September 2025 in Spain proved surprisingly warm, as if summer was reluctant to yield to autumn. While the air still holds the heat of the day and evenings bring a pleasant coolness, many residents of the country’s central regions are looking for one last chance to dive into refreshing waters, sealing their memories of the season gone by. Though coastal resorts are gradually emptying out, the real treasures for such farewell escapes are hidden far from the sea, deep in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. Just a couple of hours by car from bustling Madrid takes you into a completely different world, where time seems to slow down and nature reveals its untouched beauty.
We’re talking about the province of Ávila, specifically its mountainous area, famed for Sierra de Gredos. Here, in the municipality of Nava del Barco, lies a remarkable spot known as El Pozo de las Paredes. It’s more than just a waterhole — it’s a natural pool carved by the Barbellido River. Over millennia, its swift currents have sliced through granite rock, creating a deep basin of crystal-clear water hemmed between two sheer stone walls. The scene that unfolds before visitors is breathtaking: towering gray rocks clothed in moss, water so clear you see right to the bottom with trout darting about, and an ancient medieval bridge spanning the river. Once used for driving cattle across, today this bridge is a symbol of the area, lending the landscape a sense of history and completeness.
A visit to El Pozo de las Paredes is much more than just a swim. Around the natural pool there is a recreation area with picnic tables and even barbecue spots, making it a perfect place to spend the whole day with family or friends. In summer, a small bar opens where you can buy cold drinks. However, be prepared for the main challenge—the water temperature. It comes straight from the peaks of the Gredos mountains, so even on the hottest day, it remains icy cold. The sensation of plunging into this water is unforgettable: at first, the cold pierces your body, but in just a moment it’s replaced by an incredible feeling of vigor and freshness. It’s a kind of reset that washes away the fatigue and rush of city life.
This place is wrapped not only in the coolness of the mountain river, but also in an aura of mystery. Local legends say that mythical beings—’encantadoras,’ or enchantresses—dwell at the bottom of the pool. According to legend, they appear at the surface only once a year, at dawn on the day of San Juan, to comb their long hair with golden combs by the shore. This beautiful story gives the landscape an added cultural dimension, turning it from just a picturesque spot into a place of power tied to the ancient folklore of Castilla. Sitting on a rock by the water, it’s easy to imagine these enigmatic creatures, which makes a visit here even more atmospheric.
Reaching this natural wonder is easy. The most convenient route starts from the town of Navacepeda de Tormes. From there, a road stretches for about two and a half kilometers to a specially equipped parking area. After that, a short and easy walk will take you straight to the coveted pool. This accessibility makes El Pozo de las Paredes an ideal destination for a day trip. It’s a great opportunity not just to say goodbye to summer, but also to discover another side of Spain—untouristic, wild, and full of ancient legends, hidden in the very heart of the country.
