Spain Savvy Destination Spotlight: Zufre: The Village in the Clouds
Just an hour from Seville, in the Sierra de Aracena and the Picos de Aroche Natural Park, is the stunning white village of Zufre. Perched 450 meters above sea level, it has breath-taking views over the nearby reservoir and lakes. Steeped in history, it’s also a great base for nature walks, bird watching and fishing.
There are historical traces of Muslim influence in Zufre from the 8th century. The name is said to come from the Arabic word Xufre, meaning a tributary river. You can see the village’s Arab history in the twisting, narrow streets, declared to be of Cultural Interest in 2002.
The main sights include the square around the Iglesia Purísima Concepción. This 16th century church has much older origins and stands on the site of a former mosque. In the same square you’ll find the architecturally interesting Town Hall building and an unusual head-shaped fountain, the Fuente de la Consejo.
Stroll through the winding streets towards the bullring and stop for a coffee or lunch at the Paseo de los Alcaldes. A shady square that acts as a stunning viewing area overlooking the lakes, there are a couple of restaurants and a climbing frame and slides to keep little ones entertained. Take at seat outside the Ventana de Zufre restaurant and soak up the amazing views and enormous skies. If you’re visiting in winter, the restaurant has an open fire and picture windows overlooking the reservoir.
Don’t miss the village’s patron saint celebrations if you are visiting in August. Held in honour of the Virgen del Puerto, the villagers carry an image of the Virgin from the Hermitage 12 kilometers away. The festival is famous for the horse races that are run through the village’s steep, winding streets. Easter is another busy time, when the village comes alive with religious processions.
Some fantastic rural accommodations in this village are Casa Vesta and El Postigo de Zufre.
But, even if you don’t visit for one of its fiestas, Zufre is a great year-round destination, why not make it part of your trip to Andalucia? Contact us today to begin work on your very own custom itinerary.
This is a guest post written exclusively for Spain Savvy and featuring photos by Lucy Williams