Natural reserve Valle de Iruelas, Protected nature reserve near El Barraco, Spain.
Natural Reserve Valle de Iruelas is a protected site in the Province of Ávila, spanning mountainous terrain with black pine forests and mountain streams. The reserve lies within the eastern Sierra de Gredos range and encompasses varied elevations supporting different forest types.
The area received official protection status in 1997, marking a turning point for land that had previously hosted industrial operations. This shift from resin and timber factories to a protected zone reflects ecological renewal in this mountain region.
The name Valle de Iruelas refers to the mountain streams that flow through this territory. Visitors encounter working landscapes where local stewardship and nature conservation efforts shape how people interact with the land today.
Visitors can enter the reserve through the information center at Poblado de Las Cruceras, where maps and orientation guidance are available. From there, marked trails guide visitors through different sections of the land, allowing independent exploration at your own pace.
The reserve hosts a major breeding colony of black vultures, a massive bird species that nests on cliffs and rides thermal currents high above the valleys. This designation makes it a significant site for observing these and other raptors in Spain.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
