Close to Portugal and within the province of Huelva is situated the Natural Park Sierra de Aracena in the western part of Sierra Morena, famous for its Iberian pork and exquisite Jabugo ham. The best time to visit this area of Huelva is from spring to fall, a great time of the year for some of the routes through forests to the Natural Park of Sierra de Aracena, where are situated the Rio Tinto mines.
A tour through the villages of Sierra Aracena show us ancient castles, churches, mosques and of course a rich cuisine. The Natural Park comprises 28 villages of which the following are found in the province of Huelva:
Higuera de la Sierra and Fuenteheridos
Two small picturesque villages in the mountains.
Aracena
In this village can be found the ruins of an ancient fortress although the main attraction is the so-called Cave of Wonders (Gruta de las Maravillas).
Alajar
Village of Muslim origin offering visitors spectacular views of the surrounding area.
Santa Ana la Real
Village with only a few inhabitants where is located the waterfall 'El Chorro'.
Almonaster la Real
Another of the Arab villages in the mountains with remains of a mosque inside the ruins of a castle.
Cortegana
In this village you will find a castle of the XIII century.
Aroche
Moorish castle and archaeological museum where are shown the remains of other cultures that have inhabited the area, as is the Roman civilization.
Jabugo
Famous for its hams from Iberian pigs with denomination of origin.
Castaño de Robledo
A good starting point for one of the many hiking trails in the mountains.
Minas de Riotinto
Near Nerva is situated this village based on the exploitation of copper mines of Rio Tinto that have a museum that can be visited. It is also interesting the English Victorian neighbourhood of Bella Vista.
Nerva
Small quiet village near Rio Tinto in the heart of the mountains.
Zalamea La Real
In this village can be found the dolmens of El Pozuelo and an interpretive centre about the culture behind the dolmens.
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