Ready to escape to tranquility? Located in the province of Huelva, in southern Spain, the mountain range known as Sierra de Aracena might not rank first on your travel bucket list. However, you might change your mind after reading this blog post. In this travel guide, I will walk you through the top things you can see and do in this peaceful area, from visiting picturesque whitewashed villages to where to sleep or eat the local specialty product: Jabugo ham. Let’s dive into it!

[This post was originally written in July 2018. It was updated in January 2024 to reflect the latest information available.]

Why you should visit Sierra de Aracena in Huelva

This part of Andalusia (Andalucía), in southern Spain, neighbors Portugal and is also close to Extremadura or Sevilla.

Located at the western end of Sierra Morena and north of the province of Huelva, the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park is characterized by its vast forest mass, high rainfall, mild climate and a natural, cultural and gastronomic heritage that will spark the interest of any curious visitor.

The landscape changes depending on the altitude and humidity, ranging from pastures (known as dehesas) populated with holm oaks and cork oaks to chestnut trees and willows. These large pastures are precisely the habitat of Iberian pigs (cerdo ibérico), who abound in the area. When visiting Sierra de Aracena, trying the exquisite ham and cold meats is an absolute must!

In my opinion, some of the best reasons for exploring this area of Huelva are that you’ll encounter pleasant weather and virtually no crowds. We actually visited during the summer, and we were mostly on our own. Compared to other destinations in Spain, it truly felt like a breeze!

What to see and do in Sierra de Aracena

As I mentioned, the Sierra de Aracena mountain range features an interesting natural and cultural heritage across its various municipalities. Even though there are almost 30 villages in Sierra de Aracena, in this travel guide, I will be sharing information on the top things to see and do in the five following whitewashed villages, including trekking trails if you’re into outdoor activities.

• Alájar
• Almonaster la Real 
• Aracena  
• Corteconcepción
• Linares de la Sierra

You might have noticed that a couple of these places start with ‘al’, literally translating as ‘the’ in Arabic, and hence a remnant of Moorish Spain. Let us go now one by one to discover the main attractions in each of these villages of Huelva (Spain).

Alájar

Alájar is a small village in Sierra de Aracena with over 800 inhabitants revolving around its main square (Plaza España), where the City Hall is located.

The main attractions in Alájar include some religious temples (Iglesia de San Marcos, Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, Ermita de San Bartolomé y de la Trinidad), a few country houses from the 18th and 19th centuries known as caseríos, and a number of coves dating back to the Bronze Age (Cuevas de Alájar).

However, the most popular site in Alájar is Peña de Arias Montano, a panoramic viewpoint dedicated to Benito Arias Montano, one of the most influential intellectuals and theologians of his time. If you keep ascending for another 20 minutes, you will find another lookout (Mirador Superior).

If you´re into trekking, the following paths depart from or arrive to Alájar:

• Sendero Linares de la Sierra – Los Madroñeros – Alájar
• Sendero Linares de la Sierra a Alájar por el Caracol
• Sendero Los Madroñeros
• Sendero del Ribera de Alájar

Almonaster la Real 

This village is located at the foot of a unique monument built in the 10th century as a castle and mosque that is still fairly well preserved (Castillo Mezquita de Almonaster la Real; free access). Within its premises, you will also find a bullring (plaza de toros) and the remains of the walls protecting this complex.

Although minor, some other highlights in Almonaster la Real include a church (Iglesia de San Martín), two chapels (Ermita de la Trinidad, Ermita de Santa Eulalia), a fountain (Fuente del Concejo) and a Roman bridge (Puente de la Tenería).

Aracena  

With over 8,000 inhabitants, Aracena is the capital of the homonymous region (comarca) and the largest city across Sierra de Aracena.

If you’re exploring the area, this could be a great base given other villages are easily within reach and most accommodation options and restaurants are concentrated here.

TIP: when visiting Aracena, you may want to consider purchasing a tourist pass (tarjeta turística) that will give you access to the castle, the cave and the Ham Museum.

The top sights in Aracena are the following:

