The Sierra de Aracena Natural Park surrounding the town has some of the best walking in Andalucia — shaded by chestnut, oak, and cork trees, criss-crossed by old mule tracks connecting whitewashed villages. Unlike the parched lowlands of southern Andalucia, the sierra stays relatively green and cool, making it walkable through much of the year.
Several waymarked trails start from or near Aracena. The most popular follows the ridge east to the village of Linares de la Sierra, a small place of outstanding charm with a river-stone bullring used as a village square and houses decorated with geometric pebble mosaic floors. The walk takes about two hours one way; the village has a bar. The Sierra Explorer office in Aracena has trail maps and can arrange guided walks, including winter mushroom foraging routes when the rains bring out the boletus and níscalos.