Navasfrías brings nature and mining history together: the Sierra Minas route winds through maritime pines to former mines. The area also includes Pico Jálama, outside the town, the Río Águeda and historic sites within the municipality.
Hiking among pines and mining sites
The Sierra Minas route is 24 kilometres long. It is rated difficult for hiking and moderate for cycling. It passes through an extensive stand of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) to former mines with collapsed galleries, open-pit workings and spoil heaps; granite and slate outcrops are also found along the way. Check the distance and difficulty ratings locally again before setting out.
Some of the old smugglers’ paths also open up along the route from Casillas de Flores to Navasfrías. Oaks, pines, rockroses, heathers and wildflowers line the way to Navasfrías.
To Pico Jálama
The path to Pico Jálama leads from Navasfrías to a nearby peak outside the town. Its slopes extend across the municipalities of El Payo, Acebo and San Martín de Trevejo. Along the ascent is La Nevera, a preserved octagonal snow-storage chamber with walls made of dressed granite blocks.
The road from Navasfrías to Pico Jálama branches off at Puente del Bardal towards El Payo. As road conditions can change, check them before you travel.
Mining history and visitor experiences
The former Minas de Navasfrías are about five kilometres from the centre. Cassiterite, tungsten and iron pyrite were mined there from 1903 to 1975. The Mina Salmantina visitor trail passes through former wolframite, cassiterite and gold mines.
A guided tour of the Minas de Navasfrías includes the El Pozo Hondo, La Sentada Morales, El Pozo de las Vacas and La Segunda galleries. Check the current arrangements for mine visits before travelling.
River, ancient trees and cultural heritage
The Río Águeda crosses the municipality of Navasfrías, with ash and alder trees lining its banks. Protected oaks more than 500 years old stand in the Casa de Cuco area. Three early medieval graves carved into the rock are located in the Peñas Resbaladeras area.
The Fábrica de la Luz section links pools, waterfalls and quiet stretches of water between granite blocks with the ruins of a former power station. If you plan to swim there, check bathing conditions and safety locally.
The Semana Cultural Manuel Ramos Andrade honours Manuel Ramos Andrade, a local resident, patron and supporter of the Casa Lis Museum. The name thus recalls his connection to Navasfrías and his cultural involvement.
El Bardal and nature topics
The El Bardal recreation area includes sports grounds, swimming pools, a restaurant, a nature interpretation centre and a multipurpose bullring. As the description of the facilities is undated, check the availability of individual services before travelling. The Navasfrías Nature Interpretation Centre covers local mycology, mineralogy, botany and wildlife.
Discover more destinations: Molinillo, La Maya, Mozárbez, Aldealengua, Moriscos, Fuentes De Oñoro, Carrascal Del Río, Valdelamatanza
Back to the main travel guide: Salamanca.
