The corner of Ávila that not many people know about and is perfect for summer: a natural pool, trails, and up to 20 fountains

Some people hate the beach and avoid the seashore at all costs during the summer months, but that doesn't mean they can't find refuge from the heat elsewhere in Spain. Near the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, at the junction of Castile and León and Madrid, lies a town perfect for escaping the high temperatures: Piedralaves, located in the southern part of the province of Ávila.

This town is nestled in the Sierra de Gredos mountains, and in addition to boasting a beautiful historic center where you can see historical wonders, it's the perfect rural destination for the summer season. The heat isn't as intense as in other parts of the country (the average temperature in August doesn't reach 26°C), and it boasts natural settings of immense beauty that are perfect for escaping when the heat is at its peak.

Piedralaves, a summer retreat in the Sierra de Gredos

The town center of this municipality in the Tiétar Valley is full of stone houses, and although other architectural gems can be seen in the historic center, such as the Church of San Antonio de Padua or the Hermitage of San Roque, what most attracts attention in the town's street layout is the twenty fountains found throughout the town, which give the town a special charm.

The main attractions of Piedralaves are located on the outskirts of the city center, far from the Plaza de la Constitución or its Clock Tower, and the natural surroundings are magnificent. The town's main attraction is Charca de la Nieta, a sublime natural pool just a short distance from the village. Just a few meters away is another smaller pool, Charca de la Abuela, which is also ideal for cooling off in the summer.

The surroundings of the Sierra de Gredos and the Tiétar Valley are ideal for hiking trails that pass through incredible places. A clear example of this is the Corral de los Lobos Route, a magnificent nine-kilometer circular route with virtually no difficulty that can be completed in just two hours and is perfect for all nature lovers who want to explore amazing places.

The more adventurous can even visit nearby enclaves such as the Horcajo dam or even explore forests full of vegetation, all with very pleasant temperatures that make Piedralaves an unbeatable place to beat the heat of summer days.