{"id":31664,"date":"2024-02-13T13:20:55","date_gmt":"2024-02-13T13:20:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/natuaventura.com\/en\/?p=31664"},"modified":"2026-04-30T13:10:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T11:10:09","slug":"guide-sierra-de-gredos-regional-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/natuaventura.com\/en\/blog\/guide-sierra-de-gredos-regional-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Sierra de Gredos Regional Park Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Sierra de Gredos<\/strong> is one of the great green lungs of central Spain: a massif of the Sistema Central<\/strong> shared between \u00c1vila, Salamanca, C\u00e1ceres, Madrid and Toledo, with its heart protected as a Regional Park<\/strong> in the south of \u00c1vila. This guide covers the natural environment<\/strong>, the finest natural pools<\/strong>, the most emblematic routes<\/strong>, multi-adventure activities<\/strong>, villages<\/strong> worth visiting and practical tips<\/strong> for planning your trip.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Natural Environment of the Sierra de Gredos<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Sierra de Gredos, situated in the heart of Spain, is a privileged destination<\/strong> for nature lovers<\/strong>, hikers and rural getaways. This mountain massif, part of the Sistema Central, is a paradise of biodiversity, stunning landscapes and tranquillity.<\/p>\n

From its imposing peaks to its refreshing natural pools, Gredos offers a wide range of activities for every taste. We share it all through our Sierra de Gredos guide<\/a> to make your visit an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n

Contents<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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  1. The natural environment of the Sierra de Gredos<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Natural pools of the Sierra de Gredos<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Routes in the Sierra de Gredos<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Multi-adventure activities<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Notable towns and villages<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Practical tips for your visit<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Our summer camps<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    The Natural Environment of the Sierra de Gredos<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Back to Contents<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

    The Sierra de Gredos belongs to the Sistema Central<\/strong>, the mountain range crossing the Castilian Plateau, spanning the provinces of Salamanca, \u00c1vila<\/strong>, C\u00e1ceres, Madrid and Toledo. Other notable ranges in this system include the Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra de la Estrella and Sierra de Ayll\u00f3n.<\/p>\n

    SIERRA DE GREDOS REGIONAL PARK<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

    Part of this sierra is designated as the Sierra de Gredos Regional Park<\/strong><\/em>. It is located in the south of the province of \u00c1vila and enjoys the protection granted to a nationally protected natural area<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    The park is notable for its rich flora, with vegetation typically grouped into rebollo oak groves, pine forests and holm oak woods. These are nourished by rivers such as the Tormes, which are abundant in the sierra and create a wealth of bathing spots such as natural pools and river ponds.<\/p>\n

    The protected zone of the park covers several municipalities, including Navarredonda de Gredos, Piedralaves, Hoyos del Espino, Hoyos del Collado, El Arenal and Navacepeda de Tormes.<\/p>\n

    The Plataforma de Gredos<\/strong><\/a> is the main access point to the heart of the Regional Park and the Circo de Gredos. It is a car park situated at an altitude of 1,750 m where the old AV-931 road ends \u2014 today known as the Carretera de la Plataforma de Gredos, 12 km long. Access is regulated and costs \u20ac3<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    The platform is located in the municipality of San Juan de Gredos, though access is mainly gained from the start of the road in the village of Hoyos del Espino<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    CIRCO DE GREDOS<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    The famous Circo de Gredos is a glacial cirque where Pico Almanzor is found \u2014 one of the highest peaks in the entire Iberian Peninsula and the highest point of the Sistema Central. Several remarkable glacial lakes are also found here, including the Cinco Lagunas<\/strong> and the Laguna Grande de Gredos<\/strong>. The latter sits beside the staffed Refugio Elola<\/strong> mountain shelter, widely used by mountaineers attempting to climb Almanzor.<\/p>\n

    The Circo de Gredos lies within the catchment of the R\u00edo Tormes<\/strong><\/a>, a tributary of the Duero. All of this makes it one of the most important landscapes in the Regional Park.<\/p>\n

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    Natural Pools of the Sierra de Gredos<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Back to Contents<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

    The natural pools and ponds of the Sierra de Gredos are oases of freshness in the heart of wild nature<\/strong>. Formed by pure mountain water<\/strong> flowing down rivers and streams, they create unique spaces for rest and enjoyment.<\/p>\n

    Here are our picks for the most remarkable ones:<\/p>\n

    POZO DE LAS PAREDES<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

    The Pozo de las Paredes, located in Navacepeda de Tormes<\/a> in the Sierra de Gredos, \u00c1vila, is a spectacular natural pool formed by the R\u00edo Barbellido<\/a>, surrounded by imposing walls eroded by wind and water.<\/p>\n

    Known for its icy water, it attracts the bravest swimmers who want to bathe in its fresh waters flowing straight down from the Gredos mountains. A remarkable medieval bridge offers stunning views of Navacepeda de Tormes and the mountains, completing the experience with picnic areas suitable for all ages and groups.<\/p>\n

    It is undoubtedly one of our favourite destinations in our camps<\/a> in the Sierra de Gredos.<\/p>\n

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    CHARCA VERDE<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

    On the R\u00edo Pelayos<\/a>, in Guisando<\/a>, at the foot of the southern face of the Sierra de Gredos, the water is held in a small natural pond. Local people make use of it in summer months to sunbathe and cool off while enjoying the beautiful Gredos landscape. We also recommend the Piscina Natural del Risquillo<\/a>, also in Guisando.<\/p>\n

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    GARGANTA DE LOS INFIERNOS<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

    The Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve is located in the Valle del Jerte<\/a>, between the Sierra de Tormantos, the southern Sierra de Gredos and the R\u00edo Jerte. It is known for its waterfalls and the giant potholes of Los Pilones.<\/p>\n

