Subida al Nogal

The aim of the Active Tourism Competitiveness Plan (PCTA) is to support the Sierra de Gredos, and the Iruelas Valley, in their journey in converting the area into a high-end tourist destination. Furthermore, work is being carried out for both areas to become a 360º destination, which is important to overcome the current seasonality within a privileged nature framework aimed at creating tourist experiences.

The objective is to use the potential of their nature areas to economically promote these destinations by means of quality, differentiation and sustainability, - Sierra de Gredos Regional Park and Valle de Iruelas Nature Park- against a backdrop of individuality, nature, beauty and a series of products which make this territory a unique tourist destination to be experienced and enjoyed.

Our Bosques Mágicos (Enchanted Forests), the mushrooms and the fungi, the dark sky, the transhumance lifestyle and bird-life, are just some of the products that make us unique and that make Gredos and Iruelas what they are.

1.- ACTIVE TOURISM

Projects already in motion -one in the Sierra de Gredos and another in the Iruelas Valley- are the main goals of the Active Tourism Competitiveness Plan. Furthermore A vueltas con Gredos (Hiking with Gredos), and also Bosques Mágicos (Enchanted Forest), intend to be leaders in hiking, equestrian tourism and an attraction for mountain bike lovers, by means of a triple itinerary of great tourist interest.

Active Tourism

A vueltas con Gredos travels longitudinally across the Sierra de Gredos mountains pointing out all the available resources in the area and placing value on the complementariness of ecosystems, as well as on the tourist services provided in the area, including ornithological, mycological and astronomical routes and routes associated with transhumance, all of which are promoted by the Active Tourism Competitiveness Plan. A vueltas con Gredos is a route 260 kilometres long, to which we must add a high-mountain hiking variant for advanced users of approximately 90 kilometres.

The Iruelas Valley includes the Bosques Mágicos, a project which aims to connect the four villages making up the Nature Reserve, very close to the city of Madrid. In line with the aforementioned objectives and against the backdrop of active tourism, bird-watching can also be carried out in the Bosques Mágicos. Among the representative species we may find birds such as the Black Vulture and the Imperial Eagle, considering that they are found within the special bird protection area (ZEPA). We can also enjoy the unique environment close to the Burguillo marshes.
[INICIO]

2.- MYCOLOGY

The objective of the creation of a total of 14 routes is to promote mycological tourism, enabling the observation and collection of different existing species of mushroom and fungi in both protected nature areas.

Mycology

In this manner we seek new ways to enjoy nature and the environment through Active Tourism and more specifically with Mycology. To complement this, Spain's first Comprehensive Mycological Reserves will be created. They will be created in the form of protected areas where mycological observation and education will be the two essential values, complemented by the creation of a mycological guide for both areas with the aim of focusing all mycological tourist services around these resources.
[INICIO]

3.- TRANSHUMANCE LIFESTYLE

With its long standing tradition, la Sierra de Gredos is one of the largest transhumant stockbreeding territories in Spain. Our area holds one of the largest transhumance contingencies in Europe, being one of few territories where transhumance activity is in full swing. The flow of seasonal livestock passes through our area from Spring until Autumn, heading to Extremadura before the arrival of the Winter.

Seeing the livestock passing though the Roman paved road of Puero del Pico, through the Leon livestock trail is a synonym for tradition, history and culture, as well as territorial identity, authenticity and local heritage. All of these aspects make transhumance an ideal complement for tourism. This aspect of Gredos should be preserved and displayed, as well as the legitimate and genuine Avileña breed which, although gifted with great endurance, is better known for its tender and intensely flavoured meat -also being the first meat to achieve Specific Origin Designation in Spain- which provides added value to local cuisine.
[INICIO]

4.- DARK SKY

The bounties and magnificent conditions of the sky of the Sierra de Gredos mountains and the Iruelas Valley for star observation, makes this area a special place for practicing astrophotography and more specifically for the development of astro-tourism. The sky of the Sierra de Gredos mountains was awarded the Starlight Tourist Certificate from the ASENORG Association, which means our sky is recognized by UNESCO, given that it has the perfect conditions for star observation, as it is protected from light contamination.

These characteristics of the Gredos sky are a magnificent complement for the development of tourism in the area, given that we can differentiate ourselves from other nature areas. On the other hand, the PCTA will continue to support tourism growth related to Dark Skies, by means of the construction of a series of star observatories, as well as training Starlight guides to accompany tourists during this unique experience.
[INICIO]

5.- BIRD-WATCHING

Under this name, a marketing and promotional strategy for tourism in the area has been developed taking advantage of such a privileged location for bird sighting and watching -with notably diverse examples such as the Rock Thrush, the Citril Finch, the Imperial Eagle, the Black Vulture and the Bluethroat. This strategy will allow the implementation of 20 ornithological routes intended for bird-watching and for the appreciation of different types of existing ornithological species.

Furthermore, hide outs and ornithological observatories are integrated into these routes to facilitate the recognition and observation of birds and for specialized photography. Also, the idea is to coexist with Monfragüe National Park, due to its closeness, in order to collaborate in creating one of the largest bird-watching spots in Europe and a Mecca for ornithological tourism.
[INICIO]