In this article, we travel to the southwest of Andalusia and provide a guide to the most beautiful towns in Huelva. Here, there are kilometers of beaches with yellow sand and turquoise sea, and various issues referring to the beginning of the three caravels’ trip more than half a millennium ago, on their mission to discover the New World. Among these beautiful towns we also have one of the largest caves in Spain. This group of charming towns presents itself as culturally, historically, and gastronomically diverse.
Huelva’s Unique Blend
Huelva is a province, which attracts the tourist with various attractions, as the province is something like a blend of everything. From fishermen’s sheltered localities close to the Atlantic coast and some with stronger mountain characteristics in the region of Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park, and those where the impacts of the discovery of America are most pronounced. Thus it is with such monumental and scenic wealth, this is clearly an area that we are interested in. Are you ready for it ? Let’s begin.
Our Andalusian Perspective
We are Andalusians who, having been born and raised in this Rota’s privileged environment, have been able to tour across this blessed Andalusia several times. Therefore in this post, we will not shrink from making a selection of what we believe to be the best towns in Huelva. Do not miss any of the four!
Exploring Huelva’s Gems
This province boasts of many beautiful towns, below is a list of most beautiful towns in Huelva:
1. Alájar
Starting from the most northern part of the province, Huelva’s most beautiful towns’ tour is launched in Alájar, an Andalusian village situated within the frame of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Nature Reserve. It borders onto the Peña de Arias Montano, an extraordinary rocky loke offering panoramic vistas which are topped by the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles; the latter being the site of a much-frequented pilgrimage each September.
The Old Town Charms
The old town and the whole hart of Costa de la Luz are great – Alájar is blessed with a well-preserved historic center, which has been declared Historical-Artistic Site. Some of the straits are very narrow, steep and all house are painted white which perhaps has some relation to the Arabic influence; this area surrounds the parish church of San Marcos whose structure has a tower in the town.
Why We Like It:
Has excellent sites from the Peña de Arias Montano.
Ideal For:
Themes targeting couples and themes that can be associated with history.
Tip:
Take a guided tour around Alájar to make the most of your visit or you can head to Peña de Arias Montano if you want a roundup visit.
2. Palos de la Frontera
America’s discovery is easily noticed in Palos de la Frontera since it was one of the major launchpads of the discovery expedition. This town was the starting point of three caravels more than half a century, which sailed to the New World and left many Historical remains. The popular points of attraction include La Fontanilla that is said to have been the watering point of the ships used by Columbus or the house museum of Martín Alonso Pinzón that is the birthplace of the Pinzón brothers.
Exploring Historic Sites
Also worthy of a visit is church of San Jorge built in Gothic-Mudejar architectural style. The most interesting place in Palos de la Frontera is well-known Monastery of La Rábida – the Franciscan convent, which is situated near the Tinto river embankment since the beginning of the 13th century. Santa María de la Rábida is situated to host Columbus before his trip, and he left himself into the hands of the Virgen de los Milagros which image is available even today.
Points of Interest:
Location: At the mouth of the river Tinto.
Why We Like It:
Historically, Columbus sighted the New World and the America in particular for the Europeans and hence the Columbus Day is full of historical background.
Ideal For:
Of interest to history lovers and those interested in culture.
Tip:
Muelle de las Carabelas is the best place to witness the computer generated models of the ships that ferried history.
3. Moguer
The second site that was found critical in the discovery of America is Moguer, a locality that sits on the banks of River Tinto and is 8 kilometers north of Palos de la Frontera. This sea faring town outfitted one of the three ships named ‘La Niña’ and up to a third of the manpower. The Plaza de las Monjas hosts the ruins of the Monastery of Santa Clara, which might be the ripest example of Mudejar architecture in Western Andalusia. Close to it, the exquisite tile-work on the façade of Chapel which was part of the Corpus Christi Hospital dates back to the 14th century.
Embracing History and Architecture
One must also note in the town the baroque cloister of the San Francisco convent of which after the earthquake of 1755 was reconstructed, is now occupied by the Municipal Historical Archive. Nuestra Señora de la Granada is the largest church in the whole province of Huelva with five nave ship; baroque tower of the church is familiar like Giralda in Seville.
Points of Interest:
Location: By the river side of Tinto.
Why We Like It:
Infuses historical value and design work together splendidly.
Ideal For:
It shows historical and architectural interests to people who are interested in seeing structures of old design or of significance based on historical records.
Tip:
One can visit the house museum of Zenobia and Juan Ramón Jiménez who is famous personalities of the particular area.
4. Niebla
Though the real miss of this town is that Tinto River hides Niebla which is among the stunning towns in Huelva. Old town is also fortified by Almohad-style wall which is a remarkable structure enclosing the entire city. Five gates are provided through the wall and the remains of the Roman castle are on the northern side of the town.
Exploring Architectural Marvels
The significant landmarks of Niebla include the church of Santa María de la Granada which looks quite plain; the Hospital of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles which is now a House of Culture, and the Roman built bridge over the Tinto River. Finalize your visit in the impressive Jareta area two kilometers from the town where it is possible to breathe in fresh natural air and take a rest in places like the San Walabonso reservoir.
Points of Interest:
Location: This literary took place near the Tinto River found in Spain close to Portugal.
Why We Like It:
With cultural heritage of the middle ages and recreational areas.
Ideal For:
Anyone who interested in history especially cultural and archaeological sites and those who are fond of Nature.
Tip:
Visit the historical place in Niebla through a free tour in order to understand the history of the places you can visit.
5. Cortegana
Coming back to the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park, one gets to the town of Cortegana which is also very beautiful the castle of which greets the visitors. This is a unique medieval castle which is well preserved today, showing the wonderful combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles. It is documented since the 13th century, but the keep was built during the Catholic Monarchs reign. That is where you stand to fully capture of the most beautiful views of the town.
