🏰 The modern history of Aracena seems to be tied up with its castle but there have been people living in this region since the Chalcolithic period. The mines in the area were what drew the Romans to the area in the first century BCE.

🇵🇹The castle we see today was built when the Orden del Hospital (Portuguese) ruled the area in the thirteenth century. This castle was itself built on the site of a much older Moorish castle. In the late thirteenth century, Aracena was ceded by Portugal to Castile and was included in the region named “Banda Gallega”, a collection of border fortifications designed to protect Castille from Portugal.

The discovery of the cave under the hill in 1850 and its subsequent opening to tourists in 1914 made Aracena something of a spot for “underground tourism”.

What to do in Aracena

Aracena is a perfect place for a day trip or a nice slow weekend/2 day visit, more if you use it as a base for exploring the area.

⭐️ Gruta de Maravillas

Beneath the castle lies a stunning cave system that will blow your mind. The cave system contains fabulous underground lakes, weird rock formations, stalactites, stalagmites and columns. One chamber is called “the naked room” because it is full of brilliantly phallic-shaped formations.

👣 The cave is visited as tour with a Spanish-speaking guide there are audio guides for non-Spanish speakers. The tour takes around an hour and during that time the group moves pretty continuously through twelve cave chambers. In total, the walk is 1.2km including many sets of steps up and down.

🎟 It’s important to book your ticket in advance or at least from the ticket office when you arrive in Aracena as this is an extremely popular excursion.

🚌 If you don’t have a car then another option is to take a day trip from Sevilla – this full day tour of Aracena and the nearby Riotinto mines is a great option.

🏰 Castle and  Priory Church

Up on the hill dominating your every thought as you explore, this combo can’t be missed. Together the two are known as Castillo-Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores.

If you want to walk then the easiest way up is via the stunning Plaza Alta. Here, you’ll find signs pointing out the narrow path up the hill.

You might think you’re heading up for the castle but it’s more than likely to be the church and the views that steal your heart – first, the glorious bell tower entrance will grab your attention, and then as you head around the corner, the huge imposing church windows with views onto the valley below will take your breath away.

📲 The castle entry fee includes (via an app) a commentary worth checking out.

🏰 If you’re a fan of castles then you may need to add Alcalá de Guadaira, Olvera, Zuheros, Segovia and the Castle in Monfragüe National Park to your list of awesome places to visit in Southern Spain.

🚂 Tourist train

If you don’t fancy the walk up the steep hill to the castle and church then this is a great option. It departs from Plaza San Pedro at 11.30 / 12.30 / 1.30 / 3.30 / 4.30 / 5.30 & 6.30. Each trip takes around an hour and allows for 20 minutes to explore the top of the hill. You can’t book in advance so it’s worth heading to the plaza early to grab tickets as the train is popular.

Costs €6 for adults & €5 for kids.

⭐️ Plaza de San Pedro /Plaza de la Gruta de Maravillas

Upon exiting the cave complex you’ll find yourself in a touristy area with shops and restaurants. If you walk left through you find yourself standing between these two beautiful plazas. Here you can sit and enjoy a drink before checking out the small  Outdoor Museum of Contemporary Andalusian Art where, amidst the numerous orange trees, you will find sculptures. The Lavadero Fuente De Concejo where locals used to congregate to wash their clothes is also right here and is worth a moment of your time.

🍫 Don’t miss visiting Richard Chocolat – a small chocolate store owned by Estelle, who makes the bean-to-bar chocolate herself. She let me try a good range before I decided on the three I wanted to take home.

🐖 Museo del Jamón

This small museum needs to exist because the region really is famous for its ham. If you want to learn about the process of raising pigs for ham, it’s probably very informative. I love checking out weird museums. The Mycology Interpretation Centre is in the same building.

Stroll around the old town

Aracena is just the best town to stroll around. It’s perfectly fine to just get yourself a little lost in this tiny town. Be sure to find the Plaza Alta and the Plaza Marqués de Aracena as you stroll around. Arias Montano Park is a beautifully maintained park with a nice kids’ area, some chickens and many fountains.

Aracena foodie travel tips

I’m absolutely convinced that Huelva has the very best food of all of Andalucía and Aracena is the best of the best. Aracena is particularly famous for its Iberian ham, wild mushrooms and chestnut dishes. Don’t miss out on cheese cake with pine nuts either, it’s another speciality of the area.

Restaurants in Aracena

During mushroom season (Nov – April) be sure to ask about the mushroom dishes that aren’t on the menu. These restaurants and their wild mushroom dishes are why I go to Aracena every winter .

Bar P’tasca – By Aracena’s bull ring this popular restaurant doesn’t take reservations so get here as they open to bag a table. Everything we ate was incredible and everything everyone around us was eating looked similarly fantastic.

Méson el Postigo – On the other side of the bull ring, this is a similarly phenomenal restaurant run by an incredibly friendly guy. You can book over the phone (and you should as it’s small and extremely popular).

Casa Sirlache – Linked to the delicatessen mentioned above, this restaurant, opposite the park, is also excellent. It’s hard to get a table here too (as in I called and called but no one picked up because they’re so busy) but it’s highly recommended to try. Outside tables aren’t reserved so you can show up and try to get one. I’ve done it and it’s worth it.

El Patio de Aracena – This super-friendly restaurant serves up plates to make you wish for a bigger stomach. We ate mushrooms while enjoying a chat with the delightful owners.

Explore the national park and surrounding villages 

There are many great hikes and paths to follow as you get to know the area. Recommended places to visit include: Almonaster la Real,  Minas de Riotinto, Cascada de los Molinos, Higuera de la Sierra. There are great hiking areas, particularly between Aracena and Cortegana.

📚 Read more about exploring Huelva

Tour options

⭐️ Aracena & Riotinto mines – spend the day exploring the oldest mines in the world (they’re extremely beautiful) and the gorgeous town of Aracena with its huge cave system and striking castle on a hill.

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⭐️ Private Iberian ham tour of the Sierra de Aracena – visit an Iberian pig farm to learn about the breeding and rearing of these famous pigs. Head to Jabugo, the most town most famous for Iberian ham where you’ll visit a curing house. Next it’s onto Aracena for a gourmet lunch (including wine) and free time in town before heading back to Seville.

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