Espacio Natural Sierras de la Paramera y la Serrota

Espacio Natural Sierras de la Paramera y la Serrota is a protected mountain area in the province of Ávila, in the Spanish autonomous community of Castilla y León. The Paramera and Serrota ranges form one of three main mountain alignments of the Sistema Central within this province, separated from the neighboring ranges by faults and gorges. The whole protected space covers roughly 41,000 hectares, of which nearly 22,663 hectares hold Site of Community Interest (SCI) status within the Natura 2000 network since 1998. This makes the area one of the more significant biodiversity reserves in central Spain, combining high granite ridges with extensive stretches of Mediterranean and Atlantic-influenced shrubland.

What are the highest peaks in this range?

The highest point of the entire area is the Serrota peak, reaching about 2,294 meters above sea level. In the Paramera range, the dominant summit is Pico Zapatero, at 2,158 meters. Both massifs are built mainly of granite, and their gentler, rounded shapes contrast with the steeper, rockier terrain typical of neighboring Sistema Central ranges such as the Sierra de Gredos.

What vegetation dominates these slopes?

The plant landscape here is dominated by shrub formations, chiefly broom species from the genus Cytisus purgans, accompanied by other legumes such as Genista cinerascens, Genista florida and Cytisus scoparius. On the lower slopes, patches of Pyrenean oak (rebollo) woodland still survive, a remnant of forests that once covered much larger stretches of the region. Of particular conservation value is an endemic plant found only in Serrota — Acanthorrhinum rivas-martinezii — which occurs nowhere else in the world.

Which animals live in this protected area?

The area is known for its rich and valuable mountain fauna. Among birds of prey, the golden eagle stands out, alongside other species characteristic of Iberian wildlife: the black stork, Egyptian vulture, little bustard, eagle owl, short-toed snake eagle, sparrowhawk and hobby. Among mammals, the European wildcat is present, along with an introduced population of American mink, plus small mammals such as the Pyrenean desman, the Iberian water shrew and other shrew species typical of high-mountain streams. Amphibians and reptiles include the Iberian fire salamander and various newt species, as well as the green lizard and the Iberian mountain lizard, for which the clean mountain streams and shaded, moist slopes provide a natural habitat.

What can visitors do here?

Sierras de la Paramera y la Serrota is a popular destination for hikers and mountain outdoor enthusiasts. A network of trails leads both to the summits and through valleys covered in shrub vegetation, offering views over the surrounding ranges and the Alberche river valley. The terrain is valued for its comparatively gentler trail profile compared with the neighboring, more demanding Sierra de Gredos, making it accessible to a wider range of visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is this area located? In the central part of the province of Ávila, in Castilla y León, near towns such as Sotalbo.

Does the area have legal protection status? Yes, part of the area has held Site of Community Interest status within the Natura 2000 network since 1998.

What is the highest peak? Serrota, at about 2,294 meters above sea level.

Can visitors go hiking here? Yes, the area offers a network of mountain trails of varying difficulty.