Between Sevilla and the Portuguese border, La Sierra de Aracena is a land of glorious woodland and far-reaching views, of soft, rounded hills and crystal-clear streams. It is not dramatic (the highest point is 915 metres), just delightful! With an extensive network of footpaths and centuries-old drovers' tracks, by far the best way to explore the Sierra is on foot.
Meander leisurely through the hills and picturesque valleys, the beautiful chestnut forests giving way to magnificent cork-oak woods. Always, there's a marvelously green and verdant feel. Along the way you will pass through friendly, workaday villages where people continue to live in harmony with the land.
There's no need for a guide as we provide you with detailed, up-to-date walking notes and maps. This is a holiday which can be enjoyed by both energetic and not-quite-so energetic walkers. We give you several options; you choose whether you want to do strenuous or easier walks.
Stay each night at one of the delightful, self-catering cottages at Molino Rio Alájar in one of the most picturesque parts of the Sierra. We offer a complete package which includes your accommodation and a splendid food hamper which has everything you will need to prepare your breakfasts and picnic lunches. That way, you are completely free to eat what - and when - you want to! There are plenty of excellent local restaurants to choose from for your evening meal, where you will no doubt try some of the wonderful local dishes, including the world famous acorn-fed hams. Or, just rustle up a delightful supper in your own cottage kitchen.
Your Hosts, Peter and Monica Mulder |
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Peter and Monica, originally from Holland, are lovely people, the perfect hosts! Over the years they have created a great holiday destination in fantastic surroundings. Both the setting and the cottages, constructed wherever possible from reclaimed materials, are wonderful.
Unobtrusive, yet warm, friendly and obliging, they are famed as much for their hospitality as for their excellent taste and style.
They will be around to help you plan your day and, of course, to talk you through the day's walk that you have chosen.
You'll have a very special holiday thanks to their love of their adopted land.
The Sierra de Aracena Natural Park |
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La Sierra de Aracena is, without doubt, one of Spain's most beautiful and unspoilt mountain regions.
A land of beautiful woodlands, the forests give way, here and there, to small groves of olives or walnuts and to orchards of apples, plums, peaches and figs. Distant, rocky escarpments are covered in cistus and heather. In Spring, an incredible profusion of wild flowers carpet the meadows and clumps of peonies grow in the shade of the chestnut trees. It is almost reminiscent of a perfect day in the English countryside - with the timeless Andalusian way of life as an extra, and very special, bonus.
The combination of altitude and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean has given this land a unique microclimate, fresh and sunny, and it is this which enables the magnificent groves of chestnuts and oaks to flourish. It is a climate which is ideal for walking … or just taking it easy.
For nature lovers it's a dream location. Quite apart from its marvelous and diverse flora and fauna, the hills are home to a big rabbit population, which provides the staple diet of carnivores like the rare black vulture, weasels, stone martens, badgers, polecats, and wildcats. The woodlands play host to over 85 species of birds, who reside here or migrate through the sierra. These include imperial eagles and black vultures.
Quiet and very relaxing, the Sierra de Aracena still provides a taste of 'real' Spain. Its rich Moorish heritage - evidenced by the hilltop castles seen above several of the villages - together with its splendid scenery, its unique cuisine and charming villages, make it an ideal destination for those who appreciate traditional, out of the way areas. People here are by nature, friendly and outgoing; life is easy, definitively Andalusian.
Miles and miles of cobbled
paths and ancient mule tracks criss-cross the Natural Park, meandering
through the pretty, wooded hillsides, linking together the
charming, whitewashed villages, their rural economies still reliant
on the production of quality cured hams, chestnuts and cork.
The character of these villages has changed little over the centuries, their history reflected in their architecture and the landscape surrounding them. There is no heavy industry in the Sierra, the lack of which is most evident in the quality of the air - clear and fresh - with only the fragrances of wild mountain thyme, rosemary and pine to compete with each other.
Here, on your walks, you will pass along Roman cobbled tracks, glimpsing abandoned watermills and ancient hill forts left by the Moors. You will see mules ploughing small allotments, hear the ringing of goat bells among the oaks and chestnuts, and the bubbling of the many streams and springs which abound in these hills.
Turning your eyes to the skies you will see patrols of vultures and other birds of prey circling around, busy bee eaters and hoopoes flitting about, and if you're lucky, a flash of blue kingfisher skimming the surface of a river. It's perfect walking country!
Whatever the season the Sierra has something to offer its visitors. Springtime brings an incredible profusion of colourful wildflowers: irises and orchids, peonies and gladioli. Summer is fiesta time, when the deserted village streets, slumbering in the heat, suddenly spring to life as the gentle night breezes bring their welcome relief, and people spill out into the squares to sip ice cold beers.
