Sierra de Aracena

Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park

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  • Region: Andalucia
  • Province: Huelva
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1989
  • Park surface area: 186,827 hectares
  • Towns and villages Alajar, Almonaster La Real, Aracena, Aroche, Arroyomolinos de Leon, Cala, Cañaveral de Leon, Castaño del Robledo, Corteconcepcion, Cortegana, Cortelazor, Cumbres de Enmedio, Cumbres de San Bartolome, Cumbres Mayores, Encinasola, Fuenteheridos, Galaroza, Higuera de La Sierra, Hinojales, Jabugo, Linares de La Sierra, Marines (los), Nava (la), Puerto-moral, Santa Ana La Real, Santa Olalla del Cala, Valdelarco, Zufre

Located in the far west of the Sierra Morena Mountains, in the north of the province of Huelva, the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park is characterised by its extensive forest, high rainfall, mild climate and interesting natural and cultural heritage.

A brief introduction to Aracena from me (Clive)

In this episode of Wildside Holidays, Clive takes you deep into ⁠Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche⁠, one of Andalusia’s largest and most biodiverse natural parks. Nestled in the province of Huelva, this lush landscape features rolling hills, ancient chestnut and oak forests, and a rich mix of wildlife—from wild boar to black storks.

Explore the park’s cultural gems, including Jabugo’s world-famous ham, the underground wonder of ⁠Grutas de las Maravillas⁠, and the ancient mining history of Riotinto. Whether you’re a hiker, birdwatcher, or cultural explorer, this region offers something for everyone.

Tours from Seville

If you are staying in the city of Seville then there are a few options to visit Aracena and the Riotinto mines by organised tour.

Dense forest covers most of the park due to the humid climate which has an Atlantic influence. This is the western end of the Sierra de Morena mountain range, close to the Portuguese border. Oak and Chestnut are the main tree species with meadow pastures which are grazed by Ganado Bravo, fighting bulls. Cerdo Iberico, a breed of black pig from Iberia, is raised in the pastures and feeds on the acorns giving it a distinct flavour.

The village of Jabugo, one of the 28 within the park, produces world renowned Jamon Iberico products. The museum of ham in Aracena is well worth a visit. (Not for vegetarians though)

There are two reservoirs (Embalse) in the The Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park. The Embalse de Zufre and Embalse de Aracena.

Listen to the podcast about the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park

Walking Wild Spain: Sierra de Aracena & Hidden Andalusia
Explore the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park in southern Spain — a quiet corner of Andalusia filled with oak forests, mountain trails, and charming white villages. In this episode, we dive into local wildlife, top walking routes, and must-see spots like the Grutas de las Maravillas and Riotinto mines. Get practical travel tips, and discover how to explore this underrated region on foot. Plus, find out how Wildside Holidays connects you to other nature escapes across Spain, including Ronda, Cádiz, and the Caminito del Rey.

This video shows some of the scenery in the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche Natural Park

Flora

Chestnut trees were encouraged here by the Romans and have established dense woodland. Oaks such as Cork (Quercus suber) and Gall (Q. faginea) grow better in the valleys and lower slopes. Poplars, Willows, Alders and Ash occupy river and stream banks. Stone pine (Pinus pinea) and Black pine (Pinus pinaster) have been planted as well as Eucalyptus. Scrub consists of Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera), Smilax (Smilex aspera), Turpentine tree (Pistacia terebinthus). Few Pyrenean oaks exist as they have been used for firewood over the last few decades.

Fauna

Some of the many bird species are Black stork, White stork, Golden, Spanish imperial, Booted eagles, Griffon, Egyptian, Black vultures, Lesser kestrel, Goshawk, Osprey, Black-winged, Black, Red kites, Marsh, Hen, Montagu’s harriers, Crane, Little bustard, Great spotted cuckoo, Red-necked nightjar.

Some colourful characters are Hoopoes, Azure-winged magpies, Bee-eaters, Golden orioles, Southern grey and Woodchat shrikes
Mammals include Wild boar, Fox, Badgers, Genet, Wild cat, Mongoose, Stone martin, Polecat, Weasel and introduced Red deer and Mouflon.

Also in the area

Grutas de las Maravillas (Website in Spanish here) is a limestone wonder with tremendous stalactites and stalagmites and more than 2km of caverns including 6 lakes. The entrance for visitors is in the town of Aracena which is also known for its 13thC Templar church and ruined castle.

If you are in Seville and want to visit the Maravillas cave in Aracena then a guided tour is available here.

The most ancient European copper mines are located south of the village of Riotinto. They were worked since Phoenician times and presently there is a fascinating museum and narrow gauge tourist train visiting the open cast mines. (Website here in Spanish)

Riotinto tour from Seville available at Get Your Guide.

Information/Visitors Centers

“Cabildo Viejo”, Plaza Alta, Aracena.

The Cabildo Viejo visitor centre is in the centre of Aracena and occupies a historic building erected in the 17th century. Its name stems from the fact that the building was also once the seat of Aracena’s first town council. The house’s size and beauty give us some idea of the historic importance of Aracena in this area. The interpretative exhibition inside the centre focuses largely on the heritage, traditional crafts and gastronomy of the Nature Park.

Aracena Tourist Office

The tourist office in Aracena has a very helpfull set of staff and speak English. They can point you in the right direction whether you are looking for tickets for the cave, a tour of the ham museum or other attractions in the area. Just follow the signs in the town for “Oficina de Turismo“

Ronda Today

Everything you need to know before you visit Ronda “The city of dreams” in Andalucia. https://www.rondatoday.com/

The Caminito del Rey

Find tickets for the Caminito del Rey: https://www.caminodelrey.es/

Wildside Holidays – Spain

Take a trip on the Wildside! Discover the wildlife and nature of Spain, its Natural and National Parks and find the top wildlife, activity and walking holiday companies.

Iberia Nature Forum

Struggling with identifying those bugs and beasties? Why not check out the Iberia nature Forum!

Discover the Iberia Nature Forum – Environment, geography, nature, landscape, climate, culture, history, rural tourism and travel.

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