Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Headwater
Navigation App
Andalucia is well known among visitors enjoying its coastal resorts and mountains of the high Sierra Nevada, but in the far west lies the almost unheard of Sierra de Aracena. This is 'green' Andalusia 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. A 10-minute transfer takes you to your accommodation.
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.
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.
After breakfast, depart Aracena
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 our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Headwater
Navigation App
