Five charming towns to explore and enjoy in slow motion
The Sierra de Gredos can be enjoyed in any season of the year. In summer it allows you to cool off in the shade of its icy pools, in autumn it is optimal for walking while we collect chestnuts, mushrooms and other fruits of the forest, in winter it is ideal for eating a good spoon dish in the heat of a fireplace and in idyllic spring to be amazed by the greenery of its vegetation.
Specifically, the Five Villas that rise in the valley of the Tietar River are linked by a circular path (the PRC-AV49 ) suitable for both mountain biking (about two hours) and hiking (between five and six hours). The total length is 17 kilometers, in which we will find drinking water sources at all times, as well as the remains of the Roman road that goes up to Puerto del Pico and the stone rolls of each town, raised mostly to immortalize their independence or, in the less pleasant cases, as ancient places of popular execution. We are talking about a route of medium difficulty, mainly because of the slope that there is to climb from Mombeltran to Cuevas del Valle or, above all, to Holy Cross of the Valley , depending on the direction of our expedition.
Whether we plan to do it on foot, by bicycle or by car (weekends are also for resting), we are ready to explain what you cannot miss in each of these towns.
The Roman road that goes up to Puerto del Pico
CAVES OF THE VALLEY
Possibly the most beautiful of the five, mainly due to the flowery balconies that adorn Calle del Ayuntamiento Viejo, Calle Real and Calle de los Arcades , where the houses compete every year to see which one has the most spectacular façade, as evidenced by the tile-shaped awards that shine on their doors. Especially bucolic is also the so-called "enchanted Forest ”, natural garden next to the River Pasaderas . In summer the water is dammed to be able to enjoy its natural pool, and the Asador El Pontón opens its doors at the same time that it indicates with wooden signs the denomination of all its plants. At the foot of the road we will find the El Portazgo restaurant, open all year round, with a wide range of homemade food and its irresistible hamburger menu.
Castle of the Dukes of Alburquerque
MOMBELTRAN
The largest and most important, nicknamed in the area commonly as 'La Villa'. That's where they inaugurated the Intereconomy Street and where the contestants of Summer Camp The summer months of 2013 passed (at the foot of the bathing area known as Playas Blancas), causing in both cases the division of opinions among their neighbors. Television controversies aside, the first thing that catches Mombeltrán's attention (especially if we arrive at night) is its majestic Castle of the Dukes of Alburquerque, on the top of the hill that is in the outskirts. The church that stands in the center of the town is also worth visiting. And if we get hungry here, we should go to the Rincón del Ángel restaurant.
Angel's Corner
SANTA CROSS OF THE VALLEY
The town with the most debt per inhabitant in Spain . After climbing the slope of curves that separate Santa Cruz from Mombeltrán, we will realize that the climb has been worth it, even if it is for the panoramic views that we will have of the entire valley and of the other four towns. We can enjoy them having a drink on the terrace of the Enredos bar, or while we wander through its streets to discover its welcoming Plaza Mayor and the interesting paintings that adorn some of its facades, with a replica of Picasso's Guernica included.
Tietar Valley from Puerto del Pico
SAN ESTEBAN OF THE VALLEY
If you are one of those who loves town festivals, this is your place. The celebration of Vítor a San Pedro Bautista (from February 5 to 11 and July 7 to 8) was declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest. Night processions and horse races accompanied by torches, torches, chants and, of course, finished off with performances by pachanguera orchestras make all the residents of the valley come to celebrate from early in the morning until late at night. And if we like generous portions on the table, we can't stop going to eat at the oliver bar, with steaks, roasts (prior reservation) and its famous cheesecake.
VILLAREJO OF THE VALLEY
If we go in summer we will find an oasis in The vitillo, the natural pool on the outskirts of town, where we can cool off and try the priceless paella they make in their beach bar, just as we told you about in our report on the best pools in Gredos. But throughout the year, the Peak Port , located in this municipality (although about 15 minutes away by car), receives hundreds of visits from mycology enthusiasts, hikers who dare to climb to the top of the rock known as El Torozo or climbers who come to its base to practice on one of its routes. In any of the modalities, everyone pays their well-deserved tribute at the end of the excursion in La Parada del Arriero, only restaurant built in this area. Unbeatable value for money, where to taste its monstrous Avila steak or, in season, boletus recipes (salad, grilled, croquettes...) while we enjoy the panoramic view of the valley. It is advisable to book in advance.
Follow @ketchupcasanas
The Muleteer's Stop