With the late autumn rains the parched dusty earth takes a welcome drink, and within days the Sierra is lush and green again. The herds of black Iberian pigs grazing among the groves of cork and holm oak feast on the falling acorns. Sweet chestnuts and the much prized wild mushrooms abound in the woods. Glorious colours captivate as the leaves of chestnuts and poplars, walnuts and figs, turn from green to gold, red, rust and brown. Many believe that there's nothing better or more exhilirating than venturing out on a clear, bright winter's day.
Your cottage at El Molino de Alájar |
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Situated among some of the finest scenery to be found anywhere in Spain, amidst cork oak and chestnut forests, these six cottages provide an extremely comfortable retreat in a unique and very beautiful setting. Each is traditional in design, rustic in style, beautifully furnished, well equipped and all have private terraces.
Enveloped in a wide bowl of densely wooded mountains, birds and crickets singing contentedly and not a car in sight (or in earshot), their secluded location in the midst of all this beauty is difficult to beat.
Winner of the Huelva Province Tourism Award for 2002 and accredited as "Quality Accommodation" by both the Spanish and Andalusian Tourist Boards, the six stone cottages stand on raised ground on the right bank of the river, commanding magnificent views over the valley and surrounding hills. Carefully designed and constructed to look and feel like they have been there for years, they are very pleasing on the eye and the attention to detail is superb.
Inside, the decor is really great and they are super-comfortable. One client described them as "like a film-set". The warm, amber light is enhanced by the dark golden and honey hues of chestnut beams and windows and the reddish tones of hand-made clay tiles. Great care has been taken, too, over the furnishings. All of the cottages have television, DVD and CD player, and, with one exception, a telephone. There is a good selection of DVD's and music CD's in the Sala Común to choose from.
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Shared facilities include a spacious and welcoming, wood-beamed communal room which has a sitting / dining area in front of a large open fireplace. There is a splendid 11 x 5.5 metre swimming pool where you can enjoy a dip under the dappled shade of the ancient oak tree or enjoy the sunshine lounging on the grassy bank. And there is now an artificial grass tennis court for clients to enjoy, inclusive of night lighting (there is a small charge if you want this switched on). Please bring your own equipment (raquet, shoes etc) if you wish to use this facility. You can pick your own vegetables from the well tendered organic vegetable garden and firewood is provided free of charge. Donkeys can be hired for guided treks through the countryside.
For more information and photos of "El Molino de Alajár ", click here.
A short walk from your cottage, along country lanes lined with stone walls, takes you to the pretty village of Alájar with its white houses and winding, cobbled streets. It is renown locally for the cosiness and character of its bars and restaurants.
Our Walking Holiday at El Molino de Alájar
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The programme is available throughout the year (subject to there being a cottage available for the dates you want). In the summer, (from 1st July to 15th September) the minimum stay is one week; during the rest of the year the minimum is four nights.
For a couple, we offer the cottage "El Buho" which sleeps 2. If this particular cottage is not available for the dates you want, but one or more of the larger cottages is available, you can take one of these instead, for a supplement (see prices below).
Obviously, for four (or more) guests, one of the larger cottages is a suitable option.
El Buho sleeps 2 : All on one floor, it has an open-plan living / sleeping room (with a double bed) with a wood burning stove, an en-suite bathroom, kitchen (with oven and hob) and its own furnished terrace. Facilities include TV, DVD/CD player and a telephone.
El Aguila sleeps 2 and 2 children : Ground Floor : open-plan living / dining room (with open fireplace and underfloor heating / kitchen (with oven and hob); double bedroom with en-suite bathroom; furnished terrace. First Floor : mezzanine galley bedroom with two single children's beds (accessed by a spiral staircase). Facilities include TV and a DVD/CD player.
La Tortuga sleeps 4 : All on one floor it has a living room with woodburning stove, a kitchen, two bedrooms (one double and one twin) and a furnished terrace. Facilities include TV, DVD/CD player, telephone and underfloor heating.
Zoya sleeps 4 : All on one floor it has an open-plan living / dining room (with open fireplace / kitchen (with oven and hob). Two bedrooms (one double, one twin bedded, both with en-suite bathrooms). There is a furnished terrace. Facilities include TV, DVD/CD player, telephone and underfloor heating.
La Cigüeña sleeps 4/6 : Ground Floor : open-plan living / dining room (with open fireplace / kitchen (with oven and hob); bathroom; outside entrance to double bedroom with en-suite bathroom; furnished terrace. First Floor : mezzanine galley bedroom with four single beds (all 2m length). Facilities include TV, DVD/CD player, telephone, a piano and underfloor heating.
El Conejo sleeps 4/6 : Ground Floor : open-plan living / dining room (with open fireplace / kitchen (with oven and hob); bathroom; double bedroom with en-suite bathroom; furnished terrace. First Floor : mezzanine galley bedroom with four single beds (3 are 2m length, 1 is 1.8m). Facilities include TV, DVD/CD player, telephone and underfloor heating.
Dates and Prices, 2008 & 2009 |
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Prices are inclusive of • Accommodation in one of the self catering cottages at El Molino de Alájar and use of the facilities there, for example, the swimming pool (in season), the communal room, outside terraces, gardens and grounds, laundry room, car parking etc. • A foodhamper with all you need to prepare your breakfasts and picnic lunches • Walking Guidebook • Information about the local area, the best places to visit, best places to eat etc • All the help and advice that you want from Peter, Monica and their staff.
Price (per person, per night) |
Cottage
El Buho
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Cottage
El Aguila |
The Larger
Cottages |
Single Person |
£ 110 |
N/A |
N/A |
Couple |
£ 65 |
£ 75 |
£ 85 |
Four Guests |
N/A |
£ 50 |
£ 55 |
Six Guests |
N/A |
N/A |
£ 45 |
Note : Dinner is not included. Choose between making your own (all cottages are self catering with excellent kitchen facilities), or eat out in one of the five restaurants in the village of Alajár (1 km away), or further afield if you prefer!
Note : We strongly recommend that you hire a car for the period of your stay. Getting from Sevilla (recommended), Jerez de la Frontera, Málaga or Faro (in Portugal) airports is easy by car, a bit of a nightmare by public transport. A car is also essential to get around and about whilst you are here. For details of our hire car providers, click here.
This programme is available throughout the year (subject to there being a cottage available for the dates you want). In the summer, (from 1st July to 15th September) the minimum stay is one week; during the rest of the year the minimum is four nights.
To book your walking holiday either phone us on 0034 958 763381 or send an e-mail. A deposit of 25% (usually by Credit Card) secures your reservation. We will send you your Holiday Confirmation and full details by return. The balance is due 4 weeks before your holiday begins.
Our suggested packing list will be e-mailed to you when you book. The detailed walking guidebook will be waiting for you on arrival at El Molino de Alájar.
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All of the routes are circular, five of them starting (and finishing) at El Molino de Alájar, one starting in Aracena (15 km away), and the other starting in Almonaster La Real (also 15 km from the Molino, but in the opposite direction).
The Mill Walk |
circular walk, 11.5 km |
A perfect "first walk" it runs for the most part parallel to the Rio Alájar. You will see several old watermills (most of them now in ruin) on the right hand bank of the river. Later you pass through meadows, oak and cork trees, with wide views extending over the beautiful landscape, before returning to the Molino once more along the bank of the river.
Linares to Madroñeros Walk |
circular walk, 12.5 km |
Another great walk which will take you through the classically beautiful village of Linares and later, through the abandoned hamlet of Los Madroñeros. On this walk you will see many of the black pigs, famous throughout the world for their excellent hams.
In Linares choose between lunching at "Restaurant Arrieros", one of the best in the Sierra de Aracena, or from one of several excellent tapa bars. You will return to the Molino along the higher footpath which links Alájar with Linares.
The Castaño del Robledo Walk |
circular walk, 15 km |
An exceptionally varied walk, passing through lush green orchards bounded by dry stone walls, arid hilltops and along Roman footpaths beneath giant cork oaks.
Lunch (and beer) stops are available either at the village of Santa Ana La Real (after five km), or in the village of Castaño del Robledo (after 10 km), before heading back to Alájar.
The "Hippy Hike" |
circular walk, 13.5 km |
This round trip takes you to the hamlet of El Calabacino, known locally as the "hippy village" as well as through Castaño del Robledo. The first part of the walk is uphill (with great views).
After passing through El Calabacino you will cross a chestnut forest before arriving at the Hermitage of Arias Montano (there's an excellent restaurant and bar here as well as fabulous views across Alájar). Your return from here to the Molino can be either via Alajár or Calabacino.
The "Long March" |
circular walk, 21 km |
A wonderful walk that connects the four villages of Alájar, Fuenteheridos, Los Marines and Linares. The first part is uphill, via the Hermitage of Arias Montano on your way to Fuenteheridos. This lovely village has a splendid square famous for its twelve fountains.
