Huelva Information
The province of Huelva may not be the best-known part of Andalucía among foreign visitors, yet it too has a lot to offer. It lies at the west of Andalucia stretches from Seville Province to Portugal.The province is probably best known for its marshlands and national park, called the Coto Donaña where, amidst sand dunes, marshes, pinewoods and freshwater lagoons live flamingos, plus rare buzzards, lynx, mongoose and a startling variety of migratory birds.
Atlantic beaches with miles of unspoilt golden sand are also a feature of this province. The Coastline is known as Costa de la Luz.
To the north rolling wooded hills of the Sierra de Aracena complete the picture of this varied province that has so far escaped mass tourism.
Northern Huelva Province - Rolling Hills
Running along the northern border of the province lies the beautiful and little-visited Sierra de Aracena, an extensive range of pine-covered mountains and thinly populated valleys, where wild boar, eagles and deer still roam abundantly.
Another of Huelva province's better known attractions are the Caves of Marvel in the small town of Aracena. The different parts of the cave have particularly evocative names referring to their shapes and include the Hall of the Organs, the Hall of the Jewels, God's Glassworks and the Great Lake of the Emeralds.
The village of Jabugo is famous for its cured hams and other meat products.
Southern Huelva Province - Atlantic Coastline - Beaches and Marshes
There a several holiday resorts in the province which are particularly popular with the Spanish. One is Punta Umbria, known for its picturesque beaches and reached via the marshlands of the River Odiel, a natural wilderness with a great variety of birdlife, hemmed in by sand dunes and pine woods. The town is also famous for the fresh seafood and jumbo prawns served in numerous bars and restaurants.
Another Atlantic beach town to recommend is Matalascañas which has numerous hotels and restaurants. This is also an important centre for excursions, being less than 40 kilometres from Huelva City and 85 from Seville City.
The recommended route to Matalascañas is via El Rocio, a tiny village of white cottages and a simple church . This is the site of Spain's largest religious pilgrimages; a colourful event combining fervour and devotion to the Virgin del Rocio and all the excitement of an Andalusian fiesta. This is also the route to access the visitors centres of the Donaña National Park
This Huelva coast is known as Costa del La Luz.
City of Huelva - Follow Christopher Columbus
The actual city of Huelva dates back some 3000 years. Today it is large, sprawling and industrialised.
There are however some very interesting places not to be missed such as the quarter of English style Victorian Houses.
Just to the south, particularly around La Rabida a must for those interested in the story of Christopher Columbus.
Huelva guide
Huelva
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