Alájar is a typical village of the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche which has managed to maintain the traditions and characteristics of the area at the same time as enjoying the advantage of the relatively recent improvements in the communication and access to the area from the major cities around. This has allowed the buildings, cobbled streets, traditional crafts and customs to remain intact to this day and thus achieving heritage status. Alájar is a vibrant community that enjoys the peace and tranquillity of the area, coming especially to life during the festivities of August and September. The fiestas culminate in the pilgrimage of Our Lady of the Angels, celebrated on the 7th and 8th September which dates back to the XIV century when there was a vision of Our Lady at this spot. It is an important regional event as the Virgin is the Patron Saint of the Sierra and pilgrims come from all the villages around, on foot and horseback, following their highly decorated carriages drawn by oxen.

The Peña de Arias Montano has caught the imagination of all who have been fortunate to pass by due to the prominence of the overhanging rock cliff that casts its shadow over the village. There is too the shrine dedicated to the Patron Saint of Alájar, Our Lady of the Angels; the humanist Don Benito Arias Montano, confessor and librarian to King Philip II, who chose this spot as a retreat in the XVII century and gave his name to the site; and last but certainly not least the glorious views over Alájar and beyond.

Despite the size of the village with less than 800 inhabitants, Alájar has plenty to offer: six excellent restaurants, bars with a range of typical tapas from the area, live music at the weekend with a locally formed group of musicians and anyone else who cares to join in the session! 2 banks with cash machines, a pharmacy, doctor’s surgery and all types of shops where you can find most things you need not to mention the local products such as the cured ham and other cuts from the Iberian black pig, honey, goat’s cheese and ceramics.