Located in the southwest of Spain, the province of Huelva borders the Andalusian provinces of Seville and Cadiz and also Portugal. Huelva stands out for its beaches, natural surroundings, gastronomy and lovely towns. Here is our to-do list.
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Visit Aracena and the ”Gruta de las maravillas”
Sierra de Aracena Natural Park and Picos de Aroche sourrounds this beautiful village. The landscape outstands for the mixture of white houses presided over by Aracena’s Castle together with a magnificent natural environment. This makes Aracena one of the most worth visiting towns in Huelva.
One of the highlights of this town is the Gruta de las Maravillas (the Cave of Wonders). It is a huge underground cave that was discovered at the end of the 19th century. There, you can see a wide variety of formations and lakes of different sizes and colors. Furthermore, The cave is more than 500 million years old.
“Riotinto´s Mines”
If you want to see a piece of Mars on Earth, you cannot miss the Rio Tinto Mining Park on your route through Huelva. Currently, NASA is studying the place. This unique landscape makes you feel that you are on another planet. You can visit the mining museum as well. Besides, you can travel by train to the section that connects the mines with the port of Huelva or even go inside the mine.
Doñana National Park
The Doñana National Park is the most important protected natural area in Europe. The virgin beaches and endangered species such as the Iberian lynx are some of the treasures in this natural environment.
UNESCO declared Doñana a World Heritage Site in 1994. Doñana now has many other recognitions, as it is now regarded as a treasured natural gem. With over 100,000 hectares of protected land, Doñana is a global hotspot for the survival of many species.
Colombinas
If you are in Huelva during the summer, you can’t miss the Colombinas festivities. The celebrations usually take place during a week at the end of July and the beginning of August.
Colombinas are the biggest celebrations in Huelva. They have the denomination of Festivals of Tourist Interest in Andalusia. They have been held since 1882 to commemorate the day that Cristopher Columbus left for the Indias from Palos de la Frontera in 1492.
Moreover, there is a huge variety of activities during the week such as free concerts, children’s activities and sports competitions.
Muelle de las Carabelas, a trip to the past
The pintoresque town of Palos de la Frontera holds The Caravel Dock Museum ” Muelle de las caravelas ‘‘ . It contains an accurate replica of the vessels which carried Columbus to America: La Niña, La Pinta and La Santa María. They were built in order to celebrate the V Centenary of the discovery of America.
In addition,you can also visit The Rábida monastery and the Celestino Mutis Botanical, also nearby the harbour.
Taste the exquisite gastronomy
Huelva has a wide gastronomic richness. Thanks to its privileged location, which combines coasts and mountain ranges within the same province.
The waters of Andalusia’s Atlantic Coast provide the white Prawn which is one of the greatest foods. On top of that, the Iberian ham holds a place of honour in the local cuisine. Experts have labelled this product with the Protected Designation of Origin.
On top of that, the quality of food extends to meats, specially Iberian pork in its different varieties and fish. The main ones are the sea bream, tuna, sole, red mullet, wedge sole or swordfish.
Moreover, Fruits and vegetables are also increasingly acclaimed, specially strawberries and oranges. Huelva’s strawberries have become quite prestigious as people call it the ”red gold”.
Visit ‘El Rocío’
The Village of El Rocío is a unique place that you must visit at least once in a lifetime. El Rocío stands in the core of the Doñana National Park and marshes and unparalleled views surrounds it. Aditionally, every year, it takes place one of the most famous and massive pilgrimages in Spain: the Pilgrimage of El Rocio.
Huelva’s beautiful beaches
You can’t miss the alluring beaches in Huelva. They have more than 120 kilometers of beaches and an incomparable vegetation surround them. You can enjoy these first-quality beaches all throughout the year thanks to the mild temperatures and the hours of sunshine that characterize the south of Spain. Some of them are: Los Enebrales, Matalascañas, La Antilla or Isla Canela. They stand out for being quieter and less crowded than other beaches in Andalusia.
Cross the walls of ” Castillo de Niebla”
Niebla is a small, fortified Medieval town in Huelva. Within the walls of Niebla stands the Castillo de Los Guzmanes. Its site originally housed a Roman castle. However, all its occupants in the past such as Visigoths, Moors and Christians have made its own restaurations. Aditionally, from the towers of the Castle you can get a panoramic view of the Tinto River and the city.
Iberian Ham Experience
The Iberian Ham Experience allows you to discover the entire and complex process of making Iberian ham. An unique plan in which you will learn about the natural curing process of this extraordinary product. On top of that, you will learn how to cut ham like an expert or savor the mouth-watering Iberian ham. In the different towns of the Sierra, you can taste this gastronomic treasure that is part of the history and roots of Huelva.
For more info and insights, get in touch with us here or write to us at info@alsherry.com and we’d be delighted to arrange / make plans with you or for you!