THE JERTE VALLEY AND ITS 5 WONDERS
The wealth of natural landscapes that Spain offers is inexhaustible, as is our desire to discover more and more. We can travel the peninsula from north to south thousands of times, and we will always be speechless. From the green Spain of the north, full of cliffs and lush forests, passing through the mountains of the interior, flying to the dunes and volcanoes of the islands to the desert landscapes of the south. Today we want to travel in the northwest of Extremadura to enter the Eden of Extremadura: the Valle del Jerte. Do you know his 5 wonders?
The Jerte Valley is one of the most amazing places we have in our country. Located a few kilometers from Plasencia, it has different attractions that make it a unique and special environment: its microclimate, its towns full of tradition, its perfect spaces for hiking trails... It is hard to stay with just 5 wonders, but let's go. remind you of the 5 places in Valle del Jerte that you must visit . Are you ready?
1. VIEWPOINT OF THE PORT OF TORNAVACAS
Nature in its purest state. In the Mirador del Puerto de Tornavacas you will enjoy the best views of the Jerte Valley. From the heights, you will be able to see the Torreón Massif, the highest point in all of Extremadura, as well as the entire valley, the Traslasierra mountain range and the Torreón massif. It is located at an altitude of 1,274 meters, right between the Duero River and the Tagus, between the Sierra de Gredos and the Sierra de Béjar y Candelario. It is a mandatory stop on your trip to Extremadura. It is accessible by car and there is a convenient car park, as well as rest areas to eat and relax. However, if you are brave, we encourage you to go up by bike or on a hiking trail. Important! It is an accessible area for people with reduced mobility, very comfortable.
2. THE JERTE RIVER: PROTAGONIST
What else? In the surroundings of the town of Tornavacas, the Río Jerte (from the Arabic “xerete”: “crystalline river”) is born. Its flow of 70 km of water runs through the most beautiful landscapes, which makes it ideal for a canoeing route or spend an afternoon fishing. Only the bravest dare to practice canyoning here. Its natural pools, in which taking a dip is a luxury, are a paradise to relax, far from any noise or distraction. In winter, in times of heavy rain, there are very fast and strong floods. It is an enviable place that also stands out for its fauna and flora, being an environmental protection area of the Natura 2000 Network under the LIC seal (Site of Community Interest). Do you like hiking? If the answer is yes, you cannot miss the circular route that begins in Solana de Ávila and passes through the source of the river.
3. NATURAL RESERVE OF THE THROAT OF HELL
Our third stop is one of the most emblematic places in the entire valley. We warn you: if you are one of those who likes to take photos wherever you go, bring your camera. The Nature Reserve of the Garganta de los Infiernos belongs to the Network of Protected Natural Areas of Extremadura. It is made up of an area of stone pools, the result of water erosion that look like bathtubs, ideal for cooling off on summer days: Los Pilones. It is perfect to visit at any time of the year, although it is true that in spring the reserve has a special charm: the cherry trees are in bloom and all the fauna comes out of their winter hiding places. If you go in summer, take a swimsuit and a towel, mandatory. The enclave is idyllic, taken from a story. Its waterfalls, streams and streams that flow into the Jerte River will make you believe that you are in the middle of a dream. In addition to Los Pilones, sign up for this place: the Chorrero de la Virgen. A spectacular waterfall that can be seen from your own vantage point. Without a doubt, the Garganta de los Infiernos is one of the most beautiful areas in the world.
4. TRASLASIERRA HUTS
Between the areas of El Torno and Rebollar we find the Chozas de Traslasierra, primitive constructions made of stone with a circular design. Its structure is conical and its use was focused on the protection of cattle by shepherds. These farmer's huts were built centuries ago and constitute a cultural legacy that reflects the historical tradition of the landscape. They measure approximately 1.50 meters in height and 3-4 meters in diameter, in which cattle were previously kept, and now used to store kitchen utensils. At the top they have a kind of dome known as a "crown" and its door is usually made of wood.
5. ASPERILLA OR CASAS DEL CASTAÑAR
Our last recommendation, but by no means least, is Asperilla, an unpopulated area located next to the Jerte river. We say depopulated because it was a small municipality in which a few families lived, but in the 19th century it burned twice at the hands of the French during the Spanish War of Independence. Currently the only thing that remains of that municipality are ruins. In fact, today it already belongs to what is known as Casas del Castañar, a beautiful town in the Jerte Valley, characteristic for its landscape decorated with cherry trees. We recommend you visit the remains of what was the Church of Asperilla and enter an inn that is still working. Why chestnut? Its name is due to the exploitation of chestnut wood by the first inhabitants of the municipality. Many of the inhabitants of Asperilla saw Castañar as the ideal place to settle, and began to build houses for temporary use, which over the years would become an urban complex of great beauty.
THE PERFECT ACCESSORY TO WALK THE JERTE VALLEY
We have told you about the places that cannot be missing in your Extremaduran guide, but we want to remind you of the things that cannot be missing in your backpack either. Of course, the first and most important thing: sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes and several spare swimsuits. If you are going on a hiking or running route, we are going to show you what will be your companion on the road: the Born to Run. Thanks to its design you will keep your head cool at all times and you will sweat less, which translates into a much more pleasant walk. Have you been wanting to go up to the Tornavacas viewpoint by bike? Don't worry, we have the perfect cap for you: the Born to Ride. Choose the one you like the most, it will be hard for you to choose. In addition to caps, we bring another surprise for you. We want you to enjoy the valley as much as possible and that nothing bothers you. In such a natural environment and where the sun shines so hard, it will be uncomfortable for you to walk with so much light. Protect yourself from the sun's rays with a pair of sunglasses. We have a thousand options for you to choose the ones that go best with you. We propose the Oxygen Edition, since due to their design they are very light, perfect for this adventure.
We hope that Valle del Jerte is now your next destination this spring or summer. We know you, we know you'll love it. What are you waiting for? Pack your suitcase and come for a few days to relax in this paradise.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- WHERE IS THE JERTE VALLEY?
The Jerte Valley is located in the northwest of Extremadura, a few kilometers from Plasencia.
- WHAT TO SEE IN THE JERTE VALLEY?
The Jerte Valley, in addition to being rich in fauna and flora (and cherry trees), offers many places worth visiting: the Tornavacas Port Viewpoint, the Jerte River, the Garganta de los Infiernos, the huts, the houses of Castañar…
- ARE THERE HIKING ROUTES IN THE JERTE VALLEY?
Sure! If you are a lover of hiking, the Valle del Jerte will enchant you. One possible route is the ascent to the Mirador del Puerto de Tornavacas, another is the circular route that begins in Solana de Ávila and passes through the source of the Jerte river.
- WHAT IS THE BEST SEASON TO VISIT THE JERTE VALLEY?
Each time of the year has its charm. In winter, the rivers are larger; in spring, the landscape falls in love with its flowers; in summer, it is ideal for bathing in its pools; and in autumn, the cherry trees acquire a very special shade between ocher and reddish.
- WHY IS THE JERTE VALLEY SO FAMOUS?
The Jerte Valley is one of the most beautiful and well-known natural places in Spain. Among its many attractions, something that makes it very famous is the number of cherry trees it contains.
- WHAT SUNGLASSES TO BRING TO THE JERTE VALLEY?
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- WHAT IS THE THROAT OF HELL?
In the Jerte Valley is the Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve, an emblem in the valley. It has the pools of Los Pilones, ideal for cooling off on summer days: Los Pilones. Its waterfalls, streams and streams that flow into the Jerte River will make you believe that you are in a dream.
