Smugglers Trails of the Sierra de Aracena - 8 Days
Smugglers Trails of the Sierra de Aracena - 8 Days
$970
Tour Overview
Embark on an 8-day adventure through the Smugglers Trails of the Sierra de Aracena, exploring the stunning Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park in Spain. Discover historic white villages, Moorish forts, and ancient Arabic acequias as you traverse varied landscapes from chestnut plantations to cork oak forests. Visit the enchanting Gruta de Las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders) and experience the natural habitat of the Iberian Pig. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in a mix of hotels and guesthouses, with luggage transfers and an information pack provided. This self-guided tour offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture, making it an unforgettable journey. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Aracena
Location: Aracena
Accommodation Name: recently converted mill
Make your own way to Aracena. Time permitting a wander around this lively market town, a visit to the “Gruta de las Maravillas (“cave of wonders”) and a guided tour around the Jamón museum will give you some insight on the journey you are about to undertake.
Accommodation: You will be staying two nights in a recently converted mill, which has been tastefully decorated in a rustic style with wonderful little touches. All rooms are ensuite and have air conditioning/heating. Free WIFI. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Aracena Circular Walk Via Corteconcepción - 11 Km/6.8 Miles, 3-4 H
Location: Aracena
Accommodation Name: recently converted mill
An easy to moderate morning walk taking in a good example of the area with tracks meandering through small holdings and then the pretty countryside to Corteconcepción. A good place to stop for a breather is up at the church with memorable views across to the reservoir. The return journey begins on a lovely ancient cobbled path which converts into a vehicle track for a couple of kilometres, which makes walking easy before reaching the road taking you back into Aracena. You can spend the rest of the day visiting Aracena and the caves.
If you wish to visit an award winning family run Iberian ham producer in Corteconcepción before returning to Aracena, a visit can be arranged (approx. €42.50 per person – reservation required, visits start at 11am and last for approx. 3 hours)
Day 3 : Aracena To Galaroza - 17.5 Km/10.8 Miles, 6 H
Location: Aracena
Accommodation Name: 2 star hotel
A great day’s walk taking you through thoroughly varied countryside. The route mainly follows the GR43.1, the original path that everybody used to connect village to village. You begin through well kept chestnut plantations which changes into cork oak woods, olive groves and also vineyards before you reach Los Marines. You walk through two villages, Los Marines and Fuenteheridos which both have bars in for refreshments. Galaroza is situated in the river Múrtiga valley providing an abundance of water and a thick canopy of vegetation, which has provided a great carpentry tradition in the village. Along the steep and cobbled streets you can find the typical whitewashed houses usually bedecked with flowers. A walk up the hill that dominates the village will take you to the hermitage of Saint Brigit (Ermita de Santa Brígida) patron saint of the vine and all fruit trees. You get a great panoramic view from the top of the village and around.
Accommodation: You stay two nights in a 2 star hotel, with good views of the surrounding mountains. All rooms are ensuite, have air conditioning/heating and free WIFI. The hotel has its own restaurant and a swimming pool.
Day 4 : Circular Walk Galaroza - Valdelarco Return 13.5 Km/8.4 Miles, 4-4.5 H
Location: Galaroza
Accommodation Name: 2 star hotel
This walk provides a vary varied scenery, passing through small holdings, cork oak forest, mixed woodland and the small town of Valedelarco. This includes the Navahermoso barranco - a glorious river walk where there is plenty of bird life.
After heavy rain the streams may be quite high and there are a couple of crossings that don’t have bridges, but are fords or stepping stones so you may need to take your boots off when crossing. Valdelarco is an interesting village dating back to Roman times and had its own Jewish Quarter or ghetto. Today it has only a couple of bars.
Day 5 : Galaroza To Alajar -14.5 Km/9 Miles, 4.5-5 H
Location: Alájar
Accommodation Name: European Eco-label accredited small hotel
Heading to Alájar today you walk to the highest village of the Sierra, Castaño del Robledo which boasts two large churches. The first stage of the walk takes you up the valley to Castaño del Robledo along the Rivera de Jabugo, an area of special interest due to the flora and fauna found along the walk. From there you descend to the outskirts of Santa Ana before heading east to Alájar. It’s one of our favourites, along the valley amongst ancient cork and holm oaks. Life in Alájar revolves around its squares and its narrow cobbled streets radiate outwards from there. Many houses in Alájar have their own unique cobbled thresholds and there are many well-preserved houses here with architectural elements typical of the Sierra.
Accommodation: You stay 3 nights at a European Eco-label accredited small hotel. All the rooms are ensuite and have large south facing terraces overlooking the dining terrace, garden and swimming pool. There is under floor heating for the winter months and cooling system for the summer months. Each room is unique and is tastefully furnished with antique furniture. The upstairs lounge has a small bar open to guests and there is WiFi.
