Discovering Sierra de Aracena: Spain’s Scenic Ham Capital

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Wow, incredible photos from Sierra de Aracena, Spain, one of Andalusia's most beautiful hidden gems! #Spain #Andalucia #Travel

Like most intrepid travellers, I like to concern myself with the important questions when I travel.

Questions like…. where can a girl get some life-changing ham?

And for research’s sake (for all your sakes’ really), I took on the oh-so-arduous task of finding out. You see, magical things often happen when you stumble off the beaten path, and today I’d like to introduce you to the latest of my offbeat obsessions: Sierra de Aracena, a hidden haven of nature, gastronomy and indulgence in Spain’s Huelva province.

Picture-perfect villages, lush greenery and an authentic local heartbeat that pulsates through the streets (which DO often smell of the region’s most famous export – jamón ibérico).

Everyone here is all smiles, and it’s no big mystery why. Life in Sierra de Aracena moves just a little bit slower, giving full license for explorers to soak it all in – every view, every bite and every sweet slice of jamón. Travelling here (where local life reigns over tourist traps) feels much more personal than in bigger, more bustling tourism hubs. Rest assured, you’ll leave with a full stomach, a happy heart and a camera bursting with envy-inducing photos.

A few weeks ago, I was invited by Somos Destino Rural to experience the best of this hidden gem (and, presumably, eat half the region’s ham supply). And while my waistline may never recover, I’ll put my dieting aside to quickly share some photos with you all. I’ll have a more detailed write-up from my time in Sierra de Aracena soon, buuuut for now, I’ll simply let these photos whisk you away 😉

TELL ME: Have you ever been to Spain? I want your best recommendations in the comments below!


In Sierra de Aracena, dozens of pretty villages connect to form a whirlwind of beautiful sights. Imagine spotlessly photogenic towns packed with white-washed houses and elaborately cobblestoned streets…

Wow, incredible photos from Sierra de Aracena, Spain, one of Andalusia's most beautiful hidden gems! #Spain #Andalucia #Travel
Strolling through the streets of Jabugo

… Plus sunset views to die for.

Wow, incredible photos from Sierra de Aracena, Spain, one of Andalusia's most beautiful hidden gems! #Spain #Andalucia #Travel
Splendid sunset from Castillo de Aracena
Wow, incredible photos from Sierra de Aracena, Spain, one of Andalusia's most beautiful hidden gems! #Spain #Andalucia #Travel
Views over Aracena

And of course, as home to the world-famous jamón ibérico, it’s guaranteed you’ll leave a few pounds heavier… or with ham practically running through your veins.

But in Sierra de Aracena, Mother Nature works double time to ensure you leave with your jaw scraping against the floor. Apart from spectacular greenery, lurking below the surface is one of the most spectacular natural sights in Europe: la Gruta de las Maravillas, a network of underground caverns and lakes studded with otherworldly rock formations.

Wow, incredible photos from Sierra de Aracena, Spain, one of Andalusia's most beautiful hidden gems! #Spain #Andalucia #Travel
Gruta de las Maravillas, Aracena

… but the greenery isn’t half bad either 😉
Wow, incredible photos from Sierra de Aracena, Spain, one of Andalusia's most beautiful hidden gems! #Spain #Andalucia #Travel

Wow, incredible photos from Sierra de Aracena, Spain, one of Andalusia's most beautiful hidden gems! #Spain #Andalucia #Travel

Wow, incredible photos from Sierra de Aracena, Spain, one of Andalusia's most beautiful hidden gems! #Spain #Andalucia #Travel
Dining outdoors in Sierra de Aracena
Wow, incredible photos from Sierra de Aracena, Spain, one of Andalusia's most beautiful hidden gems! #Spain #Andalucia #Travel
Dining outdoors in Sierra de Aracena

And with a constant stream of sights like this, you’ll never get tired of walking.

… Which means all your indulgent treats are well earned.

Wow, incredible photos from Sierra de Aracena, Spain, one of Andalusia's most beautiful hidden gems! #Spain #Andalucia #Travel
Linares de la Sierra
Wow, incredible photos from Sierra de Aracena, Spain, one of Andalusia's most beautiful hidden gems! #Spain #Andalucia #Travel
An unreal scene in Alájar
Wow, incredible photos from Sierra de Aracena, Spain, one of Andalusia's most beautiful hidden gems! #Spain #Andalucia #Travel
The ridiculous views from Alájar

Thank you, Sierra de Aracena, for filling out my waistline and my camera. So, what do you think – would you fancy a getaway here?

Again, a huge thanks to Somos Destino Rural for inviting me on this trip! All photos, experiences and words are my own 🙂 


My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights: For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

8 thoughts on “Discovering Sierra de Aracena: Spain’s Scenic Ham Capital”

  1. Shhsh, don’t tell everyone. This is my favourite region of Spain, it is still ‘Spanish’and not touristy. Walking the local senderos, feeding the pigs, picking figs from the trees it is a wonderful area to visit.
    As for the jámon – wow. You can now go on arranged tour that takes you through the processes of creating this superb product from how the black footed pigs are reared and fed on the open Dehesa, through the curing process and finally the tasting where you find the different flavours of the jámon depending on where in the leg it is cut from

    Reply
  2. Stunning pictures! Could you please tell me where did you dine outdoors in Sierra de Aracena? I’d love this experience!

    Reply

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