Continuing on through woodlands and forests you will arrive first at Los Marines before descending to Linares. All four are picture-postcard white villages with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from for your lunch break.
Aracena to Corteconceptión Walk |
circular walk, 11 km |
Starting from just outside Aracena (15 km from the Molino) you will pass by vegetable gardens, cross the stream of Arroyo de la Fuente del Rey, taking the trail on through oak meadows and pollarded chestnuts before the church tower of Corteconceptión appears. Here there are various possibilities for something to eat or drink.
On the return leg you start off with a good, bracing climb before continuing on through cattle country with marvelous views, then on to Aracena, capital town of the Sierra.
The Almonaster to Cerro de San Cristobal Walk |
circular walk, 14 km |
Some 15 km to the west of the Molino, Almonaster La Real is arguably the most beautiful of all the villages in the Sierra. This is your starting point for the walk. We recommend that you take time to visit the Mezquita, a 10th Century mosque, which stands on a hill overlooking the village.
A cobbled donkey trail takes you out of town, passing by an impressive ruin of a huge mill. From here you climb up to the highest point in the Sierra, the Cerro de San Cristobal at 915 metres. The reward for your efforts are fantastic views across the Natural Park. The walk continues through the hamlets of Arroyo and Acebuche, before returning to Almonater La Real, where there are a variety of places to eat and drink to choose from.
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The walks are designed to be enjoyable, varied and challenging, but well within the capabilities of anyone who walks on a regular basis. Some walks, of course, are longer and more arduous than others but because we give you several options, you can choose between strenuous and easier walks. Which means this is a holiday which will be enjoyed by both energetic and not-so-quite-so energetic walkers!
Because this is a self-guided rather than a group walking holiday, you can choose whichever dates suit you best, subject to there being a cottage available at Molino de Alájar.
El Molino de Alájar is an easy 90 minute drive from Sevilla airport. Ryanair offer daily, direct flights from Stanstead to Sevilla; British Airways also have daily flights from Gatwick as do Iberia from Heathrow. Aer Lingus fly to Sevilla twice a week from Dublin.
Jerez de la Frontera (2½ hours away), Málaga and Faro on the Algarve Coast in Portugal (both 3½ hours away) are other alternatives. Let us know which airport you are flying to and we will send you the appropriate directions. There are links to airline web sites on our links page
We highly recommend that you hire a car for the duration of your holiday. Prices are low during the walking season and having a car will give you flexibility and get you to the starting point for two of the walks, to restaurants etc, with a minimum of hassle. Click here for information about our car hire services.
There is every reason to expect the delightful Andalucían sun to shine during your holiday. However, there may be showers during Winter, Spring and Autumn. Temperatures range from 10C to 15C degrees in early March to 30C or 35C degrees in July and August.
The most popular months for walking in the Sierra de Aracena are Autumn and Spring, although winter can be a marvelous time to be out in the hills. July and most of August can be hot, for some, too hot for serious walking. With luck, you will have clear, sunny days throughout your holiday but it is always a good idea to assume that you may see some rain.
The single most important items are a pair of comfortable walking boots and a water bottle. It can get cold, especially as you negotiate some of the higher passes, so you should bring a warm jumper or fleece and, just in case, be prepared for rainfall. Lightweight Goretex lined jackets and trousers are ideal. A hat and sun cream are of course, essential. We will send you a full 'what to pack' list with your booking confirmation.
When the mushrooms appear (generally from mid October until the end of March, but it does depend on the weather - mushrooms need rain!) the Molino offer a wonderful mushroom experience! You are very welcome to join in the fun, should you wish to (there's a supplementary charge of 50€ per person, payable locally).
Each Wednesday, (mushrooms permitting) there will be a guided mushroom walk lasting approximately four hours, during which guests pick their mushrooms and, at the end of the day, have a special mushroom dinner at Restaurant El Corcho in Alájar.
The cook will use the mushrooms gathered by the guests (with the addition of others if necessary) to produce a delicious meal of regional dishes. Menu: Mushroom soup; Revuelto (scrambled eggs) of mushrooms; Solomillo (pork fillet) with mushroom sauce; Dessert/coffee; a bottle of wine and a bottle of water.
We recommend that you take out adequate holiday and accident insurance in advance of your holiday. See our Links Page for web sites of travel insurance companies.
Spain has a National Health Service and it is important that participants from European Union countries obtain a European Health Card (this replaces the form E111 in the UK) from their local post office which will entitle them to free medical service while in Spain. Without this clients may be requested to pay in full for any medical treatment received in Spain.
Rustic Blue cannot accept responsibility for loss of personal belongings or injury. |
