Hiking and Heritage: Discovering the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park

Discover Andalusia with an 8-day stay in the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park. On arrival in Alájar, you’ll be welcomed at the Molino Río Alájar cottages. Enjoy an initial exploratory walk and take advantage of the open-air spaces of the rural site. During your stay, hike around 80 km of varied trails, ranging from 10 to 18 km per day. Pass through oak forests, visit typical villages such as Castaño del Robledo and enjoy local cuisine in renowned restaurants. Each hike offers breathtaking panoramic views and the chance to observe wildlife, including many species of birds. This tour combines nature, culture and gastronomy, offering a memorable experience in the heart of an authentic Spanish region. Self-guided hiking tour – 8 days – 7 nights – Departure all year round (except July – August), according to your availability and possibilities.

Program

Day 1

Molíno Río Alájar
From Seville airport, you can reach Alájar by car, bus or cab. After a 1h20-minute journey, you’ll arrive in the heart of the Sierra d’Aracena Natural Park, ideal for exploring nature and other villages (15-minute walk from the village of Alájar). You’ll be staying in the Molino Río Alájar self-catering cottages, complete with swimming pool and outdoor activities. On arrival, a reconnaissance walk and welcome dinner await you.

Day 2

Hippy Hike (14.20 km; +400m)
When you wake up, you’ll enjoy breakfast in your gite.
Then set off on a moderate circular hike through beautiful countryside, including oak forests and rural paths. You’ll pass through the picturesque hamlet of El Calabacino, before reaching the white village of Castaño del Robledo, where you can pause for a meal or a drink on the terrace. An authentic adventure in the heart of Andalusia awaits you.

Day 3

Circular Gorge Walk (13.80 km; 248m)
The Gorge Walk is a captivating walk in the Sierra d’Aracena, offering a variety of landscapes in a short space of time. You’ll discover dehesas with cork oaks, olive and chestnut trees, while observing Iberian black pigs and other farm animals. The trail follows a ravine and a peaceful river, and you can observe up to 100 species of birds, ideal for birdwatchers.

Day 4

Alajar – Linares de la Sierra – Aracena (13.12 km; +344m)
After breakfast, leave your luggage at reception and head for Linares de la Sierra, a village hidden away in the natural park. Here, you’ll have the chance to sample local cuisine at the Arrieros restaurant (Bib Michelin), run by Luismi and Adela, who use fresh ingredients from their vegetable garden. After this gourmet lunch, you’ll hike back to Aracena where, depending on your schedule, you’ll have time to explore the village, including the impressive “Gruta de las maravillas”, famous for its stalactites and underground lakes. You can also visit a museum dedicated to Iberian ham, with an interactive presentation on the production process and the importance of the dehesa.
If you prefer, you can also relax by the hotel swimming pool.

Day 5

Aracena – Valdezufre (12.5 km; +147m)
After breakfast, you’ll set off on a hike between Aracena and the charming village of Valdezufre, in the heart of the Sierra. The route takes you through landscapes of holm oaks, meadows and shady paths. The hike is pleasant and accessible, perfect for enjoying nature and the authenticity of mountain villages.
You’ll pass by a finca with toros bravos (bulls). At the end of the hike, you’ll arrive in the village of Valdezufre. In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to discover its traditional white houses, local cafés and peaceful atmosphere.
It’s also possible to enjoy a relaxing massage in your room (payable locally) before having dinner at your hotel’s restaurant (or in the village, depending on the season).

Day 6

Valdezufre – Zufre (17km; +268m)
After breakfast, you’ll begin a hike from Valdezufre to Zufre, a historic village with narrow streets and whitewashed houses. All perched on a hill overlooking the reservoir. On arrival, you can explore the picturesque streets, the old church and the Plaza Mayor, before relaxing in the village’s peaceful atmosphere and admiring the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 7

Zufre loop (8 km; +226m)
After breakfast, you’ll set off on a short loop hike around the Zufre reserve. This route offers breathtaking views of the lake and the Sierra d’Aracena, with peaceful scenery. You’ll have the chance to observe local wildlife, including waterfowl. On your return to Zufre, you can relax in the village and explore its historic streets before heading off to your next destination.

Day 8

End of the stay after breakfast.
Return by your own means or transfer organized by us.

Map

Practical information

Pick-up: day 1, in the afternoon in Alájar (or at Seville airport if you prefer an organized transfer). End of stay: last day (day 8) after breakfast. Possibility of a return transfer to the airport in the morning (day 8). Supervision : Self-guided, unaccompanied hiking. Accommodation: In rural gîtes, 4* hotels and rural hotels. You’ll stay in character-filled accommodations such as an old convent or a restored manor house. Luggage : Luggage transport is provided by our local partner: 1 large piece of luggage per person + 1 rucksack if necessary. Accessibility: From Belgium, direct daily flights from Brussels-Charleroi airport (CRL – SVQ) with Ryanair. Daily flights with stopovers from Brussels-Zaventem airport with several airlines.
From Seville airport, you can reach the first accommodation by :

  • Private or rental car: 90 minutes
  • Private cab: 90 minutes
  • Public transport: 2 hours

Hiking : The itineraries planned for this holiday are designed to give you time to fully appreciate the surrounding area. However, if you wish to take longer walks, route descriptions are available on site. Meals: For meals not included in the tour, there are always several restaurants close to the accommodation or in the villages we visit.

Dates

Your stay in the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park can be organized at your convenience, and departures are possible all year round (except July and August).

Prices

Below is the price list per person for the year 2025. The price depends mainly on the number of nights required, the type of room and luggage transport.

Double room Single room
With baggage transport Without luggage transport With baggage transport Without luggage transport
Stay 7 nights 745,00 € 695,00 € 1.295,00 € 1.195,00 €


Price includes :

  • 7 overnight stays (B&B, hotel and country hotel)
  • All breakfasts
  • Welcome dinner day 1
  • Transfer and transport of luggage from one village to another during the entire stay (only for Sierra trips).
  • Digital travel information (gps tracks, recommendations, extra activities…)

Price does not include :

  • Full hot lunch at the Arrieros gourmet restaurant on day 4 (€57.50 per person)
  • Other meals
  • Admission to the Caves of the Wonders of Aracena and the Aracena Ham Museum (€22.50 per person)
  • Entrance to Aracena Castle
  • Massage at the Valdezufre hotel (€45 per person, payable on site)
  • Return trip from your home
  • Transfers at the beginning and end of your stay*.
  • Personal expenses
  • Insurance

*Transport options (indicative price – subject to change in 2025) :

  • Cab Seville – Alájar: €170 (per group, up to 4 people)
  • Bus Seville – Alájar: €12 per person
  • Bus Higuera – Seville: €8 per person

From

695,00 

  • You travel on foot
  • Level : Medium
  • Possibilities : 8 days

Highlights

  • Available all year round (except July and August).
  • Immersion in an unspoilt natural park
  • Hiking in an untouristy area

In pictures