Pozo de las Paredes

Pozo de las Paredes is a natural rock pool in the municipality of San Juan de Gredos, deep in the Sierra de Gredos, in the province of Ávila. Formed by the Barbellido River not far from its confluence with the Tormes, it has long been a favourite spot for locals and visitors looking to cool off in the mountains.

What is Pozo de las Paredes?

It's a deep natural pool carved into the bed of the Barbellido River. The water is remarkably clear — on a sunny day you can see straight down to the riverbed and watch fish moving through the pool. The site takes its name from the two tall rock walls that flank it, sculpted by the river over centuries: "paredes" is Spanish for "walls."

How did the rock walls form?

The stone walls enclosing the pool are the result of centuries of erosion by water flowing down from the Sierra de Gredos. Fed by melting snow and mountain springs, the Barbellido River has cut a narrow, deep gorge through the rock here, leaving a natural amphitheatre where the current slows and gathers into a still, deep basin before continuing on toward the Tormes.

An old bridge above the pool

An old stone bridge stands above the pool, still intact and still in use — it can be crossed on foot, and in parts even by car. Locals often call it the "Roman bridge," though it doesn't actually date back to Roman times. Whatever its true age, the bridge gives the spot a historic feel and doubles as a natural viewpoint, offering the best vantage point over both the rock walls and the pool below.

Swimming in ice-cold mountain water

Pozo de las Paredes is a popular swimming spot through the summer months. Because the water comes straight down from the Sierra de Gredos, it stays cold even on the hottest days — for many visitors, that's part of the appeal. The pool can get busy at the height of the season, so arriving early is worth it if you want a quieter stretch of water to yourself.

Getting there and what to expect

The pool sits within the municipality of San Juan de Gredos, close to Navacepeda de Tormes, making it an easy stop while exploring the Tormes valley and the wider Sierra de Gredos. It works equally well as a swimming break or a photo stop — the combination of sheer rock walls, clear water, and the old bridge makes for one of the more distinctive views in this part of the mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim at Pozo de las Paredes? Yes, it's one of the more popular swimming spots in this part of the Sierra de Gredos, especially busy in summer. Keep in mind the water comes straight from the mountains and stays cold even in peak season.

Where does the name Pozo de las Paredes come from? The name refers to the two tall rock walls that enclose the natural pool carved out by the Barbellido River.

Is the bridge above the pool really Roman? Despite being popularly known as the "Roman bridge," it doesn't actually date from Roman times, though it remains well preserved and passable on foot.

Where exactly is this spot located? Pozo de las Paredes lies in the municipality of San Juan de Gredos, in the province of Ávila, on the Barbellido River, in the heart of the Sierra de Gredos.