The Sierra de Gredos extends westward from the Sierra de Guadarrama, the mountain range that serves as the backdrop for Madrid. Like the latter, it is part of the main mountain range of Castile, which divides the interior of the Iberian Peninsula into the northern and southern mesetas. The range begins at its eastern edge, where some Madrilenians have second homes, with relatively gentle elevations and transitions into rugged and alpine forms beyond the Puerto del Pico in the central part (Macizo Central), reaching peak heights of up to 2600 m (Almanzor at 2596 m). The western massif rises again as the Sierra de Béjar to 2400 m. Located about two hours by car from the Spanish capital and one hour from the medieval city walls of Ávila, the upper reaches of the Río Tormes host the most famous and frequently visited areas around the Circo de Gredos and the Cinco Lagunas for many Spaniards.