Modeled by erosion in bygone glaciers times, Sierra de Gredos, south of Castilla y León, is presented as a spectacular succession of lagoons, circuses, gorges, cuchillares, cliffs, galayos and moraine deposits. It is the stronghold of the ibex.
The Central Cordillera is presented as an elongated ridge that rises in the center of the Iberian Peninsula and serves separating the basins and plateaus of the Douro and Tagus rivers. In the intermediate sector, particularly in the southern part of the province of Ávila and as a heavy and impenetrable granitic seawall, the Sierra de Gredos rises. In its rugged and vertical relief of acute peaks, gaps and step outbounds stand out the circus and Big Lagoon Gredos. Both are of glacial origin and appear headed for the peak Almanzor, stone colossus, with its 2592 meters, is the highest point around the Central System.
If the relief turns Gredos into a beautiful and spectacular mountain, from the biological standpoint its habitat offers one of the most interesting places in Western Europe.
Due to its geographical location, the steep slopes and the different orientation of its slopes, Sierra de Gredos can be seen as a haven for flora. The various plant species are distributed in overlapping floors that reaches its climax in the alpine zone, most interesting of all because in it are located a large number of endemic flora. Also within the wildlife, the Sierra de Gredos is known for its endemic species: a mammal, three reptiles and two amphibious. The ibex, the salamander of Almanzor and the common toad of Gredos are most relevant.
Alongside these environmental values, the area of Gredos boasts an interesting compendium of places where history, art and tradition have left an indelible mark. Between them stands the Roman road from Puerto del Pico and numerous villages in the area.