Getaways and things to do in Southern Gredos — Tiétar Valley

Gredos' southern face descends into the Tiétar Valley, a region of Mediterranean microclimate where fruit trees, olives and figs coexist with crystal-clear gorges. Natural swimming pools are the main summer draw: Charco de la Olla, Garganta de los Infiernos, El Raso and Arenas de San Pedro pools welcome thousands each summer. The Cuevas del Águila, with cathedral-scale stalactite formations, are the essential underground visit. Horse riding through holm oak dehesas, climbing on Gredos crags, paragliding from mountain passes and gorge hiking exploit the altitude range between 2,500m summits and 400m valley floor.