Huelva, Spain: The Coast Of Light Of The Atlantic Ocean

Huelva province is located in Andalucia, on the southwest of Spain with Badajoz, Sevilla and Portugal on its three sides. The ‘Coast of Light’ is on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It is located on the mouth of the rivers Tinto and Odiel that start their journey from the Aracena mountain range. The northern part of the province is at the foot of the Morena mountain range and they are cooler than the warm coastal area, which features wild and unspoiled beaches.

Visitors can enjoy the endless pristine beaches, landscapes of pine and juniper, and a host of colorful fishing villages that are typical of this region.

A Little Bit of History

Phoenicians founded Huelva and then it was occupied by the Tartessians, who named it Onos Baal. The town developed under the Romans who discovered the copper reserves and started the mining work.

Replicas of Christopher Columbus's boats for his journey to Americas, Huelva, Spain - Huelva province is located in Andalucia, on the southwest of Spain with Badajoz, Sevilla and Portugal on its three sides. It became popular in the fifteenth century when Christopher Columbus set sail from Huelva on his voyage to discover the new continent.Replicas of Christopher Columbus’s boats for His Journey to Americas, Huelva

They called this place as Onuba Estuaria , due to its location. The Romans reigned until the fifth century, when the Moors captured and created the Taifas kingdom.

The Moors built several defensive forts, walls, mosques and pretty villages. However, the province was conquered back by Alfonso X el Sabio in 1258 and he built many castles, forts and churches.

Huelva became popular in the fifteenth century with the discovery of America. Christopher Columbus set sail from Huelva on his voyage to discover the new continent.

Hermitage of the Virgin of El Rocio, in the province of Huelva, Spain - This is the destination of an annual pilgrimage called Romeria de El Rocio, which is a reason why this small but charming village El Rocio became popular.Hermitage of the Virgin of El Rocío, Huelva

Huelva was completely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and was rebuilt afterwards. The copper mines and fishing has been the major sources of income to this province.

The English bought the River Tinto copper mines in the nineteenth century and a typical British neighborhood, Victoria Neighborhood, was set up. Today, tourism and services, agriculture and fishing industries have become important.

Huelva is popular for its Jamon del Jabugo, a special type of ham, cherry liquor, wines, olive oils, strawberries, goats cheese, almonds, marzipan, honey and dried salted tuna.

Fiesta de la Luz, Semana Santa, Romeria del Rocio, Carnivals, Fiestas Colombinas and La Virgen del Carmen are some of the popular festivals and celebrations of Huelva.

Where is Huelva?

  • 61 miles/ 98.2 km from Seville, Spain
  • 69.5 miles/ 112 km from Faro, Portugal
  • 234.2 miles/ 377 km from Lisbon, Portugal
  • 180.1 miles/ 290 km from Gibraltar, UK
  • 68.3 miles/ 110 km from Seville Airport, Spain
  • 72 miles/ 116 km from Faro Airport, Portugal
  • 216.8 miles/ 349 km from Tangier Airport, Morocco

 Things to See

  • Cathedral
  • Palacio Municipal de Huelva
  • Iglesia de San Pedro
  • Museum
  • Moret Park
  • Gran Teatro
  • Muelles sobre la ria
  • Santuario de Nuestra Senora de Cinta

    Beaches

    Alamonte Beaches:

  • Matalascanas
  • Castilla Beach
  • Isla Cristina Beaches
  • Isla Canela
  • La Redondela
  • Punta Caiman

Punta Umbria Beaches:

  • Punta Umbria
  • La Bota

    Excursions

  • Ayamonte
  • Matalascanas
  • Donana National Park

Although Huelva may lack in star attractions, it is a pleasant place with pretty plazas, historical monuments, bustling port, and wonderful seafood bars and restaurants.

It’s got plenty of that alluring Spanish charm which can help you take wonderful memories of this place with you.

We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!