Embracing History and Architecture
This church of the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Piedad is inside the fortified castle walls. The town has its relevant political importance reflected in the building of the town hall on the central square called Plaza de la Constitución and a relatively new building of Nuevo Casino built in the same architectural style. There is one more important square called Plaza del Salvador which houses the building of another important Catholic temple – the church of Divino Salvador and another casino of Gran Casino all the buildings being examples of regionalist modernist.
Points of Interest:
Location: Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park.
Why We Like It:
Holds a lot of historical importance which is adorned by the best natural scenery that one could find.
Ideal For:
History enthusiasts and people that would love to experience incredible views of the city and the surrounding area.
Tip:
Accommodation at local Guesthouse will give you rich understanding and feel of the town.
6. Ayamonte
Next on the list of culture to explore is the town of Ayamonte on the border with Portugal by the banks of the Guadiana. There are rich sights of interesting places to visit around the city for instance, the marshes that are around the city and the views of the neighboring country, old town which comprises of a neighborhood that is filled with little, steep streets and the Indian houses that are so attractive to visit.
Exploring Cultural Heritage
They include the hermitage of San Sebastián and palace of the Marquis of Ayamonte both situated in the paseo de la Ribera. More to see are the parroquial de El Salvador (parish church) and the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Angustias de la Ciudad, which hosts the city’s saint. The national parador is atop the Arab fortress with wonderful views of Ayamonte. Isla Canela must be your final stop, this is one of the most beautiful sites which offers 5 kilometres of fine, golden sand.
Points of Interest:
Location: Along the Guadiana River, and, indeed, the border with Portugal.
Why We Like It:
It proves to be an interesting destination due to a combination of cultural and natural sites.
Ideal For:
With regard to the target audience, Kennesaw can be divided into lovers of the sea and beach and history enthusiasts.
Tip:
Take a free tour of Ayamonte or take a relaxed tour in the beautiful Villa.
7. Almonaster la Real
Yet another winner located in the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park is Almonaster la Real at the base of San Cristóbal Hill. Famous as a Historical-Artistic site, Almonaster has retained its typical fiestal age architecture which one can see in comparatively narrow, local roads.
Embracing Historical Art
Of interest is the Al-Munastyr mosque preserved on the Roman and Visigoth constructions and located close to the fortress. Constructed during the second half of the ninth century – the first half of the tenth century, it is the first example of Islamic art in Spain. Gothic-Mudejar church of San Martín, the chapel of the Santísima Trinidad in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the hermitage of Santa Eulalia, crossing the Roman Tenería bridge get to the Era de la Pendiente viewpoint.
Points of Interest:
Location: Sierra de Aracena and stretch of hills known as Picos de Aroche is a protected natural park in the Andalusian part of Spain.
Why We Like It:
Historically, and in terms of the presence of numerous animals, it is a very promising area.
Ideal For:
A history is a wonderful field of interest combined with interest in the nature and the world around us.
Tip:
Take a complete round tour for a combination of sports and nature track around the place.
8. Zufre
Zufre is a village on the boundary of Seville province and being within the province, forms part of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park. It has its Arab characteristic in the organization of the rather cellular town with very steep and narrow streets as a result of construction on a hill to give a complex of immense aesthetics. Now a pedestrian zone, between the garden areas and fountains adorned with tile, one can look at the surrounding area from Paseo de los Alcaldes.
Exploring Architectural Treasures
Towns must see architectural features are the parish church of La Purísima Concepción, the hermitage of Santa Zita, and the hermitage of Nuestra Señora del Puerto. The current building that houses the town hall is in the Plaza de la Iglesia as shown below depicting a lion’s head fountain. The Almohad fortress has left such sights as the Flour Tower.
Points of Interest:
Location: It has to be pointed out that Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park.
Why We Like It:
Has historical importance and contains marvelous view of the mountain and other sceneries.
Ideal For:
Finally, again history and architecture lovers.
Tip:
It will be sufficient to add hermitages to the most interesting sights of the town and the building of the town hall.
9. El Rompido
Changing the area of interest from mountains to the coastal area, we see El Rompido, which is located only 8 km away from Cartaya. This is a fishing village still maintaining its core and the cozy air of the houses painted in white overlooking the ocean. Go to this traditional white parish church Nuestra Señora del Carmen in the Sirens’ Square and check twin lighthouses in the town.
Embracing Coastal Beauty
However, the beauty of El Rompido is underwater especially the El Rompido arrow a sand that measures over 12 kilometers long and is part of the Marismas del Río Piedras y Flechas del Rompido Natural Park. The boat drops you at the other side leaving you at a huge uncultivated sandy area of gold sand where you have a chance to conduct yourself in naturist manner at Nueva Umbría beach- a wonderland!
Points of Interest:
Location: Coastal area and within the area of the Marismas del Río Piedras y Flechas del Rompido Natural Park.
Why We Like It:
Blends the sea side touch with the natural feelings.
Ideal For:
Tourists in love with beach and nature.
Tip:
Take everything with you if you intend to spend the whole day at El Rompido arrow; there are no facilities there. Do you like the sunsets? Then you’ll enjoy this beautiful place where you can watch marvelous sunsets.
Conclusion
Looking at Huelva’s beautiful towns one cannot help but note that the locations are unique historical, cultural, and scenic gems. No matter it is to discover the town of Palos de la Frontera where the famous discoverers of Europe started from or to tour the architectural marvels in Moguer or to simply relax in El Rompido, each town has something to offer and this makes the visit wonderful. Let’s take a tour in the beautiful Huelva and look at the towns that leave a spark in every heart and whispers stories at every turn.