Day 6 : Peak Loop - 11.8 Km /7.3 Miles, 4 H
Location: Aracena
Accommodation Name: European Eco-label accredited small hotel
The Peña de Arias Montano and its bell tower are the 2nd most visited sites in the park, after the caves in Aracena. This walk takes you up to the Peña and beyond where the views to the south are fantastic. On a clear day you can see the sun reflecting on the sea on the coastline of Huelva. You will visit three viewpoints on the walk but with a couple of shorter options if you prefer to take it a bit easier. The walk through the chestnut groves which are abound with wild peonies in April and May is well worth the climb though!
Day 7 : Alájar 10.2 Km /6.3 Miles, 3.5 H
Location: Alájar
Accommodation Name: European Eco-label accredited small hotel
One of the prettiest cicular walks in the area, following the country path, once cobbled, to the almost abandoned Madroñeros, a tiny hamlet which throws you back in time as you can imagine how people lived until quite recently in humble houses without running water or electricity. The inhabitants moved to Alájar and Linares when running water was supplied to each house in these villages in the mid seventies. Linares de La Sierra is another fine example of a sierra village almost suspended in time with its narrow cobbled streets and the intricate stone “door mats” outside the front doors; originally done to distinguish the front door from the side door, which was the entrance for animals. The return walk to Alájar on the northern route involves a short steep climb before descending along the rivera de Alájar to return to the village.
Day 8 : Tour Ends After Breakfast.
Location: Seville
Meals Included: Breakfast
You will be transferred to Aracena (included in the tour price), from where you will take the bus to Seville. Breakfast is included in the morning (with an option for breakfast takeaway for your onward journey).
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in a mixture of hotels and guesthouses -
7 breakfasts
Enjoy a hearty breakfast each morning of your stay.
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7 nights accommodation in a mixture of hotels and inns on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Stay in comfortable hotels and inns with ensuite facilities for seven nights.
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Luggage transfer
Your luggage will be transferred for you, so you can enjoy your walks without heavy bags.
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Transfer to Aracena at the end of the tour
A transfer to Aracena is included at the end of the tour.
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Information pack including route notes & maps
Receive an information pack with detailed route notes and maps to guide your journey.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for any urgent assistance during your trip.
What's Not Included
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4 dinners, lunches (unless specified) & beverages
Four dinners and lunches, as well as beverages, are not included unless specified.
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7 dinners, lunches (unless specified) & beverages
Seven dinners and lunches, as well as beverages, are not included unless specified.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses, including laundry and phone calls, are not covered.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A supplement fee will be charged if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Guide - this is a self guided holiday
This is a self-guided holiday, so no guide is included.
Accommodation
7 nights in a mixture of hotels and guesthouses. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however, if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/inns may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. ...more ...less
Grading
The tour is graded moderate (Grade 3); the terrain is not difficult but there are some ascents and descents. Fitness: The walking should present no difficulty to anyone in good general health who is accustomed to hiking.
Mode of Transport
You will be transferred to Aracena at the end of the tour. Make your own way to Aracena at the start of the tour. The tour ends with a transfer to Aracena, from where you will take the bus to Seville.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in a mixture of hotels and guesthouses. The usual choice of accommodation is described, but alternatives may be used if these are not available. Most rooms have ensuite/private facilities with showers rather than baths, although some hotels/inns may have a separate room with a bath available to guests. ...more ...less
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Is this tour guided or self-guided?
This is a self-guided holiday. An information pack including route notes and maps is provided to help you navigate the trails.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts. Additionally, 7 dinners, lunches, and beverages are included. However, 4 dinners and lunches (unless specified) are excluded.
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What kind of terrain and difficulty can I expect on this tour?
The tour is graded as moderate (Grade 3). The terrain is not difficult but there are some ascents and descents. The walking should present no difficulty to anyone in good general health who is accustomed to hiking.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers required during the trip, and a supplement if you are traveling solo or book a single room are not included in the tour price.
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What happens if I need assistance during the tour?
An emergency hotline is included in the tour package, providing assistance if needed during the trip.
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What is the transportation arrangement at the end of the tour?
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Aracena, from where you will take the bus to Seville. This transfer is included in the tour price.
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Can I visit local attractions during the tour?
Yes, there are opportunities to visit local attractions such as the Gruta de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders) and the Jamón museum in Aracena. Additionally, you can visit an award-winning family-run Iberian ham producer in Corteconcepción, although this requires a reservation and an additional fee.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
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Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025Friday - Friday
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Smugglers Trails of the Sierra de Aracena - 8 Days
8 Days Starting in Aracena, Spain and ending in Alájar, Spain
Visiting: Aracena, Galaroza, Alájar, Seville
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JAC
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided