In the mountains northwest of Sevilla, you will find Molino Rio Alájar

You have your own cabin, but it is fun to gather in the communal house and chat with the other guests, make a pot of soup for all to enjoy, study the guide books and maps of the area, or just enjoy the fireplace and scratch the dogs ears while sipping a locally made acorn liqueur. You can pick vegetables from the garden and firewood for the fireplaces and the outdoor grill is provided free of charge. 

The bathroom is downstairs. There are four single beds in the loft upstairs. To the side of the house and with a separate entrance, a bedroom with a double bed and en suite bathroom completes the accommodation. 

Both houses have a terrace for dining alfresco. 

Great care has been taken over the furnishing of all the houses, making them pleasing to the eye and comfortable in the rustic style. 

- All bathrooms have a shower, toilet and basin. 
- Each house has television and telephone. 

The two larger houses, La Cigüeña and El Conejo sleep 4 - 6 people and have under floor heating in all rooms. Each one has a large sitting-room with an open fire and comfortable seating. The kitchen area is to the side with a five-ring gas hob and electric oven, fridge and a good selection of stainless steel cookware, cutlery and earthenware. The bathroom is downstairs. There are four single beds in the gallery room upstairs. To the side of the house and with a separate entrance, a bedroom with a double bed and en suite bathroom completes the accommodation. Both houses have a terrace for dining alfresco.

The two smaller houses, El Buho and La Tortuga, include a bedroom with two single beds, wood-burning stove, small refrigerator and an en suite bathroom. Each has a small terrace on the side.

The fifth house, Zoya, sleeps four and has under floor heating throughout. It has a good-sized sitting-room with an open fireplace, comfortable sofa and chairs, with a dining area and kitchen to the side. The kitchen is well-equipped and has a five-ring gas hob with electric oven and refrigerator. 

French windows open onto a delightful raised terrace overlooking the river. Off the sitting-room a doorway leads down steps to a bedroom with two single beds and en suite bathroom. 

With a separate outside entrance, the second bedroom includes a double bed with en suite bathroom. 

The spacious communal room has a sitting and dining area in front of an open fireplace. Food can be prepared in the fully equipped kitchen and outside on the terrace with a barbecue. Guests can pick their own vegetables from the garden and firewood is provided free of charge. Donkeys can be hired on an hourly basis for guided treks through the countryside. The Dutch owners of the Molino have a sound knowledge of the area and detailed walking routes and itineraries are available.

Guests are welcome to use the pool (5m x 11m - 16.5 ft x 36ft) under the beautiful oak trees.  There's also a large vegetable garden with delicious fresh vegetables to try. 

A short walk from your cottage, along country lanes lined with stone walls, takes you to the pretty village of Alájar with its white houses and winding, cobbled streets. Some of the bars and restaurants stand out for their cosiness and character. High above the cluster of white houses towers la Peña de Arias Montano, a craggy cliff with a sixteenth century hermitage set on its peak. Alájar's name comes from the Arab word for stone, and the fact is that it is a stony peak that dominates the village and presides over the life and doings of its 836 inhabitants. 

There are several bars and restaurants here. We think one stands out as truly unique. It is Mesón "El Corcho." You must not cheat yourself out of this treat. Go to the bar (you will become a local right away)and have a drink or two. Be curious about the local liqueurs and they will gladly let you taste each and every one. Be careful of the locally made potato chips though. They are addictive! 

Aracena

Aracena, the main town in the park, is only a twenty minute drive along scenic roads from the Molino. It boasts a fine thirteenth century church, built on a hill by the Knights Templar, who were given dominion over the area in 1267. Beneath this hill, crowned by the church, lies the Gruta de las Maravillas (Cave Of Wonders), one of Spain's most impressive caves.

Welcome to the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park, declared as such in 1989. With its rolling hills and clusters of white villages, this area can be found at the western end of the Sierra Morena, the longest of Spain's mountain ranges. With only 40,000 inhabitants scattered over its 3000 square kilometres, it makes for an ideal destination for walkers and nature lovers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.