Situated in the upper reaches of the Tormes, Navarredonda de Gredos is considered the heart of Gredos. To help plan a stay, the different facets of the area offer a guide: an old pine forest, trails with scenic views, architecture and history, stargazing and regional cuisine.
Forest and trails around Navarredonda de Gredos
The Pinar de Navarredonda is a mature forest of Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris); some trees are more than a century old. This isolated forest provides numerous and diverse bird species with a place to nest and forage. These species could not survive outside this forest. The Pinar is therefore not just a landscape feature, but also an important habitat.
Ruta 1 Piedra Aguda connects Barajas and Navarredonda de Gredos in the northern part of the municipality. It is considered easy and accessible, and offers impressive views of the Sierra. Piedra Aguda is a point at an altitude of 1,816 metres, from which you can take in the surrounding landscape. Another trail option is Ruta 6 Pinar y Parador: it is almost flat and easy to walk, and lets you explore the extensive Pinar and the area around the iconic Parador Nacional de Gredos.
The route names also help distinguish them: Ruta 5 Las Chorreras connects Navarredonda de Gredos and Barajas in the southern part of the municipality, while Ruta 1 connects these two districts in the north. Ruta 3 Nacimiento del Río Tormes runs parallel to the AV 941 towards the Parador Nacional de Gredos, then turns onto a well-marked trail heading south to Fuente del Tormes. The entire route can be travelled by car. Molino de Tío Frutos, also known as Molino de Mingorriano, is located on Ruta 4 Valdeascas y Piedra del mediodía.
The Parador, history and church art
The Parador de Gredos was opened by Alfonso XIII in 1928 and was the first Parador de Turismo in Spain. Its history is also linked to a political turning point: in March 1978, seven young politicians met there in the Salón del Silencio, now the Salón de los Ponentes. They laid the foundations for the Spanish Constitution that followed.
The Iglesia de Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción offers a different architectural touch. The late Gothic church is built from dressed stone blocks and has three naves. Its furnishings include polychrome carvings, altarpieces from the 17th and 18th centuries, and numerous paintings. Together with the history of the Parador, it offers a glimpse into different aspects of the area’s cultural heritage.
Starry skies and regional cuisine
Navarredonda de Gredos is one of the 28 municipalities in the Reserva Starlight de Gredos. Its certification confirms the quality of the dark skies. One of the reserve’s 50 stargazing points in the province of Ávila is also located here. Several companies offer astrotourism services; if you are interested, ask about the current options in advance.
Local cuisine includes dishes such as beef steak, judías del barco, Tormes trout, Iberian cured meats, migas, Castilian soup and patatas revolconas. Restaurant menus may vary. The area’s gastronomic character also includes the famous Gredos veal from Negra Avileña cattle. Alongside nature and culture, regional products and dishes are another discovery to add to your plans.
Discover more destinations: Barajas, Solosancho, Tolbaños, Hoyos Del Espino, Muñopepe, Velayos, Muñico, Hoyorredondo
For the broader travel overview: Avila.
