SIERRA DE GREDOS
The Sierra de Gredos is a dramatic mountain range in central Spain, where granite peaks give way to glacial lagoons and deep valleys. It’s a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventurers seeking solace in the heart of the country.
This region is where Spain’s wild heart beats. It is a land of untamed beauty, from its jagged peaks and crystalline lakes to charming villages and unique high-altitude landscapes.
Most Popular Attractions
Gredos’s Highest Peaks & Glacial Areas:
Circo y Laguna Grande de Gredos: The most iconic glacial cirque in the range, home to a stunning lake and surrounded by towering peaks. This is the starting point for the ascent of Almanzor, the highest point in the Gredos.
Pico Almanzor: At 2,592 meters, this is the highest peak in the Sierra de Gredos. The ascent is challenging but rewards hikers with incredible panoramic views of the entire range.
Laguna de los Caballeros: A beautiful, high-altitude lake accessible via a less-trafficked trail, offering a more serene hiking experience.
Laguna de las Cinco Lagunas: A series of five picturesque glacial lakes nestled in a high-altitude valley, accessible via a strenuous but rewarding hike from the village of Navalperal de Tormes.
Garganta de Gredos: A deep gorge carved by a river, offering numerous natural pools and waterfalls for a refreshing swim in the summer.
Charming Mountain Villages & Surrounding Areas:
Navarredonda de Gredos: A central village and a great base for exploring the region, with easy access to many hiking trails and the Gredos Parador.
Hoyos del Espino: A small village and the main gateway to the heart of the Gredos, leading to the platform that serves as the main trailhead.
Candeleda: Located in the warmer southern part of the range, this village is known for its milder climate, natural pools, and beautiful setting overlooking the Tiétar Valley.
Arenas de San Pedro: A larger town on the southern side of the Sierra, famous for its historic castle, the Castillo de Don Álvaro de Luna, and the Cuevas del Águila (Eagle Caves).
Guisando: A small village famous for the Toros de Guisando, a group of ancient Celtiberian stone sculptures.
El Barco de Ávila: A historic town on the Tormes river, known for its well-preserved medieval bridge and imposing castle.
Mombeltrán: A village with a beautiful 15th-century castle, the Castillo de Mombeltrán, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Outdoor Activities & Natural Sights:
Platforma de Gredos: The main starting point for many of the most popular hikes in the Gredos, including the one to the Laguna Grande.
Garganta de los Infiernos Natural Reserve: Located on the southern side of the range, this reserve is famous for its crystal-clear river, cascades, and natural rock-carved pools known as “piles.”
Gredos Ibex Watching: The mountains are home to a large population of the Spanish ibex, a wild goat endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. They are often seen on the trails and near the high-altitude shelters.
Birdwatching: The Gredos is a prime location for birdwatching, with a wide variety of species, including birds of prey like the griffon vulture and the Spanish imperial eagle.
Horseback Riding: Several stables in the area offer guided horseback riding tours, which are a fantastic way to explore the mountain trails and valleys.
Parque Regional de la Sierra de Gredos: The regional park encompasses the most important parts of the mountain range and is protected to preserve its unique ecosystems and wildlife.
Activities & Experiences
Hike to the Circo de Gredos and Laguna Grande: Embark on the most iconic hike in the region, a challenging but rewarding trek to a glacial cirque and a stunning mountain lake.
Climb the Almanzor Peak: For experienced mountaineers, summiting the highest peak in the Central System offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the entire region.
Go Rock Climbing or Bouldering: The granite formations of the Gredos mountains provide world-class climbing routes for all skill levels, from beginners to expert climbers.
Discover the “Chorros” of the Tormes River: Follow the course of the Tormes River and explore its hidden waterfalls and natural pools, perfect for a refreshing dip in the summer.
Stargaze at a Certified Dark Sky Reserve: The Gredos mountains are a certified “Starlight” destination. Join a guided tour or find a secluded spot to marvel at the clear night sky, one of the best for stargazing in Spain.
Explore the Gredos Parador: Stay or simply visit this historic Parador (a state-run hotel in a historic building), a former royal hunting lodge with stunning views and a rich history.
Go Canyoning in the Gredos Ravines: For an adventurous day, descend through the ravines and gorges, navigating natural slides, jumps, and waterfalls with a certified guide.
