1st Conference on Geotourism in the South-West of the Iberian Peninsula
Free activities as part of Holística Nature’s Geólatra Project. Booking in advance is essential
You can now watch the full presentation
The 1st Conference on Geotourism in the South-West of the Iberian Peninsula took place on 9 and 10 October 2026 in Aracena and Alájar. Thank you to everyone who joined us. Here is the presentation «Humanising the Earth Sciences» by Dr Helena Chacón, with an introduction by Dr Juan Antonio Morales.
What are these conferences?
These Geotourism Conferences stem from a desire to promote the popularisation of geoscience and the conservation of geological heritage through memorable geotourism experiences.
The popularisation of Earth Sciences It is often perceived as boring, overly technical or of little practical use in everyday life. During this conference, we will explore new educational approaches that incorporate perception, the affective domain, storytelling and drawing to foster a connection with the Earth, to bring us closer to scales of space and time very different from our own, and to transform “data” into something that is not forgotten: information that matters and that is stored in our deep memory.
These workshops are the first step in the pilot project “Bringing the Earth Sciences to Life”“, through which we hope to begin collecting data on how these interpretative tools influence understanding, a sense of connection to the area and, ultimately, the appreciation and conservation of geological heritage.
Objectives
- To promote public awareness of geoscience and highlight the geological heritage of the south-western Iberian Peninsula.
- To showcase new interpretative strategies that make geotourism a memorable, practical and distinctive experience.
- To lay the foundations for a replicable approach — ”Humanising the Earth Sciences” — that adds value to the region’s tourism and educational offerings.
What do you need to know?
The event consists of two free sessions. You can attend both or just one. Places are limited, so please book yours via the links on this page.
Presentation · «Humanising the Earth Sciences»
Friday 9 October, 7.00 pm
Doña Elvira Square Auditorium, Aracena
Taught by:
Helena Chacón, PhD in Geology and co-director of Holística Nature and Geólatra.
Juan Antonio Morales, Professor of Geology at the University of Huelva and Chair of the Scientific Committee of the Iberia Geopark Project.
Presented by:
Javier Muriel, nature guide, environmental educator and co-director of Holística Nature and Geólatra.
Approximate duration: one hour, plus a question-and-answer session at the end.
GeoRoute through Alájar
Saturday 10 October, 9.30 am
Meeting point: San Marcos Church, Alájar
A low-to-medium difficulty trail, 5.4 km there and back, to the viewpoint. Expected return time around 1.30 pm. Guide: Dr Helena Chacón.
What to bring: comfortable clothes suitable for the weather, water and something to eat, a notebook and a pencil or pen. If you fancy it, you can also bring coloured pencils: on this walk, as well as admiring the scenery, we’ll be drawing it.
Aimed at
Tourism professionals (guides, active tourism companies, rural accommodation providers), teachers, and members of the general public with an interest in the region’s nature, landscape and geology.
With the support of
Aracena Town Council · Alájar Town Council · Galaroza Town Council · Geological Society of Spain · Huelva Business Federation · Sierra Tourism Business Association · Spanish Ecotourism Association · Huelva24
Geólatra is our initiative focused on interpreting the local area, in which we combine science, landscape and experience to explore the relationship between humans and nature through experiences in the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche.
It forms part of the Holística Nature project ecosystem.