We suggest the perfect route for those who enjoy travelling at a leisurely pace, but making the most of every moment. A short journey in terms of distance, but rich in history, nature, flavours and festive magic. From the monumental locations of Extremadura to the legendary mountains of Gredos, and from there to the walls of Ávila and the medieval charms of Segovia, each stop has a unique Parador where you can rest, savour the local cuisine and feel Christmas in every detail. Plasencia, Jarandilla de la Vera, Gredos, Ávila and Segovia, five destinations close to each other which, together, make the perfect Christmas plan. Are you coming?

Starting the route in Plasencia is a great way to begin. On the banks of the River Jerte, this city in Extremadura seems made to be discovered in December, when its medieval streets are decked out with lights and its history blends with the warm and festive atmosphere of Christmas.

The first signs of Christmas appear early on. Calle del Sol is already decked out in its traditional sky of lights, and workshops, activities and events for all ages have been organised. Strolling through the illuminated city centre, among towers, medieval gates and lively squares, is the best way to get a feel for a city that celebrates this time of year with enthusiasm.

You will soon reach the Plaza Mayor, the social heart of Plasencia, a lively and particularly vibrant space during the winter. From here, the streets lead to one of the most fascinating monumental complexes in the west of the peninsula: the Old and New Cathedrals, a unique dialogue between late Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles.

After this sightseeing walk, there is nothing better than heading to the place that will be your home during this first stage: the Parador de Plasencia, located in the former Convent of San Vicente Ferrer. Entering it is like travelling back in time. The vaulted ceilings, stone walls, coffered ceilings and famous floating staircase envelop travellers in a serene and intimate atmosphere, perfect for getting away from the pace of travel and savouring history from within. And speaking of savouring, the Parador's cuisine is a true celebration of Extremadura. Honest cuisine, based on local produce and tradition, which tastes especially good.

Plasencia is also an excellent starting point for exploring its immediate surroundings. If you have time, Monfragüe National Park, the Jerte Valley, La Vera, Las Hurdes and the Sierra de Gata are just a stone's throw away.

Thus, between illuminated walls, monumental cathedrals, the aromas of traditional cuisine and the unique charm of the Parador, Plasencia is the best way to start a Christmas route that promises equal parts excitement, history and relaxation.

Just 52 kilometres from Plasencia, the road winds its way through chestnut forests, crystal-clear gorges and the aroma of burning wood, until it reaches Jarandilla de la Vera, one of those places where nature and history seem to come together to create the perfect setting.

The first surprises appear as you stroll through its streets. Jarandilla is the result of a centuries-old crossroads of cultures: Celtiberians, Romans, Arabs and, later, the Christian kingdoms. A legacy that can be felt in such iconic spots as the bridge over the Jaranda gorge, a silent witness to the passing of the centuries, or in the network of narrow streets that whisper stories of ancient civilisations.

But if there is one place that defines Jarandilla, it is the Castle-Palace of the Counts of Oropesa, now converted into the impressive Parador de Jarandilla de la Vera. Its moat, its towered walls, the solemn towers and the extraordinary two-storey Gothic gallery form a majestic ensemble which, nevertheless, welcomes the traveller with unexpected warmth. Between 1556 and 1557, none other than Emperor Charles V stayed here after his abdication, before retiring to the monastery of Yuste. And this is where you can rest today, just as he did.

Jarandilla is also the perfect base for those who want to continue exploring. Within a few kilometres you will find five towns that have been declared Historic-Artistic Sites: Pasarón, Garganta de la Olla, Valverde, Villanueva and Cuacos de Yuste.

And with this energy, the route continues to our next stop: Gredos.

After leaving behind the green valleys of La Vera and gradually ascending to higher ground, the route reaches one of its most special moments: Gredos, about 100 kilometres from Jarandilla. Here, where stone, slate and pine forests define the landscape, where the air is purer and the silence deeper, stands a legendary Parador de Gredos: the first in history, for many, a return to the essence of what it means to stay at a Parador.

The building retains the noble and austere character of mountain architecture. Sturdy walls, dark roofs, rustic wood... and a warm interior that welcomes the traveller- with fires burning in the hearth, soft lighting and a Christmas atmosphere that blends Castilian tradition and contemporary comfort. Everything invites you to slow down, take a deep breath and let yourself be enveloped by the calm. Its terraces, converted into balconies overlooking the Sierra de Gredos, offer immense views, especially impressive in winter, when the snow begins to whiten the peaks.

If anything defines Gredos, it is its surroundings. A stone's throw from Navarredonda de Gredos, this natural space is a paradise for those seeking to connect with nature in its purest form. Hikers, birdwatchers, astronomy enthusiasts or simply travellers in search of peace will find an unforgettable stop here.

At Christmas, the Parador becomes even more welcoming. The warm atmosphere of its lounges, the light from the fireplaces and the silence of the mountains create the perfect setting for a real break along the way.

After the purifying silence of Gredos, the road takes us back to the hustle and bustle, but a hustle and bustle with its own charm, that of Ávila, a walled city, a World Heritage Site and a very special destination. Just 60 kilometres from Gredos, the arrival in Ávila is always impressive, but even more so in winter. The golden stone of its walls contrasts with the cold air of the plateau and, with luck, with a blanket of snow that multiplies the magic.

The city throws itself into the festivities. Ávila has an ambitious Christmas programme with over a hundred activities, transforming its heritage sites into cultural venues full of life.

Amidst all this energy, calm returns when you cross the threshold of the Parador de Ávila, located in the former Palacio de Piedras Albas, a 16th-century building in the heart of the historic centre with superb views of the city walls. Its atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, with spacious rooms, quiet gardens and a spectacular dining room overlooking the city walls through a glass-enclosed courtyard. Strolling through its gardens is like walking through a small open-air museum.

As always at Paradores, gastronomy plays a leading role, and in Ávila it could not be otherwise. The Piedras Albas restaurant showcases Avileña Negra Ibérica beef, El Barco beans, revolconas potatoes, roast suckling pig and Ávila sweets.

Outside the Parador, Ávila invites you to lose yourself. Strolling along the ramparts of the city walls, wandering through the medieval streets of the historic quarter or visiting Spain's first Gothic cathedral are essential experiences.

The last leg of the journey, just 75 kilometres from Ávila, takes us to the perfect destination to put the finishing touch to this Christmas trail: Segovia. A city of stone, history and gastronomy, winter here has its own personality. There is no need for fake snow or garish lights; Segovia is content with the cold, the mist and the golden hue of its monuments. Christmas in Segovia is delicate, almost intimate. 

But if there's one thing to enjoy in Segovia, it's the food. Here, the cold is combatted with a spoon, a wood-fired oven and the flavours that define this land: suckling pig, hot soups, roasts and desserts. Everything makes even more sense at the Parador de Segovia, located just three kilometres from the historic centre, where you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the city.

The Parador is a perfect oasis to rest after intense days on the road. Surrounded by gardens and with spacious interiors, it offers cosy rooms, a heated swimming pool with glass walls, a sauna and a restaurant with a wood-fired oven where roasts are second to none.

Who could resist a Christmas like this, exploring history, nature and flavour at every stop?

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