Jarilla brings together several attractions for a stay: a stage of the Camino Natural Vía de la Plata, the bathing spot at the Garganta Perdida and historic buildings and archaeological sites. You can choose where to stay based on whether you want to focus on hiking and cycling, the waterside landscape or culture. The town also offers peaceful walks through mixed forests.

Camino Natural: Hiking and Cycling

The Plasencia–Jarilla stage of the Camino Natural Vía de la Plata follows the route of the former Plasencia–Astorga railway, also known as Palazuelo–Astorga. It runs from Plasencia to the municipal boundary between Jarilla and Casas del Monte. For most of its length, the route follows the former railway line, with a firm, wide surface. The stage is considered fairly easy and safe for hikers and cyclists; nevertheless, check local conditions before setting out.

Near the Embalse de la Jarilla, the Camino Natural passes beneath the A-66. The reservoir is also known as the Embalse de Cabezaolí and is used for irrigation. Various water birds, including gulls, ducks and cormorants, can be observed there. Along this stretch, the former railway line, the reservoir’s use for irrigation and the opportunity for birdwatching are distinct features.

Jarilla offers peaceful walks through chestnut, oak and cork oak forests, interspersed with heather, strawberry trees and broom.

Bathing Spot at the Garganta Perdida

The natural bathing spot at the Garganta Perdida lies around 500 metres southeast of the town centre. It is beside a rocky mountain stream with a steep gradient both along and across its course. The terrain is therefore sharply sloped both alongside the water and across it; this topography shapes the character of the spot. On the right bank, there is a recreation area of around 179 m². A municipal concrete path connects the bathing spot directly to the town centre; its width varies between 2.5 and 4.5 metres. Unlike the mostly firm, wide railway line, the waterside spot is shaped by rock, steep slopes and its specific riverbank area. The natural features are therefore quite distinct: here, the focus is on a particular place by the water, while the Camino follows a stretch of the former railway line.

Church and Roman Temple

The Iglesia de San Gregorio Magno is considered Jarilla’s most important monument. Construction began in the 16th century and continued into the 17th century. The church was rebuilt in 1852, a date recorded in an inscription on the façade. The inscription thus marks the rebuilding and adds a later phase to the account of the original construction.

Remains of an ancient Roman temple survive on Cerro de Piedraslabradas; only the cella remains of the structure. Cella is the term for the inner chamber of a temple. The word thus refers to one part of the structure, not the entire building. The church’s history can be traced through its construction and rebuilding; at the temple, the cella draws attention to the only surviving part.

Getting There

Jarilla can be reached via a turnoff from the N-630.

Discover more destinations: Campo Lugar, Zorita, Villamiel, Erías, Almoharín, Ruanes, Robledillo De Gata, Eljas

See the full travel guide: Cáceres.