Cerro de Guisando

Cerro de Guisando is a protected conservation area in Ávila Province that rises to 1,310 meters at the eastern end of the Sierra de Gredos mountain range. The hill features pine forests, oak groves, and Mediterranean shrublands that cover its slopes and valleys.

The area gained its designation as a Special Area of Conservation under European Union directives to protect its local species and natural habitats. This protective status has preserved the site's ecological value and continues to guide its management today.

The eastern slope holds the San Jerónimo Monastery, which sits visibly within the natural landscape and marks a meeting point between two historic regions. The area reflects how people have lived alongside and valued this land for generations.

Several hiking trails wind through the pine forests and oak groves, offering chances to observe local bird species in their natural habitat. Visitors should bring proper hiking gear and be prepared for changing elevation and weather conditions on the slopes.

The area hosts breeding populations of black vultures, Spanish imperial eagles, and eagle owls that make their home among the cliffs and forests. These rare birds of prey attract bird watchers who hope to spot them soaring above the slopes.