In the heart of Spain, in the province of Ávila, there is a nature reserve with leisure activities for the whole family. For hikers and nature lovers, the Valle de Iruelas nature reserve is a particularly relaxing and educational experience.
Valle de Iruelas was declared a bird sanctuary in 1991 and a nature reserve in 1997. More than 200 species of vertebrates and 150 species of birds can be seen here, including black vultures and imperial eagles. More than 600 plant species grow in the entire area of the valley.
The nature reserve is located near the town of Las Cruceras (Ávila) in the Sierra de Gredos, about 98km from Madrid and 42km from Ávila. You can get to the area on the N-403, which runs between Toledo and Ávila. From Ávila, take exit km97, from Toledo km95 and follow the signs for "Valle de Iruelas".
There are various hiking trails of different levels of difficulty:
PR-AV 21 Pozo de la Nieve
Total length there and back 3.7km
Difficulty medium
Average duration 1 hour 15 minutes
PR-AV 22 Cerro de la Escusa
Total length there and back 6km
Difficulty high
Average duration 3 hours
PR-AV 23 Toros de Guisando
Total length there and back 3km
Difficulty easy
Average duration 1 hour
PR-AV 31 Camino Valdedate
Circular route 17km
Difficulty medium
Average duration 4 hours 15 minutes
PR-AV 32 Camino la Cebrera
Circular route 9.7km
Difficulty medium
Average duration 2.5 hours
PR-AV 33 Camino Monte El Encinar
Circular route 8km
Difficulty easy
Average duration 2 hours 15 minutes
PR-AV 34 Camping El Burguillo
Circular route 14km
Difficulty easy
Average duration 3.5 hours
PR-AV 52 San Gregorio
Total length there and back 4.3km
Difficulty easy
Average duration 2 hours
PR-AV 53 Cerro de las Víboras
Circular route 3.4km
Difficulty medium
Average duration 1 hour 15 minutes
PR-AV 54 El Castañar
Circular route 4km
Difficulty easy
Average duration 2 hours
Map of the Valle de Iruelas hiking trails
For a short holiday, you can rent country houses (casas rurales). The pretty houses on the edge of the nature reserve were originally built for the workers of the timber factory in the 1950s. Prices and information about the country houses Valle de Iruelas.
Also a Camping site is available (well signposted).
Other leisure activities in Valle de Iruelas
In addition to hiking, you can rent horse canoes, sailboats and take courses, sunbathe at the reservoir (Embalse de Burguillos), go bird watching and fishing. There is also an adventure park.
