Spain - regional highlights

Andalucia • Aracena

The Sierra de Aracena lies between Seville and Portugal and is the greenest part of Andalucía. The soft rolling hills are woven with cobbled and walled tracks that burrow deep into the forests of oak and cork and then spring out into shimmering villages.

Cool fountains bubble in pretty village squares while storks nest on church towers. In the dappled sunlight of the 1000 year-old forests of chestnuts and oak, black pigs roam freely, rooting for acorns.

The region is rich in local produce; dark honey from the cork woods,hams, sweet chestnuts,walnuts, lemons and oranges. All have inspired traditional Aracena cuisine for centuries.

A charming hotel with chestnut beams, cosy communal areas and fireplaces. Although the rooms are on the small side they are very comfortable and nicely decorated. Our hosts Lucy & Angel go out of their way to make our guests feel welcome and serve fantastic food using the best local ingredients. Journey time 3¾ hours.