THE SIERRA DE GREDOS

Just west of Madrid, the Sierra de Gredos is Spain’s secret heartland; a vibrantly contrasting montage of mountainous peaks, thundering waterfalls, verdant plains, fragrant fruit orchards and glacial lagoons. Although flanked by the world-famous cities of Madrid, Toledo and Salamanca, the Sierra de Gredos is little known, meaning you really do explore an undiscovered side of Spain. It offers a glorious mix of Alpine and Mediterranean scenery: olive groves, jagged mountains and fragrant lemon trees, all complemented by some of the most abundant bird life to be found anywhere.