The best of Huelva in 3 days
3 days is plenty of time to explore the magical city of Huelva and its environs. Discover the paradisiacal beaches of Costa de la Luz, fabulous nature reserves, the historic towns that Columbus frequented before his voyages, and delicious local cuisine.
Disconnect and relax with family, friends or your significant other. Our itinerary has something everybody, whether it be kicking back at a beach bar feeling the sand on your feet, or embarking on an adventure with one of the many hiking trails.
Itinerary day 1
10:00- 12:00
Playa de Mazagón
This golden beach in Palos de la Frontera stretches as far as the eye can see, and is one of the places considered a must-visit on the Costa de la Luz. Begin your trip gazing out on the Atlantic.
12:30 13:30
Monasterio de la Rábida
This Gothic and Mudéjar-style Franciscan friary was erected between the 14th and 15th centuries. It played a key role in the Age of Discovery, providing accommodation for explorers such as Columbus, Hernán Cortés and Francisco Pizarro.
14:00- 15:00
Restaurante Bar Pappis
It is a small place with 100% homemade food. They emphasize the montaditos and tapas varied, especially the daily ones. Although they also have an extensive menu to choose from.
15:30-18:00
Palos de la Frontera
This town, known as the birthplace of the ‘Discovery of America’, is part of the Ruta de los Lugares Colombinos, a trail of places related to the first voyages of discovery. It is the town where the Christopher Columbus prepared his first voyage to the New World.
18:30- 18:45
Monument to the Discovery Faith
Commonly known as the Monument to Columbus, this 37-metre-high sculpture is of a man gazing out to sea towards America. He is leaning on a cross, which represents the Catholic Monarchs.
19:00- 20:00
Río Tinto Pier
This old pier belonged to the Río Tinto mining company. Today it has fallen into disuse, but the worn and weathered structure is one of the most romantic places in the city to go for a romatic riverside stroll in the evening.
20:30- 22:30
Azabache
This establishment began as a small tapas bar, but is now one of the best restaurants in the city. It is a point of reference for traditional regional dishes using local produce and top-quality ingredients.
Itinerary day 2
10:00- 13:30
Moguer
This former fishing town in the province of Huelva has interesting links to Christopher Columbus. Almost a third of its inhabitants joined his crew for the first voyage, and it also provided the famous caravel ‘La Niña’ for the expedition.
14:00- 15:30
Acánthum
This Michelin-star restaurant adds a modern and creative touch to dining in Huelva. Its tasting menu is based on local produce but breaks from traditional styles of preparation.
16:00- 16:30
Huelva Cathedral
Built on the site of an ancient hermitage, this fascinating cathedral has been used as a convent, a chapel and a war hospital. The adjacent building houses the Faculty of Business Science of the University of Huelva.
17:00- 17:15
Plaza de las Monjas
Adjacent to the monument to Christopher Columbus, this square was originally part of the old stable yard of the palace of the Dukes of Medina Sidonia, but was established as a public space in the 18th century when it became a venue for shows and celebrations.
17:30- 17:45
Huelva Town Hall
It is well worth making the three-minute walk from Plaza de las Monjas to find take in this majestic building located in the spacious Plaza de la Constitución, right at the heart of the city.
18:00- 18:15
Monument to Our Lady of El Rocío
This fascinating monument represents 60 devotees, inspired by real people, lifting the Madonna onto their shoulders in the town’s famous procession. The artist himself and his father form part of the sculpture.
18:30- 19:30
Reina Victoria district
The Reina Victoria district of Huelva was named after Queen Victoria by the developer at the time. Its architecture, however, showns no British influence and is a mixture of Neo-Mudéjar, Andalusian and Colonial styles.
20:00- 21:00
Museo de Huelva
In the different spaces of this museum, principally dedicated to the Fine Arts, Archaeology and Ethnography, you will find impressive permanent collections and temporary exhibitions that are free of charge for EU citizens.
21:30- 23:00
Er Chiclanero
One of the most popular taverns and seafood restaurants in Huelva, Er Chiclanero is famous for its octopus salad. It also serves other delectable dishes such as stewed oxtail and pigs trotters if you are not a seafood fan.
Itinerary day 3
9:00- 10:00
Laguna del Portil
The El Portil Nature Reserve is home to many species of water fowl, and boasts lush vegetation, golden sand dunes and wildlife trails with lookout points for the best views of the lagoon ecosystem.
10:15- 11:00
Playa El Portil
Relax on this beautiful urban beach of golden sands and tranquil aquamarine waters. We recommend you take a stroll along the shore to the bunkers built during the Second World War.
11:20- 12:30
Playa de la Bota
This expanse of dazzling pale-gold sand is one of the best beaches in Huelva. It is also famous for the discovery of ‘the man who never was’.
13:00- 15:00
Restaurante Arrozante
At this restaurant, just stone’s throw from the beach, you can enjoy a delicious paella expertly crafted by renowned chefs Carlos Otaola and José Luis Chaparro.
15:30- 17:30
Punta Umbría
This is the perfect place to relax by the sea. Let your cares fade away in this town of fishing boats, quaint holiday cottages, beach bars and endless sandy beaches.
17:40- 18:30
Mosquito Club Huelva
You’ll find this famous beach bar on Playa de la Canaleta. As well as drinks and tapas, it offers yoga lessons and free concerts. The atmosphere in the evening is fantastic.
18:45 - 20:30
Marismas de Odiel
Located at the mouth of the Odiel River, the Marismas de Odiel, or Odiel Marshes, form a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that boasts an extraordinary wealth of fauna in its diverse landscape.
21:00- 23:00
Sabor Amor Gastrobar
This small and cosy restaurant is right next to the port of Huelva, and is the perfect place for a romantic date night. The tasty dishes are always beautifully presented.