Spot Wild Ibex: The Sierra de Gredos is home to a large population of Spanish ibex. You can often see them along the hiking trails, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Take a Guided Horseback Riding Tour: Explore the scenic mountain trails and rolling pastures on a guided horseback riding tour suitable for all levels of experience.
Visit a Traditional Mountain Village: Stroll through charming stone villages like Hoyos del Espino or Candelario, known for their traditional architecture and local delicacies.
Ski or Snowshoe in the Winter: In the winter months, the ski resort of La Pinilla offers a great place for skiing and snowboarding. Alternatively, you can explore the snowy landscapes on a snowshoeing excursion.
Enjoy a River Picnic: Find a secluded spot along the Tormes or Alberche rivers and enjoy a traditional picnic with local cheeses, cured meats, and a bottle of regional wine.
Local Tips & Transport
A Car is Essential: Public transport options are very limited in the Sierra de Gredos region. To access hiking trails, remote villages, and scenic viewpoints, a rental car is absolutely necessary. The roads are generally well-maintained, but be prepared for narrow, winding mountain routes.
Driving in the Mountains: Be aware of sharp turns and steep inclines. Always check the weather forecast, especially in winter, as snow and ice can make some roads impassable.
Parking: Many popular trailheads have designated parking areas, but they fill up quickly during weekends and peak season. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Gas Stations: Gas stations can be scarce in more remote areas. It’s a good idea to fill up your tank before venturing deep into the mountains.
Dress in Layers: The weather in the mountains can be highly unpredictable. Even on a sunny day, temperatures can drop quickly. Always carry layers of clothing, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy hiking boots.
Hiking Safety: Inform someone of your hiking plans and estimated return time. Many areas have limited cell phone reception, so a physical map and a compass or a GPS device are highly recommended.
Respect Nature: The region is a protected natural park. Stay on marked trails, do not disturb wildlife, and carry out all your trash.
Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the hearty mountain cuisine. Look for local dishes like judiones de La Granja (large white beans stew), cochinillo (suckling pig), and chuletón de Ávila (a massive T-bone steak). Try local cheeses and cured meats from the area.
Siesta Still Exists: In smaller, rural villages, the siesta is a real part of daily life. Many small shops and restaurants will close between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Plan your day accordingly.
Hidden Gems:
- The “Hoyo” Villages: The three small villages of Hoyos del Espino, Hoyos del Collado, and Hoyos de Miguel Muñoz are hidden gems nestled in the heart of the Gredos mountains, offering authentic rural charm.
- The Roman Road of Puerto del Pico: This perfectly preserved Roman road is a testament to ancient engineering and a great, easy walk with spectacular views of the Alberche Valley.
- Garganta de los Infiernos Natural Reserve: Located on the northern face of the Gredos mountains, this reserve features an impressive series of pools and waterfalls carved out of the granite. It’s a popular spot for a refreshing summer dip.
- Candelario’s “Batipuertas”: In the charming village of Candelario, notice the unique second half-doors on the houses, known as batipuertas, which were designed to keep livestock out while allowing air to circulate.
Language: English is not widely spoken in the more rural areas. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will go a long way and will be greatly appreciated.
Top Restaurants
El Pimpollar [$20-$30] – A cozy, rustic restaurant in the heart of Candeleda, known for its traditional regional dishes and use of local, seasonal ingredients.
Restaurante La Pedriza [$20-$30] – Located in the charming village of Hoyos del Espino, this is a classic mountain restaurant with a focus on hearty, traditional Castilian cuisine.
Casa de Comidas La Abuela [$20-$30] – A humble, family-run eatery in Navarredonda de Gredos, famous for its homemade cooking and a welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.
Restaurante El Ancla [$25-$35] – Situated in El Tiemblo, this traditional restaurant is a favorite for its grilled meats and a menu of local, comforting dishes.
Restaurante La Muralla [$25-$35] – A well-regarded spot in Mombeltrán, this restaurant is known for its classic mountain cuisine and a menu that highlights the flavors of the region.
Venta de Gredos [$25-$35] – Located near the Gredos platform, this classic spot is a great place to stop after a hike for a simple, hearty meal with great views.
