Aracena - A Pearl In Spain

One place to visit in Spain in Aracena. If you are used to the hot, arid or seaside areas of Spain then you are in for a treat.

Here we find quaint, old Spain; a small town with cobbled streets and historic buildings. Friendly people and surrounded by tree covered mountains and green lands.

If you want to visit a lovely, small town where you can stay comfortably but quietly, and have beautiful countryside to walk in and wonderful food to eat, then Aracena might well be for you.

Aracena - A Quiet Town

Aracena is on of those places which is quiet but not too quiet. 'Quiet' means hardly any sings of tourism - as we (the British) understand it.

Signs of tourism you will find include a fabric shop, stocking specialist quilting materials which 'quilters' in Britain would kill for. It's aimed at visitors from other parts of Spain who will love to find such a specialised shop when they visit.

It's certainly not aimed at UK tourists. In other words, it's definitely not the 'postcard and sun hat' experience.

Mind you, at least one UK tourist (whom I was with) found the shop fantastic.

I have to say, I rather liked it too.

Walking Around Aracena

Aracena is such a lovely town.

Yes - it's quaint.

It's also attractive.

And it's friendly.

In short, it is a delight to walk slowly up and down it's attractive streets. These were almost deserted when visiting in June. They get busier when the Spanish visit in July and August. 

The weather in early June was a very pleasant 28 degrees Celsius (around 80 Fahrenheit) - a perfect temperature to wander slowly around the town.

Cobbled streets wind around past the colourful window boxes, carefully tended. The whole town is clean and tidy. There are few cats or dogs visible, and no teens hanging around on corners.

It feels a very safe town indeed.

The town square is similarly clean and tidy. The evening time sees many town residents meeting here. This picture was taken at mid-day when it is quiet.

Nearby, there are many pleasant walks along the old mule trails which link Aracena to other nearby villages.

The cuisine of Aracena is often based around ham - the local speciality. This is plentiful - and might be accompanied by vegetables including asparagus and mushrooms.

Aracena Caves

Aracena caves - Gruta de las Maravillas - are well worth a visit.

There are a dozen or so caverns links by pathways.

These are the most extensive caves in Spain, and some say the most beautiful in the world. They are distinguished by their mineral deposits, which are colourfully lit to emphasise them.

The split in the limestone which creates the cave system makes for some truly spectacular sights.

Afterwards, try one of the restaurants near the caves for a hearty lunch.