Gavilanes – Nature, Water and History in the Tiétar Valley

Gavilanes is located in the Tiétar Valley on the southern side of the eastern Gredos Massif, at the foot of Cabezo. Mountain gorges, hillside terraces, the Tiétar River and the diverse vegetation are considered part of Gavilanes’ natural heritage.

Nature

The Garganta de Las Torres originates at Puerto de Mijares at an altitude of 1,580 metres. At Labradero, it joins the Garganta de Blasco Chico, which is known as the Garganta de Los Chorrerones, and flows into the Tiétar River. The Garganta de Las Torres is considered rich in trout and features deep pools called El Calderas, El Negrillo, Laoysa and El Tudón. The Chorrera de Blasco Chico is a 30-metre-high waterfall visible from several kilometres away.

El Escurialejo is designated in Gavilanes as a natural bathing area and recreational area. Jarillas is a recreational area 11.5 kilometres from Gavilanes, at an altitude of 1,340 metres, where visitors can spend a day outdoors.

Hiking and Experiences

The GR180 is a 200-kilometre long-distance hiking trail that leads to Gavilanes. On the GR180 towards Mijares, the route follows the gorge beneath the valley forest, crosses a stream and then climbs along a winding mule track. Different route lengths can help with travel planning by distinguishing between day stages and longer projects.

“Música Sobre las Aguas” is a sustainable, cultural and participatory project in Gavilanes. “Música sobre las aguas” takes place there as a nighttime concert.

History and Architectural Heritage

Gavilanes originated as a medieval settlement and was granted its own title as a villa in 1792. After being elevated to villa status, Gavilanes remained associated with the House of Alburquerque until the 19th century.

The traditional houses of Gavilanes generally have three levels. Their lower storeys are made of roughly worked or unworked granite; clay bricks and wood are used for the middle storeys and the attic.

La Función was the traditional festival in honour of Saint Anne in Gavilanes and was historically celebrated after the harvest from 1 to 3 September with three days full of dances, processions, bull runs and capeas. Until approximately half a century ago, Gavilanes had five grain mills within its municipal area.

Cuisine

The El Gavilán restaurant maintains a family-style cuisine based on the grandmother’s traditional recipes, which has developed into more creative cuisine and a more elaborate pastry offering while preserving its tradition.

At an event in Gavilanes, the traditional dish “guiso del choto” was offered for eating together on site or for takeaway.

Further destinations: Piedrahita, Bohoyo, Santo Tomé De Zabarcos, El Fresno, Martiherrero, Blacha, Peguerinos and Narrillos de San Leonardo.

The authorised street market in Gavilanes takes place on Wednesdays at Plaza Reino de León.

For the higher-level travel overview: Avila.