Welcome to our tourist guide to Huelva, an enchanting destination located in southwestern Spain that offers a perfect blend of history, nature and culture. In this guide, we will explore the most attractive corners of Huelva and discover how to fully enjoy a quality stay.
How to get to Huelva?
To get to Huelva, if you are coming from Seville, you can take the A-49 highway, a distance of approximately 91 km. If you start from Madrid, the fastest and most direct route is about 615 km; you should follow the A-5 highway to Merida, continue on the A-66 to Seville, and from there take the A-49 to Huelva. If you prefer the train, the trip takes about an hour and a half from Seville and about 3 hours and 40 minutes from Madrid.
As for flights, the nearest airports are Faro airport in Portugal, 80 km away, and San Pablo airport in Seville, 115 km away.
Best time to visit
In Huelva, the weather is generally sunny and pleasant, being the months between May and October the most recommended to visit. July and August are the hottest months, but even in winter temperatures are mild, rarely dropping below 10ºC. Rainfall is more frequent in October and November, although the annual average does not exceed 500 mm. If you want to avoid the summer crowds, we suggest planning your visit for May or September.
Tourist places to visit in Huelva
Grotto of the Wonders: This subway cave, formed over hundreds of years by water erosion in the limestone rocks of the Castillo de Aracena hill, covers 2,130 meters in length. However, only half of this space is available for visits. The highlights are its karst formations and subway lakes, some of which are several meters deep.
Rio Tinto Mining Park: This place is famous for its mines and offers unique landscapes with ocher, reddish and golden tones. You can explore old mining areas, such as the impressive Corta Atalaya, and still active areas such as Cerro Colorado.
Doñana National Park: Established in 1969 and expanded over the years, this park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It is considered one of the country’s natural wonders, making it a must-see in Huelva.
El Rocío: During the weekend of Pentecost Sunday, the village of El Rocío in Almonte fills with thousands of pilgrims for the pilgrimage in honor of the Virgen del Rocío, one of the largest religious events in Spain. Although it is a special time for devotees, those who wish to visit the hermitage where the venerated image is located outside of the pilgrimage will find less crowds.
Ayamonte: This town borders Portugal through the Guadiana River. From the local Parador, you can enjoy exceptional views of Portugal and Isla Cristina, as well as the mouth of the Guadiana River, which creates a landscape of marshes and canals that cross the town.
What to do in Huelva?
Huelva offers a wide variety of landscapes and activities. From the cliffs of the Natural Park of Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche to extensive vineyards and pastures with holm oaks, without forgetting the long stretches of white and golden sandy beaches that extend to the Atlantic Ocean.
In addition, this Andalusian province is steeped in history, with influences from the Tartessians, Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs. Huelva is also known for being the place where Christopher Columbus began his voyage to the New World in 1492 from the port of Palos de la Frontera.
Where to stay? Barceló Isla Canela
The Barceló Isla Canela is a gem located in picturesque Isla Canela, near the beautiful white sandy beaches of Huelva. Its location is ideal for those seeking a serene escape overlooking the sea.
The Barceló Isla Canela Hotel, with its charming design reminiscent of old Andalusian villages, is located right in front of a wide golden sandy beach on the Costa de la Luz, belonging to the historic municipality of Ayamonte. It is very close to the Portuguese Algarve and the main attractions of the province, as well as having good access to the airports of Faro and Seville.
The hotel offers 349 rooms that stand out for being bright, comfortable and well equipped. Some of these rooms offer stunning sea views, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. Guests can also take advantage of the free Wi-Fi available in all areas of the hotel.
If you want to know more about the facilities of this hotel visit: https://www.barcelo.com/en-us/barcelo-isla-canela/
Huelva Travel Tips
Plan Your Trip Ahead: First things first: make sure you plan your trip well in advance. This includes booking your flights and accommodation. Huelva is a popular destination, especially in the peak summer season, so booking in advance will help you secure the best options and rates.
Transportation in Huelva: Once in Huelva, you will have several transportation options. If you prefer comfort, you can consider renting a car, which will allow you to explore the region at your own pace and visit more remote places. However, the city is also well served by public transportation, including buses and trains, which connect well to the main points of interest.
What to Bring: For your trip to Huelva, it is important to pack appropriately. Depending on the season, essentials include comfortable clothing, a good pair of walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat for sunny days. Don’t forget a bathing suit if you plan to visit the beaches or enjoy the pool at your hotel.
Local Food: Huelva is known for its excellent gastronomy, especially for its seafood and Iberian ham. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the famous “gambas de Huelva” in one of the local restaurants. Also, enjoying a meal at a beach bar can be a very rewarding experience.
As we conclude this tour of Huelva, it is evident that this city is not just a dot on the map, but a destination full of life, history and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to history, nature or simply the desire to relax in beautiful surroundings, Huelva has something special to offer. Be sure to visit the Barceló Isla Canela to complete a truly enriching experience.
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