Navalacruz is the name of the secret village in Spain where Íker Casillas usually hides from the press. It's a town with barely 200 inhabitants, located in the province of Ávila, that has become the former footballer's refuge. Isolated from the hustle and the flashes that have followed him for decades, this corner of Ávila represents an emotional connection to Casillas's origins.
During the most intense years of his career, Íker Casillas was always under media scrutiny. However, Navalacruz has remained a personal sanctuary, where he could reconnect with calm, family, and nature. What makes this village so special that a soccer legend like Casillas considers it his true home?
A discreet paradise that is part of Íker Casillas's personal history
Íker Casillas's bond with Navalacruz isn't a matter of chance. This small municipality in Ávila has not only seen him grow up, but has also been a silent witness to many of his most personal decisions. Here, the former goalkeeper has always found that necessary balance between fame and serenity, between the public icon and the private man.
Throughout his career, Casillas has firmly defended his privacy. It's precisely in places like this where he has managed to keep something so rare in his public life: anonymity. Navalacruz represents much more than a rural destination: it's his emotional refuge, the starting and returning point when the media world demands too much from him.
According to people close to the former footballer's circle, it's common to see him there during festive periods, special dates, or after difficult moments. In addition, he has been seen at village events, participating in celebrations or showing his involvement with the local community.
Unlike other celebrities who run from their roots, Casillas proudly boasts about his village. He does so naturally, without pretense, from a place of genuine emotional attachment. In this sense, his presence isn't invasive, nor is it excessive.
The neighbors, accustomed to his presence, have learned to live with his fame without disrupting the town's peaceful rhythm. It's a tacit agreement, a kind of silent pact where everyone wins: Casillas keeps his privacy and the village keeps true to itself.
Navalacruz, the village where Íker Casillas finds peace
Located in the heart of the Alto Alberche region, Navalacruz is surrounded by an impressive natural environment, which supports Casillas's desire to disconnect. With just 200 registered inhabitants (200), it offers a rural landscape where life unfolds with a tranquility that radically contrasts with life in Madrid.
In addition to being Casillas's birthplace, this village also saw the birth of Javier Fernández, the internationally renowned figure skater. Both athletes proudly share their roots in this Castilian enclave, which has managed to keep its authenticity over time. Although it's discreet, this place has much to offer those who visit it.
One of its main attractions is the Church of the Virgen del Rosario. This temple, with a sober style and great historical value, reflects the architectural essence of the area. It's also the heart of community life, where masses, processions, and traditional gatherings are still held, especially during the patron saint festivities.
But Navalacruz's greatest treasure is, without a doubt, its natural surroundings. Just a few kilometers (km) away is the Sierra de Gredos Regional Park, an area that offers trails, mountain routes, and surprising biodiversity. Casillas, who has always shown an affinity for the outdoors, has walked these paths on more than one occasion.
Those seeking a more historical experience can admire the village wall, a testament to its medieval past. Its cuisine also stands out, simple yet tasty, based on local products such as chorizo, grilled meats, and mountain cheeses. All this contributes to the village's special, authentic, and welcoming charm.
Íker Casillas has found in Navalacruz something more than just a place to rest: a refuge for the soul. This discreet village in Ávila represents his bond with the land, calm, and the essentials. Perhaps that's why he keeps coming back again and again to this quiet corner where he can simply be Íker.