Discover the Huelva province and the Costa de la Luz
Where tradition meets natural beauty
Explore Huelva's treasures
Huelva: history, golden beaches and coastal charm
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Discover Huelva, where rich history intertwines with golden beaches and dreamy natural landscapes along its coastline. Immerse yourself in the authenticity of its charming villages, enjoy its delicious gastronomy and discover a unique scene on every stretch of the stunning beaches that line this enchanting province.
Our destinations in Huelva
MAZAGÓN
Stretching from the 20th century Casa del Vigía, Andalusia’s first concrete building, are 6 kilometres of beaches. Between the towns of Palos and Moguer is a cradle of the Discovery. With the calm waters of the Atlantic, a fantastic, strategically located harbour offers access to and from the Mediterranean. The surrounding area boasts pine forests, clifftops and rugged beaches facing the sea. As with the entire coast of La Luz de Huelva, you can indulge in its cuisine and seafood dishes, but save enough appetite for dessert so you can try the region's exquisite red and citrus fruits.
Golden sand and calm waters surrounded by idyllic landscapes along 7 km of beaches steeped in history. A unique environment and a settlement that has prioritised the quality of its services, making it a national benchmark. Visit the surrounding area and savour the local gastronomy, a real contrast with the modern urban development and fishing village that still remains today. This holiday destination boasts two golf courses, two marinas, a spectacular natural environment and the town of Ayamonte that is embraced by glorious sunsets. Stroll through the town’s streets and squares, and visit its neighbourhoods (the centre, La Villa, the port) and discover the area's traditional trading and frontier character, as well as its rich historical heritage.
A seafaring and fishing town, as evidenced by its port and fish market, one of the leading national markets for the buying and selling of fresh fish. Nestled between marshes and pine forests, Isla Cristina offers 10 km of beaches. Visitors can combine a refreshing swim with taking part in sailing or motor sport activities in these waters, or enjoy a typical dish from the local cuisine. The Marismas de Isla Cristina Natural Park surrounds the town and from the town centre, you can stroll down to the sea. Seafront promenades, wooden walkways and well laid out paths facilitate access to any of the area's beaches.
Town planning and urbanism, nature and simplicity have been wisely combined in Islantilla to offer visitors and residents a tourist resort that offers the best amenities. Nowadays, together with Isla Cristina and Lepe, Islantilla is a community of municipalities. La Antilla still has its seaside neighbourhood, with the flavours of its restaurants and streetfood establishments. On the hillside lies the golf course, which was founded in 1992, and the 16th century Catalan tower, which has witnessed the transformation of the area's quality tourist industry. A charming enclave on Huelva's Costa de la Luz that will not leave you indifferent.
Surrounded by pine forests, just over 4 km of coastline leads to marshes that culminate in the river Piedras estuary. Take in the view from the coastal vantage points, experience the area's magnetism while strolling through these landscapes, or climb aboard a boat and get to know the area’s hidden coves. This protected natural site is of particular ornithological, aquacultural and botanical interest. Enjoy the family atmosphere, traditional coastal architecture, fishing port and terraces where you can dine on fresh fish and seafood. Don't leave without exploring the scenery and the Laguna de El Portil reserve by walking along one of the charming trails.
A peninsula with more than 14 km of fine golden sandy beaches awaits visitors in this fishing and seafaring town. Characterised by pine forests, savins and junipers, together with the blue of the sky and the sea, this paradise was rediscovered by English miners at the end of the 19th century. From El Portil to Punta de la Canaleta, uninterrupted beaches are bathed in the purity of the Atlantic Ocean. On the other side is the estuary, where there is a large fishing port and several marinas. Set off for the city of Huelva, taking the route from the Muelle de las Canoas through the Odiel River Marshes, a beautiful natural site which has been declared to be of Tourist Interest in Andalusia.
If you enjoy walking, you will find numerous routes and trails in the provinces of Huelva and Seville that are ideal for you. In the Sierra de Aracena y Picos de Aroche, there are more than 25 signposted trails that connect the various towns and villages. This trip will make you fall in love with the green landscapes, culture, gastronomy and the local people. You will also find numerous trails in Huelva's Costa de la Luz that run through forests, marshes and along rivers and estuaries, combining culture, gastronomy, beautiful landscapes, seafood and sea breezes. Likewise, in the province of Seville you will find a myriad of trails on which you can enjoy the region's cultural and natural heritage: mountains, valleys, waterfalls, streams, Roman ruins and mines... from the Sierra Norte, with its lush vegetation and historic villages, to the Sierra Sur and the Marismas del Guadalquivir marshes.
