A virtually unknown town located in Andalucia has been named one of the 7 ‘hidden gems’ in the southern region of Spain
A town in Sierra de Huelva has been named one of the 7 most stunning hidden gems in Spain’s Andalucia. Alájar, nestled in the scenic Sierra de Aracena, is recognized by Viajar.elperiodico.com as one of Andalucia’s seven hidden gems, boasting breathtaking vistas and picturesque locales.
Among the town’s attractions is the famed Arco de los Novios (below), an arch known for its legend that the couple who holds hands and passes underneath will be blessed with a secure and happy marriage.
Alájar, situated in the midst of the Huelva mountain range, boasts a plethora of cultural, historical, and culinary delights that will enchant any visitor and leave them reluctant to depart.
The old town of Alájar, declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1982, boasts a distinctly Arab heritage that is still visible today in its narrow and winding streets. Its picturesque charm is further enhanced by the traditional whitewashed mountain homes with red Roman tile roofs.
Adding to its allure, the entire village features artistic paving of its streets, with many doorways adorned by the signature ‘llanos’ of the Huelva mountain range – stunning geometric or figurative designs that reflect the town’s rich cultural motifs.
Going through the routes that connect the villages of Alájar is a trip to the past, to how man lived when he depended on the fields and animals. Los Madroñeros to the west, El Calabacino to the east and El Collao and El Cabezuelo to the southeast are four images that painters, photographers and sensitive eyes will appreciate in their rustic and aged beauty.
The village of El Calabacino is accessed through the exit of the town, along a beautiful path that first leads to a typical fountain and then to the scattered houses of this village. Over the past few years, people with an alternative lifestyle and a taste for ecology have settled; artisans who sell their creations directly at fairs and markets.
This village is very integrated into the natural environment, and in it, you can visit the hermitage of Santísima Trinidad, dating from 1749.
How to get to Alájar
There are a few options to get from Malaga to Alájar, depending on your preferred mode of transportation and budget:
- By Car: The most convenient way to get to Alájar from Malaga is by car. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours and the most direct route is via the A-92 highway towards Seville, then taking the exit for Huelva and continuing on to Alájar.
- By Bus: Another option is to take a bus from Malaga to Huelva, and then transfer to a local bus to Alájar. The bus journey from Malaga to Huelva takes approximately 3 hours and can be booked through the bus company Damas.
- By Train: Alternatively, you can take a train from Malaga to Seville and then transfer to a local train or bus to Huelva, followed by a local bus to Alájar. The train journey from Malaga to Seville takes approximately 2 hours and can be booked through the Spanish rail company, Renfe.
Regardless of which option you choose, it is recommended that you plan your trip in advance to ensure you have a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
