FAQ

About the Gredos Centre

Frequently asked questions about the Gredos Centre

Where are we?

We are in the Centre of Spain at 2,5 hours by coach from Madrid, 2 hours from Salamanca and 1 hour from Ávila. That’s why our programmes can include visits to different Spanish cities.

                Click on the map to see a larger image 

How long is journey to and from the airport?

Our Centre is readily accessible. No more than 2,5 hours from Madrid airport. You will decide if to go to Madrid and stop for about 2,5 hours (he will pick you up later with the same bus, so you can leave your luggage on the coach) or to go straight to the Gredos Centre (it will normally depend on your flights times).

What is the weather in the area like ?

The Sierra de Gredos enjoys a Continental variation of the Mediterranean climate in that winters are cold but summers are hot and there is very little rain. The summer temperatures are less extreme than those experienced on the plains but can still reach 30+ºC during the day. This makes cooling off in the mountain rivers and pools a welcome relief if walking, and means the days are warm enough to spend lazing by the riverbank picnicking or barbecueing. The evenings and mornings are pleasantly cool. The weather usually warms up about mid June and cools down sometime towards the end of September or early October. There may be snow still on the high peaks into June.
Spring arrives later in the Northern Gredos valley, usually about May, when the meadows are full of wild flowers. Many of the slopes are carpeted with broom and the white broom is frequently seen.

Who runs the Gredos Centre?

GC is run by enthusiastic, dedicated and very motivated people led by a Head of Centre with wide experience. The team consists of teaching staff (an expert Geographer, Biologist and Spanish leaderships), domestic, maintenance and administrative staff.

What's the accommodation like (facilities and distribution)?

A further important factor is that our Centre is located 2 km distance from the nearest village, in a safe and quiet country area, in a private finca of 40,000m2, where children can relax, practise sports, have fun, after the day’s activities. The rural village of Navarredonda de Gredos, with 350 inhabitants, is at a safe walking distance from the centre (Kim).
The main building has a capacity of 56 people. The rooms can be for 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12 places. Bathrooms are shared between the main bunk rooms. We have a shared seating area with fantastic views of the Gredos mountain range, a plasma television for viewing films and documentaries.
Our wood cabin is independent from our main building. It’s fitted with 4 bunk beds and an on-suite shower room.
We also offer a Guest House, a fully equipped house, 15 metres from the camp site area.
Our facilities include classrooms building, swings, football, volleyball pitch and plenty of space to wonder and explore.


What's the food like?

Gredos Centre serves plenty of good wholesome food (with vegetarian and other dietary options available. Residential course fees include three meals a day and upon request mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack and menus change daily.
Eating Healthy Food Aids Learning. We also know about how the foods we eat everyday affect our health. That is the reason why we only cook with olive oil or we prepare our own bakery.

What equipment is provided?

Equipment for working out of doors is provided as an integral part of many courses. We have a number of well-equipped classrooms. Enough equipment to run fieldstudy programmes. Waterproof clothing and Wellingtons are available if required.
Look at “Our programmes” section to view further details.
Do we provide transport to and from the sites around Gredos Centre? Yes, although the diversity and easy access to the different sites is outstanding and unique to the GC, we provide two vans and 1 Land Rover with 8 seats each to help with the transport to and from the sites.

What do we offer?:

• Transport to and from Madrid or Madrid airport (stops in Madrid or Ávila included).
• Full board and lodging (all included)
• Inclusive courses at Key Stage3, GCSE, AS/A or IB Level and tailored to specific syllabus needs.
• An extensive range of maps, worksheets and fieldwork equipment to complement coursework.
• Highly experienced centre staff.
• A range of study options.
• A range of sightseeing and recreational options.
• Transportation for your planned programme of visits.

Who will meet us at the airport?

We always make arrangements for coach transport to and from the airport. The bus driver will meet your group at arrivals door with a sign with the name of your school.

Are all coaches and vans fitted with seat belts on every seat? 

Yes.

Does making a Provisional Booking put me under any obligation? 

 Not at all. Making a provisional booking only means that we can then advise you of what is available for your chosen dates. Accommodation, coaches and excursions can be in high demand at certain times of the year, so we strongly advise you to make a provisional booking early and to confirm as soon as possible so not to loose your dates.

What kind of a deposit do you require and when do you require this by?

We require a deposit (25 % of the final invoice) that should be paid 28 days after the time of booking. If you make a provisional booking only, your dates can not be guaranteed.

Can we go on an inspection visit?

Yes. We welcome prospective clients to visit us to confirm that Gredos Centre is the place for their field trip. If you would like to come and see the Centre for yourself please contact us and we can arrange a familiarisation trip.