More than 100 years after the oldest golf club was founded on the peninsula in Huelva, the province is still an exciting enclave for this sport thanks to its nature and its favourable climate. The golf courses you will find in Huelva are: Isla Canela Golf and Costa Esuri Golf Club (in Ayamonte), Islantilla Golf (in Islantilla), Club de Golf Bellavista and La Monacilla Golf Club (in Aljaraque), Golf Nuevo Portil and Golf El Rompido (in Cartaya) and Corta Atalaya Golf (in Minas de Riotinto). You also have the opportunity to practice this sport in and around Seville on equally spectacular courses: Real Club Pineda and Real Club de Golf Sevilla (in Seville), Club de Golf Zaudín (Tomares), Club Hato Verde (in Las Pajanosas), Club de Golf Las Minas (in Aznalcázar). All of them offer lessons for beginners or advanced players. Come! Bring your clubs!
The provinces of Huelva and Seville offer a range of wonderful venues for congresses as well as musical and sporting events. Palaces and congress centres, modern sports facilities and fantastic conference installations await you in a unique environment where gastronomy, leisure activities as well as modern and quality infrastructures are available in a location that is adapted to meet all your needs. Seville has a long history of hosting important trade fairs and events in the city, and Huelva's modern facilities offer a number of alternatives to add to your events. The A-49 motorway links both destinations in less than 1 hour, and Huelva is just a few minutes' drive from Portugal. From any point, it will take you a maximum of 45 minutes to reach one of the two international airports (Seville and Faro) or an AVE high speed train station (Seville). Whether it's to take part in sports or go to a festival or conference, there's nothing to stop you from meeting up in the south of Spain.
The Costa de Huelva is the perfect destination for those looking for a great holiday. Enjoy the wonderful climate all year round, clear and clean waters, fine golden sands and the possibility to engage in a wide range of water sports for adults and children. There are numerous specialised venues where you can practice these sports along the coastline of Huelva, especially Isla Canela, Islantilla and Punta Umbría. Here, you will find marinas and schools with magnificent facilities for a wide range of activities in natural surroundings: boats, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, beginners' courses, advanced courses, equipment hire, boat hire, jet skiing, and many more activities for all. On the Guadalquivir river in the city of Seville, you will find plenty of schools for canoeing, kayaking, boat hire, etc., to complete your visit.
This corner of western Andalusia is a paradise for cycle tourism, whether for short journeys through protected areas or sightseeing in cities such as Seville, which is full of easy-to-use cycle paths. The climate, along with the exceptional natural environment and the existing network of connections make the provinces of Huelva and Seville ideal places to enjoy cycling. Huelva province boasts a variety of beautiful landscapes, culture and excellent gastronomy. From the Sierra de Aracena to the Tinto and Odiel rivers, passing through Doñana and the Guadiana greenways, all the routes will leave you amazed. You can even enjoy Seville's city centre, as it has kilometres of cycle lanes. You'll also love the Trasandalus route through Seville's Sierra Norte mountain range. Another recommended route is through the marshes of Doñana. We look forward to seeing you out on a bike ride!
The wine-growing region of Condado de Huelva is steeped in a thousand-year-old tradition, producing wines with designation of origin (D.O.). Your trip will be enhanced by this excellent wine tourism package: visiting wineries and vineyards, wine tastings and immersing yourself in the landscapes and nature as well as the heritage and culture of the Huelva province. You will be amazed by the small, family-run wineries that have managed to preserve the legacy of generations, while investing in technological innovation. The Condado de Huelva Wine Centre is an interactive, sensory space and is the starting point for visiting some of the region's wineries (Andrade, Sauci, Marqués de Villalúa, among many others), all staffed by specialists who will show you around the facilities and tell you the secrets of their wine production. The Condado de Huelva Wine Route offers visitors more than 11 itineraries.
