We want to explore Ávila’s capital and admire its city walls, of course, but also its villages, where traditions from a bygone age live on. We’ll drive south towards the Sierra de Gredos Regional Park, drawn by its beauty and by everything we look for in a road trip: roads you’ll love driving along and outstanding natural scenery. Here are five villages where we’d stop along the way.

We can safely say that a road trip starting in El Barco de Ávila gets off to a strong start. Whenever you visit, you’ll find the mountains of the Sierra de Gredos on the horizon, the River Tormes flowing at the foot of the village beneath its medieval bridge, and architectural and cultural heritage well worth taking the time to explore. Make a note of the Puerta del Ahorcado and its city walls, Valdecorneja Castle, the Clock House and the Chapel of Christ. And always, always, save room for a generous serving of judiones — large white beans.

Don’t let its small size fool you: Navarredonda de Gredos is a place to remember. Take a leisurely stroll through its streets, where you’ll come across a church here (Nuestra Señora de la Asunción), a chapel there (Nuestra Señora de las Nieves) and, further on, the remains of an old Roman road. Take it all in at your own pace, even if you’re itching to set off along the trails that wind into the Sierra de Gredos. There are routes for all abilities, some of which will take you to places such as the source of the River Tormes or the natural beauty spot of Las Chorreras.

People come to Mombeltrán for its castle. Sturdy and imposing, it dates back to the mid-15th century. Although it could be in better condition, you can take a guided tour of the inside. It’s best to check availability with the Tourist Office before your visit. Make sure you leave enough time for photos: the surrounding countryside is spectacular. And while you’re here, take a little time to stop in nearby Cuevas del Valle and admire the towering peaks of the Sierra de Gredos above you.

A visit to Arenas de San Pedro takes you to the southern slopes of the Sierra de Gredos, in the Tiétar Valley. It’s also one of the towns that has long attracted the nobility. So don’t be surprised to come across buildings such as the Palace of the Infante Don Luis de Borbón, with its neoclassical architecture and status as an Asset of Cultural Interest, or Dávalos Castle. Despite several fires, the castle has stood here since the late 14th century and now hosts cultural events and exhibitions. Stay as long as you like, but don’t forget that the Cuevas del Águila are just a short distance away. Ask about them and treat yourself to a dazzling display of stalactites and stalagmites.

It’s impossible to talk about Candeleda without mentioning how easily your eyes will be drawn to its beautiful half-timbered houses. Their wooden balconies are filled with flowerpots, creating a vibrant, colourful scene. In the Plaza Mayor, you’ll find the most striking of them all: the Casa de las Flores, now home to the Tin Toy Museum. Afterwards, head out of town to discover places such as the Old Bridge, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Chilla, and the area’s gorges and natural pools.

To round off your trip in Ávila, you could stay at Sercotel Cuatro Postes, a 4-star hotel next to the Cuatro Postes viewpoint and around 10 minutes from the historic centre. It has parking and a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the city walls, making it a great place to unwind after exploring the province.