Fall chestnut walk in the Sierra de Aracena Hiking from Seville by bus

As the summer heat fades and green returns to the earth in southern Andalucía, it’s time to enjoy the fall — which, in this part of the world, basically feels like another cooler spring.

Instead of driving for a couple of hours, we took the Damas bus from Plaza de Armas station at 9:00 a.m. and arrived in Fuenteheridos just before 11:00 a.m. (the bus makes a 20+ minute stop at the Aracena bus station for coffee). Fuenteheridos is one of the beautiful villages in the Sierra de Aracena. The fare costs about six euros and some change each way if you use their travel pass, and the buses are comfortable and safe.

Once in the village, we noticed plenty of city visitors enjoying their morning breakfast. Since we had arrived later than my usual hiking start time, we skipped a coffee break and headed straight to the beginning of the trail, which starts at the end of the main street.

The trail is peaceful, surrounded by nearly a century’s worth of chestnut trees. Since it’s harvest season, you can see plenty of chestnuts scattered on the ground. Out of respect for the landowners, I avoid picking any — knowing I’ll make my purchase later in the village, where 7- to 10-year-old kids sell about 25 chestnuts for a euro. It’s a great bargain, but more than that, you’re really buying (or borrowing) the joy of their childhood smiles.

Along the hike, you may come across workers collecting chestnuts — probably the most labor-intensive (and costly) part of the entire operation.

After some twists and turns, with gentle ascents and descents, you eventually arrive at a small oasis — the perfect place to rest for a while and enjoy the chirping of birds, free from the usual sounds of the city. Pure therapy.

Well did I say there are chestnuts? And a lot of them? Here are some pictures to enjoy.

 

Not only were there chestnuts above, but I was also surprised to see some huge mushrooms on the ground, despite the relatively dry soil.

 

  

  

To reach the Alájar viewpoint or the monastery, you need to pass through a tunnel leading into an enchanted forest — waiting for those who dare to enter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a few more twists and turns, gentle ascents and descents, and a bit of huffing and puffing, we’re finally on our way to the highlight of the hike.

 

 

  

 

 

At about the 5th kilometer mark, I reached the Alájar viewpoint, a breathtaking perch that truly feels like an eagle’s nest overlooking the valley.

 

 

 

 After another well deserved break to take it all in, it is now time to head back...

The beauty of Sierra de Aracena is always full of surprizes.

These are recently harvested cork trees — they only do this every 7–8 years. Can you imagine?

In Andalucía, even fall bursts with  blossoming flowers — a reminder that happiness here seems to bloom year-round.

Well, after a lazy 8.5 km along an easy trail, we finally surrender our souls to familiar surroundings — the buildings and streets once again.
 

 

 

 

 If you’ve read this far, thank you for taking the time — hasta la próxima!