Gredos

Gredos refers to the Sierra de Gredos, a mountain range in central Spain that forms part of the Sistema Central. It lies mainly in the province of Ávila, within Castile and León, with extensions into Salamanca and Cáceres. The range runs roughly east–west, creating a high barrier between the Castilian plateau to the north and the Tajo River basin to the south. The highest summit is Pico Almanzor, standing at about 2,592 meters above sea level.

The landscape is characterized by rugged granite and metamorphic rocks, deep valleys, and a string of high-altitude lakes created by past glaciations. Climate varies with altitude, producing cold winters and cool summers, which support a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and winter sports.

Conservation and human use: The Sierra de Gredos contains the Parque Regional de la Sierra de Gredos, established in 1996 to protect habitats and wildlife while promoting sustainable tourism. Towns at the range’s edges, including Arenas de San Pedro, Hoyos del Espino, Navarredonda de Gredos, and Candeleda, provide access for visitors.

Flora and fauna: The area hosts pine and beech forests at higher elevations and is notable for montane fauna, including populations of Iberian ibex. It is also an important site for birdlife, including various raptors, and supports other species adapted to high elevations.