal visitors are some famous faces, such as the former mayor of Madrid, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón.
The streets of Villanueva de la Vera are decorated during the annual festivities. The saint's day of the town's patron, Saint Ana, is in July, but the most popular festival is the Carnival, declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest.
If you want to enjoy yourself during the celebrations or at any other time, we recommend that you look for accommodation that suits your needs. In Villanueva de la Vera there are charming hotels, cabins and a hostel.
But the whole area is worth visiting, and you’ll find holiday cottages throughout La Vera which give you everything you need for an enjoyable stay. There’s a whole lot to see and do in the roughly 20 towns and villages in the area.
