He lived in a monastery in the village, praying and enjoying one of his favourite pastime, clockwatches. From time to time, well-known people, including his illegitimate son Don Juan de Austria, came to visit the retired emperor.
The area around Yuste, the Valle del Jerte, is now an eco-tourism destination. Tourists can visit the monastery, including the emperor's apartments. The valley is also known for the beauty of the cherry trees in the spring and for the surrounding landscape.