Walking in Sierra de Aracena

Day 1: Arrival in Aracena

Arrive in Aracena and at your first hotel. If time allows, climb up to the castle for your first glimpse of the surrounding Sierra or visit Las Gruta Maravillas renowned through all of Spain.
Hotel Essentia or Casa Rural Cinco Balcones

Day 2: Aracena - Fuenteheridos (14km/8.7mi)

Wander over gentle flower covered hills, passing through forests of oak, cork and chestnut with an olive grove here and there. This is the furthest south that chestnuts can grow in the Northern Hemisphere and it's unusual to see such ancient trees cultivated and protected. You will see happy, slate grey pigs foraging amongst oak trees nourishing their bodies.... ready for the most prized 'jamon' in Spain. Los Marines falls at just about the right time for lunch before walking on to Fuenteheridos.
Casa Tinoco - Breakfast

Day 3: Fuenteheridos - Galaroza (12km/7.5mi)

With more undulations the first part of this walk offers interesting terrain and so many wildflowers (for Spring walkers). A stop at the quaint little village of Castano del Robledo, is ideal for mid walk refreshments. The second part follows a tranquil river through shady woods emerging close to Galaroza itself.
Doce Canos - Breakfast and evening meal

Day 4: Galaroza - Almonaster (14km/8.7mi)

A slightly longer and more difficult day lies ahead only because of a steep climb and descent out of Canaleja on a part cobbled old way. The reward, however, is that wonderful views and gorgeous forests make up the trail and end at the exceptionally pretty town of Almonaster la Real.
Apartamento Rural Las Palmeras - Breakfast and evening meal in local restaurant

Day 5: Almonaster to Santa Ana la Real (13km/8.1mi)

It is no hardship to retrace one's steps this morning as the route seems ever more delightful in the freshness of a new day. It's a day of views as the route traverses the highest point in Sierra de Aracena and the scenery continues for the rest of the day.
Complejo Los Veneros - Breakfast and evening meal

Day 6: Circular walk from La Posada to Cortegana (12km/7.5mi)

Today you have the chance to follow into the footsteps of the Romans following an ancient road starting from Hotel la Posada de Cortegana and climbing all the way up to the castle to take in the spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. On the way back you will follow the river dotted with old ruins of watermills. From La Posada it is then a 2km hike to Finca bravo, which is where you will be staying for the night.
Finca Bravo - Breakfast and evening meal

Day 7: El Repilado and the Barranco Caliente (11km/6.8mi)

Enjoy a rest day, taking in the beautiful surroundings of your casa rural, with the option to visit a local farm where they rear the Pata Negra pigs for the special ham, or take one more walk, following the circular route starting from El Repilado. On this trail you will admire the typical landscape of the Sierra, passing through the sleepy villages of Los Romeros and La Canaleja.
Finca Bravo - Breakfast and evening meal

Day 8: Depart Cortegana

After breakfast, depart Aracena