A city ready to be discovered
A seafaring city par excellence, considered one of the oldest on the Iberian peninsula: Huelva is a unique destination. Given its small size, it is a city that can be comfortably discovered by foot. Its streets, bursting with life and great atmosphere and its people, are all waiting for you.
Huelva been home to seen multiple civilisations and peoples who have left their mark on the city, which is reflected in its important cultural heritage. Sites dating back to the Bronze Age, Roman times or the Middle Ages pay testament to this. Other architectural gems that the city is hiding include the Town Hall, the Gran Teatro de Huelva, the Cathedral of La Merced or the Mora Claros Palace, although there is much more to Huelva! So get your camera at the ready as you explore all its hidden corners.
Take a break and have a drink at Plaza de las Monjas, which is full of bars and restaurants, located in the historic centre. Sample some of Huelva's rich, varied and high-quality gastronomy. Then, taking in the sunset at Muelle Tinto after a good walk along the Paseo de la Ría could be the perfect finishing touch to a day of sightseeing.
Follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus himself! You can't leave Huelva without touring its Columbian spots. A good starting point is Muelle de las Carabelas, which is home to exact replicas of La Pinta, La Niña and La Santa María, built in 1992 to commemorate the 5th Centenary of the Discovery of America. Hopping on board will make you feel like a real adventurer. You will also find a recreation of a port neighbourhood dating back to the time and a town like the one that the Spanish sailors found on their arrival in the New World.
Make sure not to miss a visit to the Monastery of Santa María de La Rábida, where, welcomed by Franciscan friars, Christopher Columbus planned his trip for two years. The city is home to many other monuments dedicated to the figure of Columbus or related to his discoveries. Ready to see them all for yourself?
Following the sale of the Rio Tinto Mine to an English company, Huelva saw an influx of Brits in the late nineteenth century. They brought their culture and traditions, including football, with them. In fact, did you know that the first football club in Spain was founded in Huelva? British architectural style still endures in neighbourhoods like Reina Victoria, where it feels like you have been transported to Great Britain. There is lots of other evidence of the city's English legacy if you keep your eyes peeled.
The area surrounding Huelva is just waiting to be discovered. The majestic Doñana Natural Park is a mandatory stop-off for nature lovers, a unique refuge of wildlife and plant life that is well worth a visit, different in each season of the year. Take the change to visit the famous village of El Rocío and its beautiful hermitage.
A beach getaway is also a great plan. Huelva boasts kilometres of white sandy beaches that connect to one another, running from Punta Umbria to Portugal. 120 kilometres, no less! The Costa de la Luz, known for its many hours of sunshine, is waiting for you. Most of its beaches back on to coastal towns with a seafaring tradition that are also worth a visit.
At Renfe, we have AVE and Larga Distancia (long distance high-speed) trains to make your trips faster, more comfortable and sustainable. Take a look at our routes and get your tickets at the best price!