Aracena: Day Trips and Tours from Seville

A day trip to Aracena from Seville is packed with both natural and man-made wonders. Castles, caves and colorful landscapes are all on the agenda.

If you’ve ticked off the main sights in Seville and want to experience something a bit different, then these Aracena excursions are the answer. You’ll be venturing far off the beaten track, checking out historic mining sites and even encountering wild bulls along the way.

Here's all you need to know about Aracena, one of the most exciting day trips from Seville.

How to get to Aracena from Seville?

The city of Aracena is up in the Huelva province, about 90 kilometers northwest of Seville. You can easily visit the area on a day trip, either independently or on a guided tour.

From Seville to Aracena by car

The road journey to Aracena from Seville is fairly straightforward and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Heading north out of Seville, pick up the E-803 then take exit 782 and continue on the N-433 to Aracena.

From Seville to Aracena by bus

The cheapest way to reach Aracena from Seville is by bus. The direct route takes 1.5 hours and departs from the Plaza de Armas bus station.

There’s usually one bus a day, departing in the morning and returning in the early evening.

Guided tour to Aracena from Seville

Avoid the hassle of public transport and self-drive navigation with a guided day tour to Aracena. You’ll depart from a designated meeting point in Seville and be returned to the same location.

Excursions last between 8 and 10 hours, giving you a full day out and about.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your adventure begins at around 9 AM – you’ll need to make your way to the arranged departure point. Travel is by air-conditioned minivan, with the drive to Aracena taking about 1.5 hours.

Your first point of call is the Dehesas de Sierra Morena Biosphere Reserve. This region is known for its bulls and Iberian pigs, and you’ll visit a traditional farm to learn about the landscape and its wild inhabitants.

Your day trip to Aracena from Seville continues to the mining area of Rio Tinto. Precious metals have been found here, and you’ll see the old mining fields as you explore the Mars-like terrain.

Next up is the small town of Aracena, which is beautifully positioned in the middle of the Sierra Morena. You’ll enjoy a walking tour of the old center, where the castle and church are the main highlights. This is the best place to buy lunch too.

Finish with a flourish with a tour of the Grutas de las Maravillas – a natural cave with some stunning rock formations. You will walk through the caverns, admiring the vivid blue water and impressive stalactites.

At the end of the day, your driver will take you back to Seville in time for an evening meal.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Aracena?

Choose between a group excursion or a private trip for your foray to Aracena. One is cheaper while the other is more exclusive, but both offer an opportunity to discover the highlights of this charming town.

Guided tours to Aracena plus Rio Tinto Mines from Seville

The most budget-friendly day tours to Aracena from Seville are the shared excursions. Group trips are limited to 15 participants, which means the experience remains intimate.

You’ll be accompanied by a local guide who will coordinate your day like a pro. Return transfers from Seville make this one of the easiest ways to visit Aracena.

Private day tour to Aracena from Seville

Elevate your experience by booking a private excursion to Aracena. An exclusive vehicle and a guide are yours for the day, making the trip relaxing and flexible. You can even have a say in the itinerary if you wish!

These Aracena day trips from Seville are more expensive than group tours, but you’ll get the whole VIP treatment from start to finish.

Day trip to Aracena plus Iberian ham tasting from Seville

Add a foodie slant to your Aracena day tour with an Iberian ham tasting experience. These jaunts operate in the same way as the trips above and come with both group and private options. Hotel pickups are sometimes offered.

On these culinary excursions, you’ll discover the secrets of Iberian ham in the Natural Park of Aracena. After the tasting, you will explore the village, with the option to visit the caves if you like.

How much does a day trip to Aracena from Seville cost?

A shared group day trip to Aracena from Seville costs €90 per person and includes return transfers, a local guide and a walking tour. Entrance fees to the castle and caves are also covered in the package price. There will be up to 15 people on this excursion.

The Aracena excursions that include Iberian ham tasting start at €260 per person. Hotel pickups, a farm visit, lunch, ham tasting and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are provided.

Private Aracena day tours from Seville are €980 for a group of up to eight passengers. If you are traveling with friends, this can work out cheaper than you might think! Exclusive transport is provided.

What will you see and do?

Aracena

The focal point of your Aracena day trip is, of course, the town itself. This charming settlement is situated in the heart of the Sierra Morena, with sweeping countryside views as the perfect backdrop.

Up on the hill, you’ll find the historic center of this medieval fortified city. The ancient castle and priory church still watch over the valley, and you can visit both during your excursion. Inside the castle, you will see some dwellings that date back to the Al-Andalus period.

Rio Tinto Mines

The Rio Tinto area is a favorite stop on any jaunt to Aracena. These old mining fields tell stories of historic industry, with copper, silver and gold all playing a part.

Exploited for hundreds of years, the landscape today looks like it would be at home on Mars. Metallic minerals have caused the river to run red, preventing it from supporting life.

Grutas de las Maravillas

This magnificent subterranean cavern has to be seen to be believed. The cave system is nearly 2,000 meters long and is packed with stalagmites and stalactites. Formed by water running through the limestone, some of these eerie formations are thousands of years old.

During the tour, you’ll walk through several caverns and chambers as you head deeper underground. Keep your camera handy for the brilliant blue lake in the Cave of Wonders.

Fed by natural spring water, this emerald pool features several calcite cones that create an other-worldly atmosphere.

When is the best time to visit Aracena?

Day trips to Aracena are a delight at any time of year. If you want to feel the sun on your face, then come between June and September. Just be mindful that this is when the city is at its most crowded.

Spring and fall are a good compromise, with mild temperatures and less bustle.

What are the other day trips from Seville?

• Day trips to Ronda from Seville
• Itálica day trips from Seville
• Cordoba day tours from Seville
• Day trips to Granada from Seville
• Alhambra day trips from Seville

Travel tips

• If you book your day trip to Aracena from Seville online, you’ll be able to search for the cheapest deals.
• Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the old town, the caves and the mining area.
• A moderate level of fitness is required, as there is a fair bit of walking involved.
• Lunch is not included on most tours, but there will be an opportunity to buy food in Aracena at your own expense.