The Best Routes of the Iberian Hams from Spain.

Join us on a culinary trip to get to know one of the best delicacies of the whole planet: the Iberian ham from Spain! Here you will learn everything about varieties and denominations of origin. Refine your journey with a relaxing stay in one of the most charming and comfortable boutique hotels, located on this route of the Iberian ham. Here we go!

The ‘Iberian ham’ is not a designation of origin but a breed, that means ham made from the Iberian pig.

As `100% Ibérico´ they label the ham made entirely from the Iberian pig, with a minimum of 50% or more, the ham is given the designation `Ibérico´.

Here are other characteristics that distinguish the Iberian ham from other ham:

Breeding, if you do it in the pasture, allows the Iberian pig to move and run, enhancing the exercise and physical activity.
Feeding in the fattening phase (montanera).
Aging period ranges from 12 to 36 months, depending on the size of the piece and the food.

Below we describe the official classification that is included in the labeling of hams. Depending on the feed you have received in the fattening phase (from 2-4 months until they reach the right weight) and the breeding in semilibertad (Dehesa) or not.

The official classification is recognizable on the labels of the ham, depending on the type of feed in the mast phase (from 2-4 months to the right weight) and the breeding, mostly outdoors.

The classification is the same for the `paletas`, hind legs, or `paletillas’, the front legs of the pig, although the period of cure is shortened to a minimum of 16 months for `Bellota´ and 12 for the rest.

On the other hand there are 4 protected denominations of origin of the Iberian ham, regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, according to its elaboration, duly labeled in each piece.

On our itinerary of the Iberian ham, we show you the proveniences and pastures where these precious animals run with some truly charming boutique hotels, which you should get to know.

IBERIAN HAM ORIGIN HUELVA: from the Sierra de Huelva, in villages like Mayores, Jabugo, Cortegana, Cumbres etc.

IBERIAN HAM ORIGIN PEDROCHES: elaborated in the North of the Province of Córdoba (Añora, Belalcázar, Cardeña, Espiel, Fuente Obejuna, Hinojosa del Duque, Pedroche, Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo, Villanueva de Córdoba..)

IBERIAN HAM ORIGIN GUIJUELO: elaboration in the Sierra de Gredos and Bejar, in Castilla y León and Extremadura, or in Castilla la Mancha and Andalusia. We highlight the province of Salamanca among the 77 municipalities that incorporate this denomination of origin.

IBERIAN HAM ORIGIN EXTREMADURA: from the pastures of Caceres and Badajoz.

After all the information on legally protected names of origin, please keep in mind: 5J, Pata Negra, Joselito or Jabugo are not classifications nor denominations of origin of Iberian ham, only trade names, populations or characteristics of the pig.

To complete this exquisite culinary journey on the trail of Iberian ham from Spain, here are some welcoming boutique hotels along the route.

In Huelva, just 20 minutes from the renowned town of Jabugo, the fabulous boutique hotel `Convento Aracena´ is located:

HOTEL CONVENTO ARACENA: (Aracena)

In Arcena, in the heart of the Sierra de Huelva, housed in a beautiful 17th century convent, today you find this cozy boutique hotel.

During the reconstruction of the building care was taken to preserve original structures, which were tastefully combined with modern interior design.

The spacious rooms are welcoming, furnished in a sober and elegant style. The romantic suites with their very high vaulted ceilings, have king-size bed, lounge and dressing room.

The outdoor area has beautifully landscaped gardens with salt-water swimming pool.

There is also a relaxing spa with a heated pool, hydromassage bathtub and steam baths.

Breakfast in buffet style from regional products is served in the garden.

The restaurant ‘Huertonun’ combines modern and traditional cuisine with a clear commitment to regional products of proximity.

Bicycles are available for guests to explore the surrounding area.

Reserve your accommodation at Hotel Convento Aracena.

In Los Pedroches, province of Córdoba, we offer this charming boutique hotel:

LA CASA DEL MEDICO: (Villanueva de Córdoba)

Next to the town hall of Villanueva de Córdoba, this charming boutique hotel is housed in a beautiful 18th century manor house. A traditional Andalusian building with typical courtyard in the center and a water from a well. Its modern interior is decorated in warm and white tones

The hotel has a quiet reading room with fireplace, the unique rooms are housed in the former stables and storage rooms.

A former water tank has been carefully converted into an outdoor pool.

Villanueva de Córdoba is situated in the ‘Los Pedroches’, where the largest pastures and oak meadow of Europe can be found.

In the hotel, you will be advised to make ecological livestock visits and you will be able to witness the slaughter of Iberian pigs.

Enjoy your stay at La Casa del Medico, Los Pedroches.

Close to the Sierra de Francia, in the province of Salamanca, you will be delighted by Villa Mogarraz, just one of our wonderful boutique hotels en Salamanca.

VILLA MOGARRAZ: (Mogarraz)

In the beautiful medieval village of Mogarraz, surrounded by the Sierra de Francia and Béjar, you will find this rural boutique hotel with Castilian charm. Architecturally, it fits perfectly into its natural surroundings, with a fusion of traditional and modern-elegant style.

Its spacious spa offers all the facilities you need, including a heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, bithermal showers and cabins for treatments and massages.

From the spacious rooms, spread over three floors, you have stunning views of the mountains and the village. There are double and superior rooms, as well as junior suites and suites, most with terrace. The suites have a two-seater jacuzzi.

The restaurant ‘El Asador Don Mauro’ offers regional cuisine, of course with Iberian meat products of the region, as well as seasonal mushroom dishes and homemade pastries. In the impressive wine cellar you can dine on request.