• Cave of Wonders (Gruta de las Maravillas): it is certainly the main attraction in Aracena, and was open to the public in 1914. This underground karstic cave features surreal stalagmites and stalactites and breathtaking lakes (Gran Lago, Lago Esmeralda). The circular 1km itinerary will take you around various chambers in the second and third level. Because of the temperature and humidity levels, remember to bring a jacket or coat inside the grotto while you admire these geological formations (you will find the most stunning ones in Salón de la Cristalería de Dios)!
• The castle (Castillo de Aracena): set on a hill, this imposing Moorish castle built in the middle of the 13th century dominates the surrounding landscape. The fortress encompasses a defensive tower (Torre Mayor o del Homenaje) as well as a priory church in Gothic-Mudejar style dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Mayor Dolor.
• When it comes to religious buildings in Aracena, some others worth mentioning include the Aracena convent built in the 17th century (now reconverted into a spa hotel) and a church (Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción).
• Museums: Aracena hosts a few interesting ones, such as the Andalucía Open-Air Contemporary Art Museum (MACA) featuring around 50 sculptures, or the Ham Museum (Museo del Jamón y del Cerdo Ibérico). In the latter, you can discover the fascinating world of Iberian pigs, their natural ecosystem and the delicious products that derive from them, from ham (jamón) to spicy pork sausages (chorizo). Should you also be interested in learning more about the local mushrooms, you can do so in the information point located in the Ham Museum (Punto de Información Micológica).
• The Old Town of Aracena revolves around its lively squares dotted with whitewashed architecture, such as Plaza Marqués de Aracena (main square), Plaza Alta and Plaza San Pedro. As in many cities and villages throughout Spain, you will also find a bullring (plaza de toros).
• For those travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, note these two trekking trails departing from or arriving to Aracena: Sendero Aracena – Corteconcepción, Sendero Aracena – Fuenteheridos. In case you would like to gather more information before exploring the nearby mountain range (Parque Natural de Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche), you can head to the visitor center (Centro de Interpretación de Aracena) located in a 16^th century building known as Cabildo Viejo.
• Last but not least, in Aracena, as in other villages of the area, you will come across little shops selling hand-crafted pottery (cerámica). They´re a beautiful souvenir to bring back home and I actually bought a few bowls myself!

Corteconcepción

The village of Corteconcepción isn’t particularly interesting and only a few monuments stand out: a chapel (Ermita de San Juan), a church (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepción) and the ruins of a place known as Los Molinos. You can also check out this trail (Sendero Aracena – Corteconcepción).

However, one of of the highlights of our trip was located precisely in Corteconcepción and I would highly recommend you book this kind of activity when visiting the Sierra de Aracena. And that is…exploring a Jabugo ham storehouse (bodega)! We took a guided tour with Jamones Eíriz and we loved the experience: from seeing pigs in their natural environment of dehesa fields, to discovering the drying house of Iberian hams and then actually getting to taste them. This is a true must if you want to learn more about our delicious Spanish ham (jamón de Jabugo), the differences between jamón de cebo and jamón de bellota, and its origins in this area.

Linares de la Sierra

At the foot of the Sierra de Vallesilos, the small village of Linares de la Sierra is a typical example of local mountain architecture with its narrow, cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. However, what you may notice while you walk around are some handmade paving stones called “llanos” that are placed at the entrances of the houses, simulating doormats.

Other highlights in Linares include the church (Iglesia de San Juan Bautista), a Moorish fountain in front of it and the round shaped town square that is actually used as a bullring. In case you feel like exercising outdoors, you may trek along the trail Sendero Linares de la Sierra – Los Madroñeros – Alájar.

What to see in Sierra de Aracena, Huelva and beyond

The villages listed above are the ones we visited during our summer trip, but you will find many more charming ones around the Sierra de Aracena mountain range. Should you have additional time to explore this area, a few other destinations worth mentioning include:

• Aroche (check out the Islamic castle, the church and the ancient Roman city of Turobriga),
• Castaño del Robledo (natural area full of chestnut and oak trees, ideal in the fall),
• Cortegana (magnificent castle),
• Fuenteheridos (admire the fountain – Fuente de los Doce Caños – and the surrounding forests of cork oaks, chestnut trees and holm oaks),
• Jabugo (the village giving its name to the famous ham),
• Zufre (beautiful church and city hall).

In case you need even more inspiration, these are some popular getaways a little over an hour from Sierra de Aracena, including beach destinations: Isla Cristina, Punta Umbría, Huelva and Sevilla. Enjoy!

Read these posts for more inspiration around Andalucía!

A guide to the Feria de Abril in Sevilla

Granada travel guide: best things to see and do in 24 hours

Province of Málaga: 12 epic destinations inland & along Costa del Sol

Review of Hotel-Museo Patria Chica in Priego de Córdoba

Summer holidays in Andalucía (II) – Tarifa & around

The majestic beauty of Córdoba

Top things to do in Málaga, the capital of Costa del Sol (+ map)

Where to stay in Sierra de Aracena

From classy hotels to cozy cottages (casas rurales), you won’t fall short of accommodation options in Sierra de Aracena.

Ready to immerse yourself in the tranquility of this enchanting destination?

