Corteconcepcion
Traditional “Pueblo Blanco” white village
Peña de Arias Montañas
Dramatic rocky outcrop, the church and belfry
Castaño del Robledo
Traditional village dating back to the 16th century
Almonaster La Real
One of the quaintest white villages in the Sierra
Join us on a fantastic week of walking discovery, exploring one of Spain’s most beautiful and unspoilt mountain regions. The Sierra Aracena spanning Northern Andalucia, is a land of gorgeous woodland, picturesque white villages, rolling hillsides and crystal-clear streams. Our four hand-picked selected walks will certainly give you a wonderful experience hiking around this delightful area of Spain.
Grade : Medium
Find out about Spain’s entry requirements here.
What’s Extra
Arrive at Seville Airport. Transfer to our rustic traditional accommodation in the centre of Aracena village where we have our welcome drink and enjoy our first evening meal at a nearby restaurant.
Transfer time 1hr 30 mins approx. (depending on traffic and road conditions)
The first of this week’s walks is a lovely circular route starting and ending at our hotel in Aracena. The route gives us an introduction to walking around the beautiful Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche region. We walk along traditional paths originally navigated by mule drivers and smugglers, through the gently rolling countryside before we descend on rural pathways to the delightful village of Corteconcepcion.
After breakfast we start today’s walk from our hotel where our route takes us through the picturesque countryside with its variety of orchards, oak forests and Mediterranean shrublands to one of the smallest white villages in the Sierra, Linares de la Sierra dating from the Moorish period. Interestingly the name of the village stems from the local linen industry. We then leave this traditional village and make our way to the Alajar region with its many small villages where traditional farming and ways of living still exist today. Our route takes us upwards where we will see Olive trees and as we ascend further, they are replaced by Chestnut forests.
Take a well-earned rest in this lovely village or perhaps take advantage of an excursion. Why not visit Seville and explore this historical and beautiful capital of Andalucia (private transfer without guide): 40 € / pers. (approx. payable locally)
After breakfast, we take our coach to the delightful, small village of Santa Ana La Real with its traditional white houses and cobbled streets. This is where we commence todays walk. We take the Risco de Levante trail where we will enjoy the cork oaks, riverbank forests and experience some of the best views across to the Sierras southern slopes. Along the way, we pass the remains of the Lime Kilns that existed years ago where quicklime was used to plaster the white village buildings.
Take a well-earned rest in this lovely village or perhaps take further advantage of an excursion. Perhaps visit the Cave of the Wonders, the Ham museum and the Castle of Aracena: 15 € (approx. payable locally)
This morning, our last day, we take the coach to Almonaster La Real, one of the quaintest white villages in the Sierra. Today is a hike of discovery around the beautiful area surrounding Almonster La Real. We take a walk through this lovely village and visit the magnificent hilltop mosque dating from the 10th century offering stunning views over the village and surrounding valleys. There are many hill-top fortifications around this area such as the castles of Cortegana and Aroche originating back to the border conflicts between Spain and Portugal.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to the airport for our flight home
The Los Castanos Hotel is a centrally located traditional two-star hotel in the beautiful town of Aracena. The hotels Andalusian style and design is typical of the region and is perfect to experience the real Andalucia and a great base for our walks and hikes around this beautiful area of Northern Andalucia.
Facilities include cafe/bar, reception, cosy lounge area, free Wi-Fi throughout
The traditional simple style rooms include twin/double bed, private bathroom, Wi-Fi, TV, air-conditioning, hairdryer, safe.
The transfer time from Seville Airport to our accommodation is approximately 1hr 30 mins (depending on traffic and road conditions)
Four guided walks are included in the programme. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. The walking programme is graded as Medium and you can expect to walk between 13 to 17km per day, with some ascents/descents and sometimes rough underfoot terrain and medium altitudes involved. Lunch items are not included. Lunch (at own cost). Items for lunch can be bought from the local supermarket or alternatively Picnic lunches can be arranged and purchased for the day approx. €10.00
Below are the distances for each walk, however please bear in mind these are approximate and subject to change due to local conditions.
Aracena – Corteconcepción – Aracena
Length: 13 Km / 8,1 mi
Ascent: 200 m / 650 ft
Approximative walking time: 5 hours
Difficulty: easy /medium
Aracena – Linares de la Sierra – Alajar
Length: 16,5 km / 10,3 mi
Ascent: 400 m / 1320 ft
Approximative walking time: 6 hours
Difficulty: medium
Santa Ana La Real – Riscos de Levante
Length: 17 km / 10,6 mi
Ascent: 550 m / 1810 ft
Approximative walking time: 6 hours
Difficulty: medium
Transfer Time : 30mins
Almonaster La Real
Length: 15 km / 9,3 mi
Ascent: 500 m / 1640 ft
Approximative walking time: 5 hours
Difficulty: medium
Transfer Time: 40 mins
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
Walking boots with good ankle support
Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
Walking socks – several pairs
Lightweight fleece or jumper
Hat & gloves
Daysack/rucksack for walking
Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €20 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
There will be plenty for you to see and do during your own leisure time during the course of your holiday, full details of which will be given out at your Information Meeting by your Tour Leader. Please note that prices shown are approximate and may vary according to numbers. Full details will be given at your Information Meeting. All tours must be paid for in euros only. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you and explain where you will need to go but may not necessarily accompany you.
Visit the black iberian pig farm and ham production, with ham and wine tasting: 75 €/ pax half day
Visit to Seville (private transfer there, without guide): 40 € / pers.
Additional walk in the Sierra Aracena- €35 Half Day / €55 Full Day / Tinto mines complex with the museum guide and touristic train to the mine: 50 €/ pers.
Cave of the Wonders, the ham museum and the castle of Aracena: 15 €
All prices are approximate
A full 10-year passport is required valid for at least the duration of your stay. Holders of passports with the inscription “British Citizen” or “European Union” do not require a visa.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Spain Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company.
Euro
Click here for Spain’s entry requirements.
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January | 15 °C | 6 °C |
| February | 17 °C | 7 °C |
| March | 20 °C | 9 °C |
| April | 24 °C | 11 °C |
| May | 27 °C | 13 °C |
| June | 32 °C | 17 °C |
| July - August | 36 °C | 20 °C |
| September | 32 °C | 18 °C |
| October | 26 °C | 14 °C |
| November | 20 °C | 10 °C |
| December | 16 °C | 7 °C |
I was so nervous about embarking on my first Solos Holiday, but I shouldn’t have been – it was the best thing I have ever done!
Wow! Got to see the famous shipwreck beach in Zakynthos with Solos. Can’t wait to discover more of their destinations!
Our tour leader Monica was exceptional! Had such a good time and will be rebooking with Solos. Thanks for a great holiday!
Had the best time with Solos! Discovered beautiful destinations and met some lifelong friends.