    Two main attractions stand out: Los Pilones<\/strong>, famous for their unique rock formations, and El Chorrero de la Virgen<\/strong>, a waterfall visible from its viewpoint, though it may dry up in summer.<\/p>\n

    Although it now falls within C\u00e1ceres rather than \u00c1vila, it remains part of the remarkable Sierra de Gredos and is only 30 minutes from Barco de \u00c1vila<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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    CHARCA DE LA NIETA \u2013 PIEDRALAVES<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

    The Charca de la Nieta is located in the beautiful village of Piedralaves<\/strong>, \u00c1vila. It is a natural pool formed by a retaining wall on the Garganta Nu\u00f1o Cojo, ideal for swimming in summer.<\/p>\n

    It offers two pools: a large, deep one for swimming and games, and a smaller, shallower one safe for children, connected by a small waterfall. It is a popular destination during the hot months, appreciated for its tranquillity<\/strong> and natural beauty.<\/p>\n

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    CHARCA NATURAL DE LOS MOZOS<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    This small natural pond (not to be confused with the one in Monsagro, Salamanca) is ideal for cooling off in summer. It is found in the municipality of Tormellas<\/strong><\/a>, in the province of \u00c1vila.<\/p>\n

    You can enjoy a pleasant swim in its crystal-clear waters belonging to the Garganta de los Caballeros<\/strong><\/a>, where small trout can be spotted. The pond is immersed in nature and you need to walk through a path lined with leafy trees to reach it.<\/p>\n

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    PISCINA NATURAL DE LOS RIVEROS, CANDELEDA<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

    In Candeleda<\/a>, we find the natural pool El Raso de Abajo. Located next to the Los Riveros<\/a> recreational area in the heart of the Sierra de Gredos, it offers a beautiful, secluded setting for a hot summer’s day.<\/p>\n

    It is complemented by a lovely walk along the R\u00edo Alberche<\/a>, near which there is also a bathing area on the river itself, about 300 metres from the natural pool.<\/p>\n

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    R\u00cdO ARBILLAS<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

    \u00c1vila is a summer destination known for its streams and natural pools, ideal for picnics. In Poyales del Hoyo<\/a>, the landscapes of the R\u00edo Arbillas<\/a> stand out for their pines and waters, forming part of the Gredos Regional Park.<\/p>\n

    Although the water tends to be cold, there are pools near the road with slightly warmer water. Natural swimming spots in the area include the Poza del Caracol, the Charco del Risquillo and the Charco de los M\u00e9dicos.<\/p>\n

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    GARGANTA DE VALDEASCAS<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

    The Garganta de Valdeascas<\/strong> is an ideal spot for a walk in nature and, weather permitting, a refreshing swim.<\/p>\n

    It is a beautiful natural setting in <\/b>Navarredonda<\/a>, in the Sierra de Gredos<\/b>. It tends to go unnoticed due to its proximity to the Plataforma de Gredos, the starting point for numerous mountain routes.<\/p>\n

    It remains one of the best-known and most enjoyed routes \u2014 arrive and reward yourself with a swim in a breathtaking setting. It is a well-established route in our Gredos camps<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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    NATURAL POOLS OF ARENAS DE SAN PEDRO<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

    The natural pools of Arenas de San Pedro<\/strong> in \u00c1vila are undoubtedly a more tourist-friendly and family-oriented<\/strong> destination. They offer a safe, well-equipped bathing area for all ages, with a shallower section for children and a deeper one for adults, both regulated by weirs.<\/p>\n

    The main pool has amenities such as ladders, showers and a diving board, sharing the space with river trout visible through the clear water. For those who prefer peace and quiet, the nearby Charco de la Chiva and Charco Pelayos offer wilder settings with small waterfalls, plus a restaurant and picnic area at Pelayos.<\/p>\n

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    R\u00cdO TORMES AND ITS TRIBUTARIES<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n

    To conclude, there are thousands of natural pools and bathing spots in Gredos. Our advice is to follow the rivers<\/strong> and their tributaries<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    The one we would highlight most is the R\u00edo Tormes<\/a>, which offers incredible bathing spots throughout the area, such as the Charco del Molino<\/a> or the R\u00edo Barbellido<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    It is as simple as noticing<\/strong> which rivers run alongside the campsites where you are staying or the roads you are travelling. We guarantee they will be magnificent bathing spots.<\/p>\n

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    Routes in the Sierra de Gredos<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Back to Contents<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

    The Sierra de Gredos offers a wide variety of hiking routes allowing visitors to explore its rich biodiversity, magnificent landscapes and the natural beauty of the region.<\/p>\n

    From easy<\/strong> paths for families to more challenging<\/strong> routes for experienced hikers \u2014 it is important to know your own fitness level<\/strong>, especially with safety in mind.<\/p>\n

    LAGUNA GRANDE DE GREDOS \u2013 CIRCO DE GREDOS ROUTE<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    The route to Laguna Grande<\/a><\/strong> lies at the glacial heart of the Sierra de Gredos. It is an emblematic trail offering a unique landscape of tranquillity beside a glacial lake, surrounded by imposing rocky mountains \u2014 none other than the approach to Pico Almanzor<\/a>, the highest point in the sierra.<\/p>\n

    Starting from the Plataforma de Gredos, which has ample parking and facilities, this 7-km total route is divided into an ascent and a descent. It is marked by a cobbled path and signposts guiding visitors through points of interest such as Llano Barbellido, the Fuente de los Cavadores and the Mirador de los Barrerones. After a descent past the Fuente de los Barrerones, you reach the Laguna Grande, culminating the walk at the Refugio Elola<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Key points to note:<\/b><\/h4>\n