Mining activity has been important in this region since ancient times. In the 19th century, an English company settled here to search for copper, in the midst of the industrial revolution. The English colony left behind typical buildings and customs that still represent a curious legacy of Victorian style today. Stroll through the Barrio de Bellavista, with its typical English architecture. Another essential visit is to the Corta de la Atalaya, which formed the largest open-cast mine in Europe and one of the largest in the world: the crater is 345 metres deep. The Mining Museum has a fabulous exhibition of mining through the ages and the mining railway will take you to another time: this journey is well worth the visit. This cinematographic landscape will never cease to amaze you.
Sitting at the mouth of the Guadiana River, Ayamonte is an excellent and first-class beach and cultural destination. Here, we suggest you see the city from the river and sail to the town of Sanlúcar del Guadiana, in the region of Andévalo. You can take a boat trip with one of the companies that offer this route, and even cruise past Alcoutim, a neighbouring town on the Portuguese side of the river. It will undoubtedly be something to remember. The riverside landscape will impress you with its vegetation and fauna, including numerous bird species. When you get to Sanlúcar, you will be able to sample dishes from Andévalo, as well as its mushrooms and desserts. You will be pleasantly surprised by its location on a hill that leads down to the river, the luminosity of the houses and intricate slopes, the small river port, its riverbank and the view of Alcoutím, a small white-painted Portuguese village on the other side of the river.
Located at the western end of the Sierra Morena, to the north of the province of Huelva, this was the scene of battles over the border during the Middle Ages. The historical legacy of those conflicts can be seen in the numerous fortresses that make up the Banda Gallega. The Ruta de los Castillos (Route of Castles) is an excellent option for getting to know this Natural Park and its beautiful villages steeped in history: Aroche, Cortegana, Almonaster, Encinasola, Cumbres, Cala, Zufre and Aracena, where another essential visit is the Gruta de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders). With a moderate climate in all seasons, gentle elevations and a multitude of cultural and natural attractions, the Sierra de Aracena is a dream destination for hiking. This area is home to a series of signposted and well-maintained nature trails, paths and old livestock tracks that connect villages, towns and hamlets.
La Rábida is located among natural landscapes of great ecological value, most of which have remained unchanged since Columbus. The Monastery is a witness to the Columbian conquest, and its humble appearance is remarkable for its historical significance. Palos de la Frontera is a town that is proud of its Columbian heritage, as it volunteered its men, money and ships for the American adventure. The church of San Jorge Mártir still looks as it did back then and is the place where the Royal Pragmatic Order was read out in 1492 ordering the delivery of the caravels and requesting potential sailors. The Casa de los Pinzón houses an exhibition on the discovery as well as the commitment of the Pinzón family to the voyage. The Niña was launched in the shipyards of Moguer. This enterprising and baroque city is full of history, with churches and stately homes that are a pleasure to visit.
Located in the area of Punta del Sebo beyond the Monument to the Discovering Faith created by sculptor Whitney in 1929, lies the Marismas del Odiel, a natural park of marshes, canals, lagoons and beaches that is one of the most important wetlands in Europe. At the visitor centre on the island of Bacuta, you can go on guided excursions and appreciate the beauty of the area, the flamingos and osprey and an infinite number of other bird species. We recommend that you take the "La Canoa" trip in Punta Umbría: from the Muelle de las Canoas, you can set off for the city of Huelva, taking the route through the Odiel river marshes, a beautiful natural site which has been declared to be of Tourist Interest in Andalusia. A lovely boat trip that gives you the opportunity to visit Huelva before returning to Punta Umbría.
Doñana has been a National Park, Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site since 1994, in recognition of the extraordinary uniqueness of this set of ecosystems and the importance of their preservation for future generations. One of the most important natural environments in the world, it is an organic mosaic that is comprised of lagoons, beaches, mobile and fixed dunes, reserves and marshes. These wild spaces are home to a rich variety of fauna and are a refuge for thousands of birds. It is also home to two animal species that are at great risk of extinction: the imperial eagle and the Iberian lynx. Another place to visit is El Rocío, a village of great cultural significance that is surrounded by marshes. The region is a unique place to visit, with five visitor centres: three in the province of Huelva, one in Seville and another in Cadiz.
