A weekend in Huelva
Both the region of Huelva and the capital it is named after offer visitors a near-endless amount of places to lose yourself in in just a couple of days. This small province in Andalusia contains the immense virgin beaches of the Costa de la Luz, breath-taking National Parks that are just teeming with flora and fauna, magnificent local cuisine that is inspired and nourished by its proximity to the sea and a number of traditional villages that wear their connection with Christopher Columbus with pride.
Whether you are travelling with family or friends, Huelva has so much to offer in terms of trips around the province, outdoor activities, and walking routes you’re unlikely to get bored. If, however, you’re looking for a more relaxing trip, then Huelva has some of the best hotels, spas and restaurants in which you can spoil yourself rotten.
Itinerary day 1
15:30- 16:30
Huelva Cathedral
Today, this impressive building is home to the Business Science department of Huelva University. However, its history is so much more interesting. Originally built on top of a hermitage, the cathedral has been a convent, a chapel, and a war hospital in its time, so it has plenty of stories to tell.
17:00- 17:15
Plaza de las Monjas
This beautiful square whose name translates of ‘Square of the Nuns’ was once the stables of the Dukes of Medina Sidonia. After it became a public space in the 18th century, a monument to Christopher Columbus was erected there and it continues to be an important place for celebrations and public festivals.
17:15- 17:30
Huelva Town Hall
Located right in the centre of the city, in Plaza de la Constitución, and just a 3-minute walk from Plaza de las Monjas, this ‘Municipal Palace’ is a beautiful example of Spanish architecture from the 20th century.
18:00- 18:15
Monument to The Virgin of El Rocío
This modern sculpture encapsulates the importance of the Virgin Mary in Spanish culture. It shows 60 devotees – which include sculptures of the artist and his father – in bronze holding an effigy of the Virgin Mary on their shoulders during the Whit Monday procession.
18:30- 19:00
Reina Victoria district
Also known as the ‘Workers’ Neighbourhood’, the Queen Victoria district of the city of Huelva was built in honour of the Queen of the United Kingdom at a time when English companies were a driving force behind mining and other industries in Spain. Today it is has a pleasant mix of Neo-Mudéjar, Andalusian and Colonial architecture.
21:00- 23:00
Azabache Restaurant
Azabache began its life as a humble tapas bar and has since grown into one of the best restaurants in the city. It offers traditional seasonal dishes made with the finest quality ingredients at an excellent price.
Itinerary day 2
9:00- 9:15
Monument to the Discovery Faith
This ‘Monument to the Discoverer Faith’ is more commonly known as the Monument to Christopher Columbus because it is a 37-metre-high sculpture of a man examining the horizon in the direction of America with an enormous cross in front of him, which represents the ‘Catholic Monarchs’ who expelled the Moors from the Spanish Peninsula the same year Columbus set sail.
9:30- 11:30
Mazagón Beach
Measuring 9 kilometres long, this beach in Palos de la Frontera is an absolutely unmissable beach on the Costa de la Luz.
12:00- 12:30
Friary of la Rábida
This Franciscan monastery was built between the 14th and 15th centuries and is an excellent example of Spanish Gothic-Mudéjar architecture. It also played a pivotal part in the ‘Age of Discovery’ since many sailors, including Columbus, Cortés and Pizarro, all paid their respects there before setting sail.
13:00- 17:00
Palos de la Frontera
Another stop on the famous ‘Columbian Trail’, Palos de la Frontera is where Christopher Columbus prepared for his journey to the New World.
17:15- 20:00
Moguer
A village with an impressive sea-faring tradition, almost a third of Moguer’s population joined crews in the Age of Discovery. It is famous as being the village that offered La Niña, Columbus’ caravel on his expedition to America.
20:30- 22:30
Sabor Amor Gastrobar Restaurant
Right next to the port of Huelva you will find this cosy little restaurant, which is perfect for a date or a dinner with friends thanks to its curated menu of local delicacies made with care.
Itinerary day 3
9:00- 10:30
Laguna del Portil
The El Portil National Reserve is home to a multitude of sea birds, sand dunes and walking routes that will take you to overlooks that will take your breath away with views of the Reserve.
11:20- 12: 30
Playa de la Bota
Not only is this beach beautiful, it is also the centre of a mission that changed the course of history. Known as the ‘man who never existed’, a body washed up on this shore during World War Two with false documents planted on it by the British secret intelligence. These documents were given to the Germans who were fooled into believing that the Allied invasion of Sicily would happen elsewhere in the Mediterranean.
13:00- 15:00
Arrozante Restaurant
Rice is much more than a typical dish in Spain, it’s a way of life and Arrozante’s two famous chefs, Carlos Otaola and Jose Luis Chaparrio, will show you the very best of rice cuisine in Spain in their restaurant by the sea.
15:30- 17:30
Punta Umbría
The perfect place to relax by the sea, with its swaying fishing boats, small summer houses and beach bars placed along kilometres of fine golden sand.
17:30- 18:30
Mosquito Club Huelva
Located on Canaleta beach, this is one of the most famous beach bars in in Punta Umbría. Not only does it offer drinks and tapas, it also organises yoga classes and free concerts in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
18:30 - 20:30
The Odiel Marshlands
Located at the mouth of the River Odiel, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to a rich variety of wildlife and an abundance of beautiful scenery to marvel at.
21:00- 23:00
Acánthum Restaurant
This Michelin-starred restaurant in Huelva adds a little modern creativity to the local cuisine. Try the taster menu that uses local produce to innovate on traditional dishes from Huelva.