We travel to the south of the province of Ávila to show you the charming town of Arenas de San Pedro, the perfect destination to enjoy tourism during your holidays.
It is located in what is known as the Tiétar valley region, and some parts of its land belong to the Sierra de Gredos Regional Park, so it is not strange to picture the beauty and diversity of its natural landscapes.
Due to its population, it is the third most densely populated town in the province of Ávila, bringing together in its fabric vestiges of other eras that will take you back in time, and through its monuments and places of interest, you will discover a good part of its magical history.
Are you ready to get to discover Arenas de San Pedro in depth? Here are some of the places you can't miss on your trip.
Among its heritage we find three places declared Sites of Cultural Interest. They are the Castle of the Condestable Dávalos, which you may have heard of with the reference to the Castle of the Triste Condesa, one of the greatest examples of Gothic architecture in Arenas de San Pedro, as well as the Palace of the Infante Don Luis de Borbón, which currently serves as an artistic space for exhibitions and concerts. The third place goes to the Sanctuary of San Pedro de Alcántara, which dates from the 18th century. As in the previous case, it also serves as an exhibition hall.
These are just some of the most outstanding places, but there are many more, such as the medieval bridge of Aquelcabos or the remains of the church of Los Llanos, which you can discover as you stroll through the town’s centre.
Not everything there is to see in Arenas de San Pedro is in plain sight, and proof of this is the Grutas del Águila, an underground gem located just a few kilometres from the town centre that will reveal natural formations more than fifty million years old. Undoubtedly, one of the activities you can't miss on your trip.
If it’s too hot and you like to enjoy nature, we suggest three plans to cool off: the natural pools of the Arenal and Arbillas rivers, and taking a dip in the Pelayos gorge, a plan especially recommended for families!
Finally, if you have visited all these places, you deserve a gastronomic reward, and what better place than Arenas de San Pedro to enjoy a feast of flavours and products.
Among the most outstanding dishes of its gastronomy we find migas (fried breadcrumbs) with fried pork rashers also known as torreznos, Castilian soup or stewed beans with chorizo, especially during the slaughter season. Try also if you can the stuffed piquillo peppers, and of course, enjoy a mouthful of tradition with a portion of suckling pig, traditionally enjoyed in this region.
These are just some of the typical dishes that, together with its fiestas, will make you discover Arenas de San Pedro in depth, which is why we encourage you to travel when its popular festivities are held, especially the one dedicated to its patron saint, the Virgen del Pilar, in September. And lesser known than its counterpart in Huelva is Castilla y León’s particular “El Rocío”, a pilgrimage known here as the Romería del Cristo de la Luz, celebrated in spring. We hope you enjoy it!