Restaurante El Rincón de Gredos [$25-$35] – A traditional restaurant in the village of Gredos, known for its generous portions of local specialties and a warm, inviting feel.
Restaurante La Taberna de Las Riberas [$30-$40] – A charming tavern in Navaluenga, famous for its roasted meats, especially lamb and suckling pig, and a beautiful setting.
Restaurante El Mesón de Los Rastrojos [$30-$40] – Located in Guisando, this restaurant is a local favorite for its traditional mountain cuisine and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
El Rincón de la Fuente [$30-$40] – A classic, family-run restaurant in El Barraco known for its home-style cooking and a strong focus on local products.
Restaurante Parador de Gredos [$35-$50] – While part of a hotel, this restaurant is a reference for Castilian cuisine, offering traditional dishes with high-quality, local ingredients in a historic setting.
Restaurante Asador Las Cabañas [$35-$50] – Located in the heart of Navarredonda de Gredos, this traditional asador is famous for its grilled meats, especially roasted suckling pig and lamb.
Restaurante Los Manjares de Gredos [$35-$50] – A well-known spot in Candeleda that offers a menu of traditional Castilian dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Restaurante El Lagar de Gredos [$40-$60] – Located in the village of Navarredonda de Gredos, this restaurant is known for its excellent grilled meats and a cozy, traditional atmosphere.
Restaurante El Molino de la Abuela [$40-$60] – A beautiful and traditional restaurant in Arenas de San Pedro that specializes in classic, high-quality Castilian food.
El Jardín del Alma [$25-$40] – A modern spot in El Barraco that offers a creative twist on traditional mountain cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Restaurante La Casona de Valdecasa [$30-$50] – A well-regarded restaurant in Navaluenga that blends traditional Castilian flavors with a contemporary and elegant touch.
Restaurante Casa Eladio [$30-$50] – Located in the charming village of Pedro Bernardo, this restaurant offers an inventive take on traditional mountain food with a focus on local products.
Restaurante La Aldea de Gredos [$35-$55] – This restaurant in San Martín de la Vega del Alberche provides a modern and sophisticated take on classic Castilian dishes in a beautiful, rustic setting.
Restaurante Siete Picos [$35-$55] – A creative restaurant in Hoyos del Espino that offers a unique menu with both traditional and modern dishes.
Restaurante El Pajar de Gredos [$50-$80] – A fine dining restaurant located in the village of Gredos, known for its creative and innovative tasting menus that highlight local flavors.
Restaurante El Molino de la Tiza [$60-$90] – This exclusive restaurant in Arenas de San Pedro offers a high-end dining experience with a focus on local, seasonal products and a sophisticated, modern approach.
El Fogon de Gredos [$70-$100] – A high-end restaurant in Navarredonda de Gredos with a focus on avant-garde cuisine and an experimental menu that elevates traditional flavors.
Bar El Paseo [$15-$25] – A simple, no-frills bar in Navaluenga, famous for its excellent tapas and a lively, local atmosphere.
Mesón Las Cuerdas [$20-$30] – A small, traditional tavern in Piedralaves known for its home-cooked food and a selection of local wines.
Bar Las Tinajas [$20-$30] – A popular spot in Hoyos del Espino, great for a quick tapa and a drink after a hike in the mountains.
Bodega de Las Viñas [$25-$40] – A traditional bodega in the village of El Tiemblo with a great selection of local wines and classic Castilian tapas.
Restaurante El Horno de Gredos [$30-$45] – A unique restaurant located in a former bakery in San Juan de Gredos, serving traditional dishes with a touch of innovation.
Restaurante La Trocha de Gredos [$30-$50] – A charming restaurant with a beautiful terrace in the village of El Arenal, known for its grilled meats and local specialties.
El Yantar de Gredos [$30-$50] – A beautiful restaurant in the village of Gredos with a rustic, cozy feel and a menu of traditional, hearty mountain food.
Restaurante El Mesón de Los Chicos [$35-$55] – Located in the village of Navarredonda de Gredos, this well-regarded restaurant is known for its excellent service and high-quality Castilian food.
Restaurante El Huerto del Molino [$40-$60] – A special restaurant located in an old mill in San Juan de Gredos, with a unique setting and a menu that focuses on fresh, local ingredients.