Easy-to-moderate walking with some ascents / descents, and occasional longer days.
The season for this holiday is:
01 March 2025 - 30 November 2025
Follow ancient trails between timelessly pretty villages to discover the Aracena Sierra: a landscape that is unspoiled, tranquil, and as bounteous as it is beautiful.
In this quiet corner of northwest Andalucia, black pigs roam free in cork oak and chestnut forests, while, nestled in the valleys, some of Spain’s most picturesque villages entice with their ornate architecture and antiquated way of life. Above the maze of cobbled streets, the ruins of castles and a mosque provide striking reminders of the centuries of conflict played out in this former border country.
Leading you across the Sierra from west to east, from historic Almonaster to tiny Alájar to vibrant Aracena, this rewarding walking holiday unveils all that is special about the region. Immerse yourself in its glorious countryside and breathtaking views, embrace traditional Andalucian life in the pretty village plazas, and dine on Spain’s finest Jamón Ibérico. In Aracena, don’t miss the Gruta de las Maravillas – a hidden fantasy world of limestone grottoes and subterranean lakes.
Visit in spring and early summer for woodlands and olive groves rampant with wildflowers, or in autumn as hundreds of varieties of wild mushrooms throng the forest floor, and wild boar and venison grace local menus. Whenever you travel, be sure to take your time: this Sierra deserves to be savoured.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
°C | 13 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 29 | 33 | 33 | 28 | 22 | 16 | 14 |
mm | 68 | 62 | 50 | 56 | 42 | 19 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 72 | 81 | 93 |
We provide notes for three excellent and varied routes around Alájar. These can be mixed and matched with olive-oil tasting, ham carving, and/or a guided walk – all provided by your hosts (pay locally).
La Peña circuit: 10km, 4.5hrs; ascent/descent 555m
Ascend to the pilgrim site of La Peña de Arias Montano where pleasant gardens, spring waters, and the Church of Our Lady of the Angels surround a superb viewpoint over Alájar. Your route continues uphill through ancient chestnut forests filled with birdsong and grazed by black pigs, with occasional widescreen vistas showcasing the Natural Park as you begin to descend back towards La Peña. Before returning to Alájar, there’s the option to take a short but steep ascent to another stunning viewpoint (add 1.5km).
Los Molinos circuit: 14.5km, 5.5hrs; ascent/descent 335m
This delightful, gentle route follows the course of the Alájar river, staying directly alongside its bank and passing the remains of flour mills which once used the power of the water to grind millstones. The real joy of this route lies in its tranquillity, and in the flora which lines your path.
Los Madroñeros circuit: 7.5km, 3hrs; ascent/descent 270m
A pretty trail to the tiny hamlet of Madroñeros via a quiet and scenic lane and across wooded slopes. Once all but abandoned, Los Madroñeros is being reclaimed as a weekend retreat for second homeowners. The return path to Alájar ascends on a small path from which views open out across the southwest Sierra.
We can only accept payment in GBP, but you can use this converter to find out how much the holiday equates to in your own currency.
7 nights: 01 March 2025 - 30 November 2025
Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above
Starting | Price | Single room |
---|---|---|
1 - 31 Mar 2025 | £975 | £305 |
1 - 30 Apr 2025 | £1045 | £305 |
1 May - 31 Jul 2025 | £1040 | £305 |
1 - 18 Aug 2025 | £985 | £315 |
19 Aug - 22 Sep 2025 | £1035 | £310 |
23 Sep - 27 Oct 2025 | £990 | £305 |
28 Oct - 23 Nov 2025 | £955 | £305 |
3rd & 4th person discount | -£200 | |
Single traveller supplement | £200 |
Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.
Room upgrades (£ per person per night)
Hotel Convento Aracena , Aracena | ||
---|---|---|
Special double (no twins): 01 Mar - 30 Nov 2025 | £22 |
Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room
Hotel Convento Aracena , Aracena (B&B) | Double room | Single room |
---|---|---|
01 Mar - 30 Nov 2025 | £90 | £163 |
Connecting travel options - flying via Seville
Outward route | Price per person |
Latest flight arrival time |
---|---|---|
bus Seville Plaza de Armas to Almonaster la Real (2h20) | pay locally | 1400 Mon-Fri |
taxi to hotel (1h45) | included | flexible |
Homeward route | Price per person |
Earliest flight departure time |
---|---|---|
taxi to Seville airport (1h15) | included | flexible |
bus Aracena to Seville (Plaza de Armas) (1h25) | pay locally | 1200 (2230 Sat & Sun) |
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