This is Andalucia's most western province encompassing the naturalist's paradise, the National Doñana Park to the east and bordered by Portugal to the west. The latter is known worldwide for its bird population and is a vital stopping place on migration routes. The town of Huelva is most known as the site from which Christopher Columbus set sail for America. Historically, mining was the vital industry for the town and region; the Rio Tinto mines now being an intriguing tourist attraction.
Today the province is an important source of agricultural produce, especially fruit. Millions of its large fresh strawberries are exported throughout Europe each year. Along the coast between Huelva and Cadiz are some excellent beaches, which have managed to escape the over-development of other coastal spots.
Once a year the much acclaimed 'Romería de Rocio' is held in the village of Rocio near the national park. This is an annual pilgrimage and fair which usually coincides with Whitsuntide. To the north, the Sierra de Aracena is home to forested hills, escarpments and some whitewashed villages typical of Andalucia.
If you're looking to escape the commercial beaches along the south coast, we recommend heading to Costa de la Luz where you can still enjoy a sense of the wilds. Several personal favourites of the Madrid & Beyond team down here.
