Cortegana, Spain

The majestic town of Cortegana, Spain

Cortegana stands out among the charming villages and towns in Spain for its distinctly undiscovered atmosphere. Undiscovered Spain? Is that even possible in a land that has been inhabited for 35,000 years and the second most visited country in Europe after France (Vive la France!). Yuppers! Surprisingly there are hundreds of towns and cities in Spain that see only a handful of international tourists each year and Cortegana is one of them. 

The streets of Cortegana adorned in mosaics.

Set in the Spanish national park of The Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche, Cortegana is located in the heart of north-western Huelva, one of the least-visited provinces in Andalucia, situated in south-western Spain. What sets Cortegana apart is the feeling that it is still a well-kept secret. Abandoned and forgotten buildings dot its landscape, and the absence of tourists, particularly from abroad, lends it an air of unspoiled authenticity. It seems poised on the verge of a revival, as if it's awaiting a reawakening.

My daughter taking in the sights of the Castle of Cortegana.

With warm weather enjoyed throughout the year, here in winter we embraced the chilly vistas of the Castle of Cortegana. Yes, even in Spain, particularly in the mountainous regions, the weather can turn cold. On this day, the temperature may have not even reached 10 degrees Celsius! While it might be considered warm for a Canadian in January, for a child raised as a Spaniard, it feels absolutely freezing....cute.

View of the City of Cortegana, Huelva

Cortegana is a place that has not yet fully revealed its potential, making it a hidden gem in Spain that won't stay concealed for much longer. 

From every street of Cortegana one can look up and see The Castle of Cortegana as it watches over the town and its residents. One of the best castles in Spain, The Castle of Cortegana is well preserved and cared for. The interior is breathtaking and visitors can explore all the levels and rooms. The Castle of Cortegana was built in 1253 to fight off their pesky Portuguese neighbours. An earthquake in 1685 nearly ruined it as did the massive the Lisbon earthquake in 1755.

Among the many famous Spanish festivals is the Cortegana Medieval festival held every August. This popular Spanish festival is one of the biggest, most beloved, and well organized Medieval festivals in Europe in my opinion.  

Cortegana has a large and functioning bullring along with many cherished churches and historic buildings (many in great need of some major TLC), and pretty plazas sprinkled throughout the charming town.  

Being located inside a national park makes Cortegana an ideal place for those who want to do a 'sendero' (mild hike) or biking on ancient roads and trails through cork forests, farms, and the beautiful mountains of northern Huelva.

Cortegana is positioned well for road trips in Spain.  It is located 45 minutes to the Portuguese border, a 1.5 hour drive from both Seville and Huelva, and the beaches of the Costa de Luz, Spain. Cortegana is a great base for those wanting to explore the other historic Spanish towns of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche. Cortegana is a 30 minute drive to Aracena & Alajar, 15 minutes to Aroche & Cumbres Mayores, and 7 minutes to the itty-bitty jewel of the region: Almonaster la Real. 

Enjoying a 'sendero' above Cortegana, Spain

Being part of undiscovered Spain, your buck stretch that much further and for those contemplating moving to Spain, investmenting in Spain, or cheap property in Spain, Cortegana should undoubtedly be on your radar.