Mr Evans says...
Beautiful walking in forested hills, mostly easy, but with a few stiff climbs. Good boots needed, and walking poles helpful
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Andalucia is well known among visitors enjoying its coastal resorts and mountains of the high Sierra Nevada, but in the far west lies the hidden gem of the Sierra de Aracena. This is 'green' Andalucia where villages are immaculately neat, white and adorned with azulejos; those beautiful blue and white tiles which Andalucia has long been producing. The proximity to Portugal caused centuries of battle over ownership leaving hills dotted with castles, streets ornately cobbled, churches painted and a blending of cultures, but Spain it remains.
Walking here is an easy and varied delight as you pass from one village to the next. The hills are lush and green with groves of cork, oak and chestnut. 'Dehesa' is the farming method; oak gives acorns, pigs love acorns, truffles thrive and so on. The land is beautifully maintained as are the trees which can be hundreds of years old. In Spring wildflowers are in abundance with orchids and peonies growing by the wayside as bright sunlight filters through the trees creating patterns on the lush new grass. Autumn brings on those rich golds and reds as the chestnuts mature, leaves turn and mushrooms poke through the warm soil. Above all, Andalucia is eternally blessed with water as it trickles along streams, springs from courtyard fountains and forms lakes in underground caves. With gastronomy high on the region's menu, Sierra de Aracena makes the perfect place to walk, eat and be merry!
Most days you follow our specially designed route using the many ancient paths linking villages in days gone by. Some are part-cobbled and worn smooth from centuries of use. Others are sandy forest trails wandering through neat, ancient groves of chestnut and oak. There is minimal road walking and only one end of day short transfer to accommodation. Each day is gloriously shaded; that dappled shade which plays with sunlight but protects from intense sun. Through the trees, glimpses of white villages and castles delight and surprise.
You will stay in an interesting variety of Andalucian accommodation comprising a restored townhouse with roof garden, Casas Rurales and a delightful apartment set around a lush courtyard.
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.
Casa Rural Cinco Balcones or Hotel Essentia
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
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
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
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
Today could be a semi rest day or you have the option of two add-on routes if you wish to walk further. It's another pretty, undulating walk leading to the stunningly located village of Alajar nestling beneath a vast outcrop of rock. A climb to the top of this (1 hour) La Pena de Arias Montana is well worthwhile followed by the walk on to your delightful Casa Rural.
Finca la Fronda - Breakfast and evening meal
Today your circular route will be completed by walking onwards to Aracena. The route continues to be attractive, but drier now with olive groves replacing the lush chestnuts. Linares en route entices a linger in one of the village bars…. or restaurants if it’s lunch you’re seeking. Onwards from Linares a steady climb returns you to the familiarity of Aracena.
Hotel Essentia - Breakfast and evening meal
After breakfast, depart Aracena
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat or email sales@headwater.com
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Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
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Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
Beautiful walking in forested hills, mostly easy, but with a few stiff climbs. Good boots needed, and walking poles helpful
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of , , and hotels
All breakfasts and 5 evening meals
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Luggage transfers between hotels
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts and 5 evening meals
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
