Circo de Gredos, Glacial cirque in Castile and León, Spain

Circo de Gredos is a glacial cirque in the Sierra de Gredos, in the province of Ávila, Castile and León, Spain. It is a large bowl-shaped depression surrounded by high granite walls, with a small lake at its base and several streams flowing down the slopes.

The cirque was shaped by glaciers during the last ice age, when ice carved out the bowl and left the moraines that now dot the landscape. In the early 20th century, it became a meeting point for mountaineers exploring the Sierra de Gredos.

The cirque is a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers, who often stop at the lagoon to rest and take in the views. Local shepherds have long used the surrounding pastures for grazing, and their presence is still visible in the summer months.

The cirque is reached by a well-marked trail that starts near the Plataforma de Gredos parking area. The hike takes a few hours and involves a steady climb, so bring water, food, and clothing for changing weather.

The cirque is home to the Laguna Grande de Gredos, a small lake that freezes over in winter and is often used as a natural ice rink by locals. The surrounding cliffs are a nesting site for the rare Spanish imperial eagle.