The Natural Park

To the NW of Seville and close to Spain's border with Portugal, lies the Sierra de Aracena. The range is a remote, western outlier of the extensive Sierra Morena and the quiet, easy paced way of life here remains definitively Andalucian. The pretty, wooded hillsides support a smattering of tiny whitewashed villages with rural economies still reliant on the production of quality cured hams, chestnuts and cork. In springtime there's an incredible profusion of wildflowers and the woodlands play host to over 85 species of birds who reside or migrate through the sierra.

In summertime people take to the streets and plazas of the villages in exuberant fiestas, while in autumn the chestnut trees are ablaze with colour, the orchards are laden with fruit and the forests provide a rich harvest of delicious, wild mushrooms.

The village of Castaño del Robledo is the highest in the Sierra and is situated at the centre of a impressive network of cobbled paths and ancient mule tracks that criss-cross the Natural Park. With its fresh, sunny climate, the area is perfect for enjoyable country walks and horse treks, and, with so few foreign visitors the opportunities for appreciating the more authentic aspects of rural Andalucian life are boundless. Its rich Moorish heritage - evidenced by the imposing hilltop castles seen above several villages - together with its splendid scenery, its unique cuisine and charming villages, make the Sierra de Aracena an ideal destination for those who appreciate traditional, out of the way areas.

The Village

Castaño del Robledo has around only 200 permanent inhabitants and boasts a lovely square with two tiny bars serving coffee and delicious tapas. Amidst twisting cobbled streets the whitewash houses exhibit the typical 'serrano' architecture of the area. From 'Castaño' there are several delightful tracks and footpaths to which at least five other nearby villages can be walked in under two hours. In addition to the two tapas bars the village also has two restaurants serving a variety of regional delicacies, though in low season these tend to open on weekends only.

Other places of interest

Alàjar

Set in a deep valley this pretty village is famous for the imposing 17th century shrine of Arias Montano which stands on a rocky prominitory high above. An annual pilgrimmage here attracts thousands of people - many on horseback or in horsedrawn carts

Almonaster de la Real

A beautiful village dominated by a renowned 10th century Moorish Mosque.

Aracena

The largest town of the region, it's overlooked by an impressive Templar church and castle, but is most famous for the stunning 'Cave of Wonders' - huge underground caverns, subterranean lakes and many, many chambers exquisitely adorned with all manner of stalagmites and stalagtites. The town also has a popular Saturday market.

Cortegana

Another larger town with a dramatic 13th century castle. Annually hosts a highly popular medieval festival!

The mines of Rio Tinto

Worked since Phoenician times they later gave their name to today's huge mining conglomerate. There's a fascinating museum, a visit to the extensive open cast mineworkings and a narrow gauge train trip.

Portugal

With the border just 35 miles away the pretty market towns of the Alentejo make an easy day trip.

Seville

What can we say? This vibrant city offers the visitor everything that is quintessentially Andalucian - from bullfighting to flamenco. Its history covers some of the greatest cultures ever to exist, including the Romans and the Moors, as well as Spain's golden era of discovery under the Catholic Kings. Seville makes the perfect start or end to your trip to our region.

Doñana National Park

1½ hrs away this UNESCO biosphere reserve incorporates dune and wetland habitats - a magnet for birdwatchers.

Huelva's beaches

A splendid selection of fine, white sand beaches just 2 hrs away

Other bathing spots

In addition to the fine open air swimming pool in neighbouring Fuenteheridos there are a number of bathing spots in the natural surroundings of dams, lakes and rivers around the sierra. Castaño del Robledo has also begun work on its own swimming pool which is forecast to open by summer 2007.

For more information about walking and horseriding in the Natural Park please see the relevant pages of our site.