Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
15.0Kg CO2e
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 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 relax.
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. We made sure to keep road walking to a minimum to allow you to bathe and recharge in nature. 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 townhouses, a ranch like property, a secluded rural retreat with all year round natural swimming pool and a delightful apartment set around a lush courtyard.
Most days, you'll follow a specially designed route along ancient paths that once linked villages. Some are part-cobbled, worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. Others are sandy forest trails winding through old chestnut and oak groves. We've kept road walking to a minimum so you can fully enjoy and recharge in nature.
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.
You stay at Essentia.
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Hotel Essentia en Aracena is centrally located in Aracena, with views of the Castle ruins and the lovely Igleisa Prioral that sit on the hill overlooking the town and it's pretty cobbled streets. The air-conditioned rooms are stylish, modern and well equipped. There is much room to relax or you may want to go for a swim in the outdoor pool.
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.
You stay at Casa Tinoco.
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Casa Tinoco, is located next to the church and is a Casa Rural, which in Spanish means a country house. The rooms are typically furnished in a traditional style. The small and quaint village of Fuenteheridos, in the heart of the Sierra de Aracena, has a local history about the legend of the much sought after 'Tinoco Treasure' that is hidden somewhere in Casa Tinoco.
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.
You stay at Doce Canos.
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Aparthotel Doce Canos was built using only natural materials and is situated within the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park, overlooking forested hills and orchards. The rooms here are very traditional with unique features and all fully furnished with views of the area.
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.
You stay at Hotel Luz.
Hotel Luz, Almonaster
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Nestled in the heart of Almonaster, Hotel Luz offers an ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and charm for an unforgettable stay. Relax by the seasonal outdoor pool, unwind in the cozy shared lounge, or take in serene garden views from the lovely terrace. Each room is thoughtfully designed with a private bathroom with shower, a flat-screen TV, and air conditioning to ensure your comfort.
In the evening, savor 'Cena Casera'—a traditional homemade dinner that beautifully showcases the rich flavors of Andalusian cuisine and the warmth of its renowned hospitality.
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.
You stay at Complejo Los Veneros.
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Complejo Los Veneros is located on a hill in the Sierra de Aracena Nature Reserve and has a feel of a Venezuelan ranch. Surrounded by lush green forest, the rooms are colourful and modern. The property offers comfort with charming areas you can relax in, or take a dip in the inviting outdoor pool after your walk.
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.
You stay at Finca Bravo.
Finca Bravo is a farmhouse-style Rural Retreat on a 6 hectare plot with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. The evergreen trees of cork and holm oak provide year-round refuge to wildlife, especially birds which the area is particularly known for. The ecological apartments offer stylish and modern accommodation complete with large private terraces and a natural pool (open all year round).
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.
You stay at Finca Bravo.
Finca Bravo is a farmhouse-style Rural Retreat on a 6 hectare plot with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. The evergreen trees of cork and holm oak provide year-round refuge to wildlife, especially birds which the area is particularly known for. The ecological apartments offer stylish and modern accommodation complete with large private terraces and a natural pool (open all year round).
After breakfast, depart Aracena
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £246.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Seville airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1
Leisurely
Flights
available
15.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
