Attractions and Places To See around Santiago Del Tormes - Top 20

The Refugio de la laguna Grande or Refugio Elola is situated in a strategic area, from here hikers have access to the highest peaks of Gredos such as Almanzor or La Galana.

Beware of bad weather; get good information before the ascent because from October to May it can be really problematic, especially in winter.

Valdecorneja Castle, located in El Barco de Ávila, is a medieval gem that dominates the Tormes River valley from a strategic, elevated position. It is one of the most emblematic monuments in the province of Ávila and a must-see for history and architecture lovers.

Visiting El Barco de Ávila is an excellent option for a cultural and natural getaway at any time of year. This medieval town, located in the Alto Tormes region and at the gateway to the Sierra de Gredos, combines history, architecture, landscapes, and gastronomy in a charming way.

Built on a Vettonian fort that was destroyed by the Romans, it was built in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 14th century. After being conquered from the Arabs, King Alfonso VI donated the Lordship of Valdecorneja to his daughter and son-in-law, Ramon de Borgoña, for repopulation. At the beginning of the 14th century, Henry II of Trastamara donated these lands to the House of Alba in the person of Don García Álvarez de Toledo. The House of Alba was responsible for building the castle. Grand Duke Don Fernando Álvarez de Toledo had his second residence here. During the Peninsular War, it suffered significant deterioration, not only due to the war itself but also because its stones were used to build private homes. The old interior arcade (which apparently formed a double gallery on the inside of the tower) was dismantled and rebuilt to provide arcades for the town hall building, located in the Plaza Mayor. Between 1851 and 1904, the interior of the castle grounds was used as a municipal cemetery, which further deteriorated its condition. Today, the exterior is in perfect condition after restorations carried out in 1985 and 2004, preserving its original perimeter. The pavement and part of the keep were repaired. Access to the monument is free, and visitors can see the well located in the center of the courtyard, a vaulted cistern excavated in the subsoil rock, and the ancient windows and oriel windows with double pointed arches. The courtyard is used for certain cultural events held in this town.

Great high mountain refuge with all services

This refuge, located at the foot of Almanzor at an altitude of 1,950 meters, is a guarded refuge located in the southern part of the Laguna Grande de Gredos. Opened in 1982, the shelter currently has 65 beds, as well as a dining room for breakfast and dinner, lockers, electricity and running water. It is the perfect place to spend the night if you want to do long routes in the vicinity of the circus. For conditions, reservations and rates, consult the page of the refuge: https://www.refugiolagunagrandegredos.es/

El Morezón is a peak located in the Sierra de Gredos. It is 2,389 meters high1 and is one of the peaks that make up the Circo de Gredos. It is located in the municipality of Navalperal de Tormes, in the province of Ávila. From its top you have one of the best views of the Circo de Gredos with the Elola Refuge and the Laguna Grande in the foreground and the most emblematic peaks of the circus —such as Almanzor, La Galana and Ameal de Pablo— behind it.