Navasola Nature
Living with Nature Breaks
Courses - Holidays - Retreats
Casa de Monte/Bunkhouse accommodation
In 2008 we will be offering five types of visit to the Sierra de Aracena based around Fuenteheridos and Finca Navasola:
The first three of these will offer accommodation in a range of nearby locations from 2* pensions/hostales to 3* hotel.
The last two will make use of Finca Navasola's basic accommodation at a budget price and offer the opportunity to visit this beautiful rural location in Andalucia at very low cost between late April and early October.
Booking: email trevor@humber.co.uk
Tel: (Int'n'l: 0044) (UK: 0)208 572 6790, Trevor or Georgina.
In the wildlife and general interest tour: (Natural History of the Sierra de Aracena - Wildlife, spring flowers, birds, butterflies and more in Western Andalucía with visits to Doñana and Portugal's Alentejo), we will introduce a small party (maximum 7, plus leaders) to the many delights of this less well-known corner of Andalucia tucked between its borders with Portugal to the west and Extremadura to the north. Less well-known, but nonetheless popular with Spanish visitors from Seville and further afield and a few overseas visitors in the know from northern Europe.
Famous throughout Spain for the products of the black pig fed exclusively on acorns (bellotas): Jamon de Jabugo, Paté de Jabugo and Pata Negra (leg of ham), the region is also known for its sweet chestnut production centred on Fuenteheridos and Los Marines and the spectacular "Gruta de las Maravillas" or 'Cave of Marvels' deep under the hilltop castle and church of Aracena. In spring there is much to interest the botanist and photographer as well as many colourful butterflies flying among the spring flowers. For the birdwatcher, vultures, buzzard, kites, eagles, bee-eaters, hoopoe, black and common redstart, three species of woodpecker and numerous small songbirds are a prelude to sightings of black stork and, soaring, above all, the black vulture. This local sierra population is complemented by a visit to the wetland and coastal habitats of the internationally renowned Doñana National Park.
We will also visit other points of local cultural or historical interest including the beautiful mesquita (mosque) of Almonaster la Real. You will be accompanied by the locally based naturalist and guide Nick Clark with additional local support from Trevor Bending and Georgina Wright. For full details, see the description in the tour outline.