If you are looking for a different experience of rural tourism, where you are surrounded by impressive views of a landscape, whose beauty commands your attention, you have arrived at the perfect location. The town of Alájar, in the province of Huelva will undoubtedly be your private oasis of retreat and rest on vacation.
Known as the natural jewel of Huelva, Alájar presents to you the stunning Natural Parks of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche, of which it is also part, making it one of the most important places throughout Andalusia.
With an introduction such as this, who wouldn’t be tempted to spend a few days in the town of Alájar? While you start packing your suitcases, we are first going to show you what you can visit in its urban nucleus, certainly starting with its Historic Artistic Complex and its dramatic surroundings that are gored with trees.
If there is something to highlight, it is the Peña Arias Montano, a Site of Cultural Interest and place of retirement and meditation for Benito Arias Montano, who was an advisor to Felipe II (16th century). Benito Arias Montano gave his name to this spectacular Natural Monument and it is here you can enjoy full views of the entire town of Alájar. Right underneath this viewpoint is a set of caves called Las Lapas, currently of which only two of the caves can be visited; The Dark Palace and La Sillita del Rey, where there is a 6th century baptismal font known as the Queen’s Bath.
In In the Peña de Alájar you will also find the Sanctuary de la Reina de los Ángeles, dating from the 16th century, where you will be able to enjoy the impressive padded façade, reminiscent of the Renaissance.
Take a walk through the town centre of Alájar and feel the magic of its narrow cobbled streets and its characteristic housing and buildings, known as El Caserío. In front of El Caserío are Los Llanos, the historically well conserved mosaics, made with a stone base and originally used so animals entering the town would not slip.
The town’s profile and framework is a result of a culture deeply rooted in the Muslim Era. It is in this era the town had the greatest splendour and derived its name Alájar, meaning stone in Arabic.
Through the centre of town is its famous Plaza de España, one of the meeting places of the inhabitants, where all events are held and where you can also visit the Town Hall and the Manor House. But if we were to point out the exact equator of Alájar, we would locate it in the church of San Marcos, which dates back to the 18th century.
One located in the centre, you will find places to end your experience of rural tourism in style: by having a spot of lunch and trying their gastronomy!
What can you eat in Alájar? The variety of products from this town of Huelva is very wide, and therefore, its flavours as well. Among the richest and most typical products, those that are extracted from pigs stand out, such as hams, blood sausages, sausages or sirloins, always accompanied by vegetables that are grown out in their fields. You cannot leave without trying the Serrana soup or the rib stew, but leave room for the chestnut flan or the butter cakes.
Now yes, your trip to Alájar is complete!
