Piedralaves lies on the southern slopes of the Sierra de Gredos in the Tiétar Valley. The town is situated on an extensive, terraced hillside between the peaks of the eastern Gredos massif and the Tiétar River. At the bottom of the valley, the river flows from east to west. Piedralaves also lies within the Tiétar Valley protected areas designated as LIC and ZEPA sites in the Natura 2000 network. The landscape and hiking are therefore defining themes of a stay.
Hiking trails for different levels
Piotea starts at Parque del Venerito and is an easy, family-friendly nature and educational trail. It is signposted along its entire length. Typical animals of the ecosystem can be observed along the route, including roe deer, red deer and wild boar; sightings are not guaranteed, however. Visitors particularly interested in nature observation will find a different focus here than on the trails to the former mines or through the forests of Angostura.
Las Minas is an easy, fully signposted out-and-back hike to the former Piedralaves mines, where feldspar and mica were mined. By contrast, the Ruta de la Angostura is a moderately difficult, fully signposted circular hike through a chestnut forest and the remarkable Pyrenean oak forest of Castañar de la Angostura. The three trails thus differ both in character and format: an educational trail, an out-and-back route or a circular hike.
La Serradilla is one of the most difficult routes in the Piedralaves catalogue. You should be accustomed to hikes lasting more than six hours before attempting the climb, and carry suitable mountain equipment, provisions, a map or GPS device, and a first-aid kit. The hiking trails described are marked with wooden signs and information boards; some also have viewpoints. Check the local signage and the conditions on each route before setting out.
Stargazing and scenery
The Mirador Estelar is located in the Pradera de los Berezales. A star chart and a planisphere are available there for observing stars and planets. Activities, talks and workshops for all ages are also held at the viewpoint. If you would like to plan your visit around one of these events, check the dates and availability in advance.
Another local scenic spot is the Charca de la Nieta. In the mid-1950s, it was remodelled and transformed into its present form as a pond. Together with the hiking trails, it offers several ways to enjoy nature: the protected landscape of the Tiétar Valley, the forests of Angostura, possible wildlife sightings along Piotea, and stargazing at the Mirador Estelar.
Folklore and festivals throughout the year
La Ronda del Cántaro and Las danzas del Maquilandrón are the two fundamental elements of Piedralaves folklore. Visitors interested in local traditions as well as scenery and hiking can get to know these two cultural touchstones.
The Luminarias are celebrated on the evening of 14 May, the eve of the feast of San Isidro. Bonfires are lit in different parts of town using gorse, broom and rosemary. The RomerÃa de San Isidro takes place on the weekend after 15 May and features horses, flamenco and a parade of floats through Piedralaves. If you plan to visit around these dates, check the details for the current year in advance.
The Calbotada takes place on the first weekend of November at Prao de San Roque. Chestnuts are roasted over a fire and stories are told. The Luminarias and the RomerÃa fall in May, while the Calbotada takes place in November; this distinction in timing can help you plan your trip around a particular festival. Each of the three dates brings together a specific time of year, its own customs and its own setting.
Discover more destinations: Villatoro, Crespos, Tórtoles, Ãvila, San Bartolomé de Tormes, Hoyocasero, Sanchidrián, Casavieja.
For the broader travel overview: Avila.
