What to Do
Castillo & Iglesia de Aracena
Aracena
Address: Cerro del Castillo s/n, 21200 Aracena
Opening Hours: 12:00-14:00 & 16:00-18:00
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13th century Moorish castle and beautiful gothic church that sit on top of the hill above Aracena with fantastic views of the whole sierra.​
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The castle is newly restored and excavated, and you can now get a great audioguide (buy ticket and audioguide at the entrance round the back). The church is open most of the time and free.
It is a strenuous (but lovely) walk, but you can also just ignore the signs like we do and drive right up to the church and park round the back.
Gruta de las Maravillas
Aracena
Address: C. Pozo de la Nieve, s/n, 21200 Aracena
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-13:00 & 15:00-18:00 ​
Phone no: +34 663937876
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Really worthwhile visiting - especially on a hot day!
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You have to book in advance. It might be easiest to go and buy the tickets in person.
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You have to be on a guided tour - tours take 1 hour. Tours are in Spanish only (but it doesn't really matter! It is fun to see..)
There is on-street parking nearby - walk up the ramp to the entrance, with pottery shops and cafes on the way.
Bodega Cinco Jotas
Jabugo
Address: Tienda Gourmet y Bodega Cinco Jotas, Carretera San Juan del Puerto, 21290 Jabugo
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10:00-18:00 & Sunday 10:00-14:00
Phone no: +34 603 599 061
Website: https://www.cincojotas.co.uk/visit-cinco-jotas-cellar
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Best of the best when it comes to jamón iberico.
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Fantastic tour which takes you into the factory in a beautiful old building and you learn all about these special little black piggies and the art of creating this world-famous jamón. Then stay for a tasting and a glass of excellent sherry.
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It is a one-industry town, generating most of the jamón sold worldwide - there are some restaurants nearby as well.
Really not one to miss!
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La Peña de Arias Montano
Alájar
Just a few minutes drive on from Fuenteheridos.
High above Alájar, this rocky spur provides magical views over the village and sierra. Wonderful for sunset.
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There is a little chapel called the Ermita de Nuestra Señora Reina de los Ángeles and a bar (open on weekends from 11:30-20:00) for light tapas and drinks. Saturday is the day to go - the little shops sell all manner of local honey, ceramics, cork and other artisan products.
PadelBox
Aracena
Address: Calle Colmenitas, 3, Aracena
Phone no: +34 666964080
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English-speaking coach, six courts (most are shaded).
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This is a buzzing padel tennis club and is very popular so you must book a court in advance. Opens mid-morning until late at night; we would recommend playing after six.
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There is a small bar for spectators and refreshments.
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We have racquets under the stairs and you can buy more balls from the club if needed.
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There is also a public court at the far end of Los Marines. Follow along the Calle Isaac Peral and take the last left before it takes you back to the main road. About 100yds on your right is the Padel court. You can't book but you can try your luck and it's often empty. what3words: egos.pampers.bluffs
Mercadillo de Aracena (Saturday Market)
Aracena
Address: Avenida Reina de los Ángeles, 5, Aracena
Opening Hours: Saturday mornings except during August feria weeks.
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​The market is mainly based at this end of town but you will also find some artisan producers on Calle de la Constitución leading up from the main square.
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The market sells clothes, household goods, ceramics and some food. We like to go to Churrería Chocolatería el Castillo on Avenida Reina de los Ángeles after shopping.
Mezquita de Almonaster La Real
Almonaster la Real
Address: Calle Castillo, 10, 21350 Almonaster la Real
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 20:00
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A wonderful fortified 9th century mosque (mezquita) is the highlight of Almonaster. The mosque was later adapted to become a Christian monastery and is a rare survival.
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The town bullring is built into the side of the mosque and sits in a beautiful part of the sierra.
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There are a couple of restaurants in the village.
