Free walking tours in Almonaster la Real and what to see

Must-sees

Almonaster la Real lies in the heart of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche, in the north of Huelva province. Its great jewel is the mosque, built in the Caliphate era over an earlier Visigothic church and one of the few rural mosques in Spain to survive almost intact. It stands on top of the hill, inside the castle walls, and next to it is a small bullring set against the wall, an unusual sight.

Down in the village, the church of San Martín is worth seeing, with a Manueline-style doorway rarely found in Andalusia. Strolling its white cobbled streets is part of the visit. For the best views of the hills, climb San Cristóbal hill, one of the highest points in the province. The municipality also includes many small hamlets scattered among chestnut and cork oak woods, linked by footpaths.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Almonaster la Real. Most people visit the mosque and castle on their own and ask in the village about the guided visits organised at certain times of year. For nature, the best option is the waymarked walking routes between hamlets. If you are in Seville or Huelva, there are day trips to the Sierra de Aracena that let you see the area.

How long to spend

Three or four hours are enough for the mosque, the castle, the church and a stroll around the village. If you want to climb San Cristóbal hill or walk a path to the hamlets, give it the whole day. Over a weekend you can combine it with nearby Aracena, Alájar or Cortegana, and try the local mountain food, with Iberian ham in the starring role.

Where to stay

The most convenient option is to sleep in Almonaster itself, near the square and the climb to the mosque, where there are rural houses and small places to stay. For total peace, the municipality's hamlets have houses in the middle of the hills, though you will need a car. If you cannot find a room, Aracena has the most choice in the area and is just over half an hour away.