HOTEL / GUESTHOUSE
TOUR CODE:
JAC
|
JA7
Discover historic white villages & Moorish forts along
the old Smugglers' Trails in southern Spain
After the Spanish Civil War many of the locals became "Mochileros" ‑
packmen ‑ smuggling goods across the Sierra from the Portuguese
border. This unique walk in the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche
follows sections of the ancient Arabian water system "acequia" which
were favoured routes for the smugglers carrying their loads. You will
certainly be well off the beaten track as you walk some of these old paths to explore the verdant landscapes
where black Iberian pigs snuffle amongst the Cork and Holm Oak woodlands and bird spotters have a good
chance of seeing black vultures, eagles, heron, egrets and the storks that nest on almost every village church.
The rolling hills and white villages in this rarely visited part of Andalucia offer wonderful walking opportunities.
The character of the villages has changed little over the centuries, their history reflected in their architecture
and the landscape surrounding them.
ITINERARY: DAY 1 |
Arrive Aracena
2 |
Follow the old mule motorway to Linares, visit the deserted
village of Los Madroñeros and Alájar, continue to La Posada
3 |
A choice of two circular walks (3-4 or 5-6hrs),
overnight La Posada
4 |
Pass small villages on your way to Almonaster
5 |
Climb the second highest peak in
the Sierra, continue towards Galaroza (6-7hrs)
6 |
Walk through cork and oak forests, arrive Fuenteheridos (6-
7hrs)
7 |
Walk to the highest village in La Sierra, Castaño (5-6hrs)
8 |
Walk through plantations of citrus, quince,
pomegranate to Linares, return to Alájar (5-6hrs)
9 |
Trip concludes
INCLUSIONS: 
Ξ
8 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Ξ
8 nights accommodation in a mixture of hotels and guesthouses
on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Ξ
luggage transfer
Ξ
information pack including route notes & maps
Ξ
emergency hotline
NOTES:
The 7 day version follows a different itinerary – see our website for details.
Smugglers Trails of the Sierra de Aracena
Alájar
Aracena
Spain
Portugal
From the
heights of the
Picos de Europa
to the warm
waters of the
Algarve, discover
some of Spain
and Portugal's
best walks
9 OR 7 DAY
SELF GUIDED
WALK
GRADE
3
S
p
a
i
n
&
P
o
r
t
u
g
a
l
∫
w
a
l
k
i
n
g
L
a
n
d
s
c
a
p
e
s
o
f
A
r
a
c
e
n
a
|
L
u
c
y
y
A
n
g
e
l
68
|
DATES 2015
Daily from 01 Feb to 20 Dec
9 DAY
Joining Aracena
7 DAY
Joining Aracena
1...,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67 69,70,71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,...161