Mijares – Mountain Scenery, Trails and Local History

Mijares lies on a mountain slope in the Tiétar Valley, on the eastern side of the Gredos massif. When deciding whether the town is right for your trip, the main considerations are its mountain setting, hiking and mountain biking trails, bathing spots, and local history and festivals.

Mountain Scenery and Trails

The peaks of La Centenera and El Cabezo, along with Puerto de Mijares, flank the town; the mountain pass lies at an altitude of 1,570 metres. The valley, mountain slope, peaks and pass offer different points of reference for understanding the mountain landscape. Mijares has hiking and mountain biking trails with panoramic views. The sixth stage of the GR 180 runs from Pedro Bernardo to Mijares. It is 12.2 kilometres long and takes about three hours and 20 minutes. This approximate time helps you gauge the duration of this particular stage. Thus, trails with panoramic views sit alongside a hiking section with a stated distance and approximate duration—two different points of reference for planning your trip.

Bathing Spots in the Las Torres Gorge

Swimming offers a different focus from the mountain trails. There is a natural swimming pool in the Las Torres Gorge; Charco Lucero is a bathing spot in the same gorge. The bathing areas are unsupervised. If swimming is one of your selection criteria, take this into account when planning your trip.

Church, Threshing Floor and Historical Traces

Construction of the church of Mijares began around 1602. A sundial installed in 1770 can still be seen on its walls. The main altar from the former settlement of Las Torres was transferred to Mijares in 1773. The dates mark three distinct events: the start of construction of the church, the installation of the sundial and the transfer of the altar. There is also a well-preserved threshing floor on the outskirts of Mijares, in the direction of Casavieja. It complements the ecclesiastical traces with an example of rural heritage.

Festivals and Local Cuisine

Quintos takes place on the second and third weekends of March; a bonfire is lit in the square for the festival. Mijares’ main festival in honour of its patron saint, San Bartolomé, is celebrated on 24 August. The dates fall in different seasons: Quintos in March and the festival of San Bartolomé in August. If you want to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the programme for the relevant year.

Patatas al calderillo is considered a typical local speciality. The dish adds a culinary dimension to the landscape and cultural themes. If local cuisine also influences your choice of destination, it offers a specific point of interest.

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For the main travel overview: Avila.