Below are a few suggestions in the area to escape the hustle and bustle of city life:

• Finca La Fronda (Alájar): we absolutely loved our stay here thanks to the Wordsworth family who treated us like kings. Upon arrival to this secluded hotel, you will find yourself in a quiet patio blended with its surroundings. You can either sleep at the small luxury bed and breakfast (La Posada) or book the independent cottage known as La Casita. The swimming pool is open all year round and offers a magnificent view of the village of Alájar down below. The food was simply superb: breakfast was excellent and I suggest you stay for dinner as well to enjoy the ‘personalized restaurant’ experience. Namely, the owners’ son Alec is the chef and he would tailor the menu to our own preferences and the products he had at hand. Similarly, you can join the Dining Songs experience (Cenando Canciones) on Saturday nights, when a local artist performs songs that are chosen by the audience while you have dinner. In sum, Finca La Fronda was all we were looking for: a quiet spot to enjoy our holidays, delicious local food and a friendly and hospitable family who was more than happy to provide us with local recommendations on where to go and what to see and do around Sierra de Aracena. I would definitely recommend this place!

• Barceló Aracena: located in Aracena, this 4-star hotel renovated in January 2020 features a fantastic panoramic view of the Aracena Castle and the Sierra mountain range. You can choose among its 69 modern-style rooms or the 14 independent villas, some of which also have a fireplace to cozy up. Make sure to stop by the hotel restaurant to taste local gastronomy through the best typical dishes.
• Hotel Convento Aracena & Spa: can you believe that this modern 4-star hotel was a convent built in the 17th century? Now reconverted into a spa hotel, you may wander along the cloisters and gardens for an extra dose of peace or simply relax in the spa.

Should you want to browse additional options to sleep in Sierra de Aracena, feel free to check these on Airbnb and Booking.

What and where to eat in Sierra de Aracena (Huelva, Spain)

Visiting Sierra de Aracena in the Spanish region of Huelva is a culinary journey featuring Jabugo ham and so much more. Let me walk you through the typical products you can taste while you’re there and where you can eat them.

What to eat in Sierra de Aracena

Welcome to the paradise of the most delicious ham in the world (sorry, I’m biased)! The Sierra de Aracena is the birthplace of Iberian pigs. Hence, Iberian or Jabugo ham (jamón de jabugo) is the king product you will get to try here. The actual name comes from the village of Jabugo, but the registered trademark (Denominación de Origen Protegida Jabugo) actually covers the whole mountain range area of Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park. Across its enchanting villages (ruta del Jabugo), you will find countless storehouses (bodegas) drying and maturing ham shoulders and hind legs. In these tranquil pastures (dehesas), black pigs roam freely, eating acorn (bellotas) amidst holm oaks.

However, ham is not the only tasty product that you can try here. As a matter of fact, Sierra de Aracena is a paradise for food lovers thanks to other local delicacies including mushrooms (setas), chestnuts (castañas), wild flower honey (miel de flor silvestre) or goat cheese (queso de cabra).

Where to eat in Sierra de Aracena

As I mentioned above, the villages across Sierra de Aracena host a variety of restaurants where you will get to taste delicious local products ranging from Jabugo ham to mushrooms or goat cheese. Besides, you will eat at a reasonable price!

Below is a list of some suggested restaurants and sweet shops around Sierra de Aracena:

• Restaurante Jesús Carrión (Aracena): its friendly staff offers both tapas and bigger dishes, from cured meats to salads or croquettes. When we ate here, we ordered croquetas de jamón ibérico (ham croquettes), ajoblanco with scallop and wakame seaweed (this was delicious and so refreshing!), secreto ibérico (an Iberian special cut), and huevos rotos con jamón (fried eggs served on top of fried potatoes).
• Restaurante José Vicente (Aracena): this cozy restaurant located in Aracena serves traditional cuisine, made with fresh and local ingredients.
• Restaurante Essentia (Aracena): enjoy a memorable dining experience with refined and creative tapas in the hotel restaurant.
• Confitería Rufino (Aracena): in case you have a craving after lunch, you can stop at this sweet shop that has been operating since 1875. Some of the specialties include yemas, bizcotelas and tocinillo de cielo.
• Restaurante Arrieros (Linares de la Sierra): recommended by the Michelin guide, this restaurant is said to be one of the best in the Sierra thanks to its local ingredients and impeccable service.

Map of the things to see and do in Sierra de Aracena

In the map below you will find all the locations mentioned throughout this post, from villages or places worth sightseeing to local hotels and restaurants. Save it for your next trip!

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This trip around the Aracena mountain range was the first part of our summer holidays, with the next stops being Sevilla, Tarifa, Málaga and finally Madrid. Feel free to click on those destinations for more information.

I trust that this travel guide detailing all the things you can see and do in Sierra de Aracena was helpful in case you’re planning your next trip there. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!