Yet another of the typical flavours of Andalusian cuisine, from the heart of Spanish gastronomic culture: small homemade and traditional dishes and specialities. In short, tapas are a Spanish way of life; they reflect the way Spanish people approach life, and are the expression of Spanish street culture. Stroll through the streets and stop at various bars and terraces to order and sample their tapas: "sal a tapear" (go out for tapas). Tapas have undoubtedly solved the problem of having such a wide variety of delicious gastronomical dishes: sample a little piece of all of Spain's gastronomic heritage! Since the Middle Ages, the Spanish were already the first true "foodies". Some popular dishes include rice, cheeks, bull's tail, croquettes, sirloin steak with whisky, flamenquín, potato salad, spinach with chickpeas, flamenco-style eggs, gazpacho, papas aliñás, pringá... Come and blend in with the soul of our tapas bars.
The northern parts of the Huelva and Seville provinces form the westernmost part of the Sierra Morena mountain range. A rugged area that is a paradise for Iberian pig breeding, it provides the people of Seville and Huelva with an excellent source of meat. Among this haven of flavours and contrasts, one star stands out: Jabugo PDO ham. In addition to this, cured and fresh sausages accompany the fine cuisine. These mountain ranges are home to the Iberian pig par excellence. Reared in the mountains, their meat is famous beyond Spain's borders and can be enjoyed both grilled and in a multitude of stews. Wild mushrooms are also an important part of the local diet, as the sierras are one of the most important mycological production areas in Andalusia. Goat's cheese, honey, chestnuts and walnuts are just some of the other wonders to be found in this region.
Influenced by the fantastic Atlantic coast where the Guadalquivir River flows into the sea, the millenary seafaring tradition has resulted in a variety of fish, shellfish and mollusc dishes in the cuisine typical of Huelva and Seville. Coquina, almeja, navaja and chirla clams delight the most discerning palates. As well as the incomparable white shrimp from Huelva, you can also try a wide variety of fish and seafood. Furthermore, there is a strong tradition of stews with ingredients such as potatoes or broad beans with cuttlefish. This seafaring spirit of Triana and the coast has left its mark in the form of canned fish and salted fish such as mojama. There's no doubt that visiting western Andalusia will take your taste buds on a journey of discovery, enjoying these dishes in every corner of the region.
The provinces of Huelva and Seville form a favourable geographical location for growing crops. Facing the Atlantic, this Guadalquivir valley enjoys mild temperatures and moderate rainfall, making it particularly fertile land. At present, the Huelva province produces 97% of the national production of strawberries, and is the second largest producer in the world. Likewise, the other red fruits that are cultivated throughout the province stand out for their excellent quality. Furthermore, the significant acreage of orange and lemon trees place the province at the forefront of production. Most of Spain's rice is grown in the Guadalquivir marshes in the Seville province. Rice with crab is a typical local dish, and on the coast of Huelva, rice is served with seafood. Of course, the countryside here also produces fruit, vegetables and cereals of the highest quality for Spain's fine cuisine.
These wines received Denomination of Origin protection in 1932, and the vineyards where the grapes are grown have been around for millennia. Neutral, loamy soils, with mild winters and springs followed by long, warm summers with an Atlantic influence create the perfect temperature and humidity conditions to obtain these quality wines. The Zalema grape is the predominant variety in the region's vineyards. The Regulatory Council is in charge of qualifying and certifying that the appropriate techniques have been used in the handling of the grapes, as well as monitoring the fermentation, ageing and production processes. Here you will find white wines, red wines, fortified wines, fortified liqueur wines, sweet wines, orange wines and even vinegars made using the traditionally "solera and criaderas" system, as is characteristic of Andalusian wines.
A typical dish in Seville and Andalusian cuisine. With a maritime river and magnificent fishing ports along the Costa de la Luz, it couldn't be any other way. There are many ways to enjoy this delicacy, from bars and restaurants to chiringuitos, but there is undoubtedly one popular establishment that always serves delicious fried fish: the freidurías (fried fish restaurants). These are like fast food joints, but serving food of the highest quality, with delicacies from the sea served in a very fresh and casual format in cardboard cartons that are ideal for sharing. Boquerones (anchovies), hake, cod, roe, sorrel and cuttlefish are some of the specialities you'll find in these temples of fried fish. And then there's a magical side dish: the marinade, which can be made with dogfish, grouper or anchovies. Did you know that it is from Spain's "pescaíto frito" that the English got their idea for "fish and chips"?