Nature, history and sun on the beaches of Huelva

Long, fully equipped beaches of fine, golden sand, surrounded by pine trees and steeped in history. That is the coast of Huelva, where you can enjoy the sun and sea as well as discovering one of the most important wildlife reserves in all of Europe: the Doñana National Park.

Discover the many attractions that await you in this beautiful region which, as well as offering numerous natural spaces of great ecological value, is also steeped in history as it is from here that Christopher Columbus set off on his epic voyage to America. A fabulous mixture that, together with the region's excellent hotels and full range of leisure facilities and services, guarantees that you will enjoy a truly memorable holiday.

Apart from relaxing on its long, quiet beaches, the coast of Huelva has so much more for you to enjoy. You will have a great time strolling around the streets of its small fishing towns, where you can also try some delicious fresh fish, seafood and, of course, the region's famous hams and strawberries. If you come in the summer, it is well worth visiting Punta Umbría, from where you can reach the provincial capital, Huelva, by a most unusual form of transport: "canoes", a service which has been operating on the river since the early 20th century. For those seeking nightlife, Matalascañas is one of the most popular spots.

Places of Interest

The Donana National Park
This is the most important nature reserve in Spain and possibly Europe and is basically the delta of the River Guadalquivir. The park consists of over 500,000 hectares of sand dunes, marshland, beaches, rivers, lagoons, sea beds and estuaries making it ideal for wild life including the Lynx cat (One of Europes rarest animals). It only became a Parque nacional in 1969 after the land had been passed through many hands over many centuries. It was one of the duchesses of Medina Sidonia, Dona Ana de Silva y Mendoza who decided to build her residence there. As a result, the entire region came to be known as the 'forest of Dona Ana', or Donana.

Muelle del Tinto docks
Built at the beginning of the century to load Huelva's mineral exports.

The Shrine of Nuestra Senora de la Cinta
A sanctuary for the patroness of the city, said to have been visited by Columbus.

Barrio Riena Victoria
British mining companies developed an English quarter "Barrio Riena Victoria" during the 19th century.

The Monastery of La Rabida
Columbus stayed here between 1491-92 waiting for financial backing from the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, for his voyage to the New World.