28 Best Things To Do In Huelva, Spain - Updated 2024

1. Stroll around Plaza de las Monjas

The Plaza de las Monjas is your quintessential European plaza, complete with a bubbling fountain and Christopher Columbus’s ever-watchful statue. After a busy day of sightseeing, this is a great place to sit down and rest, watching the city as it is cast in the shadows by the setting sun. Or, for the early risers, wander down to the plaza and sip a hot coffee, basking in the silence and peace. For anyone wanting to relax, Plaza de las Monjas is what you need.

Plaza de las Monjas

Address: Plaza las Monjas, Nº2, 21001 Huelva, Spain

2. View the birds at Marismas del Odiel

Take a drive out to the Marismas del Odiel! Visitors are more often than not privy to sightings of the various birds living out in the marshes. Stop at the Visitors Center on your way out to grab a map, and quest your way into the habitat. Be sure to pack your binoculars, for flamingoes, spoonbills, and fish eagles are just a few of the birds you will see. For visitors who prefer a guided tour, or don’t have access to their own vehicle, be sure to check out the many options of boat tours which travel through this area so you can still do some exciting bird watching!

Marismas del Odiel

Address: Juan Carlos I Dam Road, Km 3, Huelva, Spain

3. Sunbathe at Playa De El Portil

Playa De El Portil is reputedly one of the best beaches in all of Spain, with its gorgeous waters and golden sands. This beach is located in the small town of Portil, a resort town quickly growing in popularity! You will find it easy to spend a whole day relaxing on the sands of this pristine beach. Bring a book and sunbathe, listening to the sounds of the waters lapping the shoreline. Watch as, in the distance, the boats disembark from El Rompido. Take pictures of the sand dunes in the distance. With so much surrounding beauty, you’ll want to stay for days!

Playa De El Portil

Address: Ctra. De la Playa, 21100 El Portil, Huelva, Spain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

4. Make a pilgrimage to La Rabida Monastery

La Rabida Monastery belongs to the Franciscan Friars and it is home to the image of Santa María de la Rábida, “Our Lady of Miracles.” This image was the one before which Christopher Columbus prayed before setting off on his journey across the Atlantic to the Americas. Today, you can enter the peace of the simple monastery, wander through the surrounding gardens, and see the statue commemorating Columbus and his time spent living there. La Rabida Monastery continues to serve visitors as both a place of prayer, but also a place of history.

La Rabida Monastery

Address: Diseminado De la Rábida, s/n, 21819 Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, Spain

Website: La Rabida Monastery

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 4 USD

5. Explore Castillo de Niebla

Castillo de Niebla sits a bit off the beaten track, but it is well worth a visit for the sake of the history still lurking in its stone walls. Walk through the halls and chambers, where you will find exhibits and re-creations of what life would have been like for the castle-dwellers. And for the brave of heart, venture into the darkness of the dungeons. Down there, you will find an accurately grisly exhibit of the torture devices and machines used on prisoners. For those with an hour to spare during their travels, this immersive experience shouldn’t be missed!

Castillo de Niebla

Address: Calle Campo Castillo, 1, 21840 Niebla, Huelva, Spain

Website: Castillo de Niebla

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 5 USD

6. Watch a gorgeous sunset from Paseo de la Ría

Paseo de la Ría, a boulevard built only a few years ago in 2016, spans 0.6 miles (one kilometer) along the lefthand bank of Rio Odiel. It stretches between Muelle de Rio Tinto and Muelle de Pertrechos, reputedly acting as a catalyst for turning Huelva into a more popular tourist destination due to its surrounding rivers. Today, it provides a beautiful place for a relaxing stroll in the evening, with its many pergolas, benches, and street kiosks further encouraging visitors to spend time here. Purchase a drink at one of the kiosks and gaze at the dancing colors of the sun as it sets below the surface of the glittering water.

Paseo de la ría

Address: Av. Francisco Montenegro, 21001 Huelva, Spain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

7. Tour the pine forests and marshlands of Doñana National Park (from USD 92.13)

Set aside a day to explore the landscapes of Doñana National Park, situated along the Gulf of Cadiz, and the unique blend of European and North African culture. Because of its location between two such countries and their respective ecosystems, Doñana National Park is a hub for migratory birds and some much more elusive animals, including the incredibly rare Iberian lynx. Your tour will pick you up from your hotel in Seville, traverse south along the Guadalquivir River which will lead you straight into the park, and then after some time, will conclude in the beautiful village of El Rocío, a significant pilgrimage stop!

From Seville: Doñana National Park Tour

Duration: 10.0 hour

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92.13

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8. Snap some photos of Barrio de Reina Victoria

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Barrio de Reina Victoria makes for an interesting walking experience during a sunny afternoon. This little village, named after Queen Victoria and often referred to as Barrio Obrero (the Workers District), stands out amongst the surrounding neighborhoods of Andalusia due to its uniquely designed homes. Constructed in 1916 to house the British workers, the homes in the area show the architectural influences of colonial British styles, but also bright colors similar to what you might see on Dutch-style homes. So if you find yourself in the area, entertain your eyes with a stroll through their neighborhood!

Barrio de Reina Victoria

Address: Barrio Reina Victoria cp:21003, Huelva, Huelva, Spain

9. Walk along Muelle de Riotinto at sunset

The long pier of Muelle de Riotinto used to be utilized as a trading dock for the items which were mined by the Rio Tinto Company Limited on Rio Odiel. However, the pier ceased to be used as a trading post any longer and is now a popular destination along the river. Walk the metal skeleton of the bridge, highly recommended during sunset, and watch as the light dances across the drifting waves. Or, opt to stand on the beach just below the pier for some artistic pictures of the sunlight streaming through the industrial angles of the bridge’s metal bones! No matter when you choose to visit, you’ll find yourself amazed by the bridge’s craftsmanship.

Muelle de Riotinto

Address: Puente Muelle Levante, s/n, 21001 Huelva, Spain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

10. Admire Monumento a Colón

Monumento a Colón, a statue of Christopher Columbus, stands in Plaza Las Monjas as a salute to the admiral and his achievements. The statue depicts him holding a flag bearing the Crown of Castille in one hand, using the other to point West towards the Americas. Prominently displayed in one of the bustling plazas of Huelva, he stands as a symbol of the pride the city feels for having been a part of his influential story. Stop by and check it out on your stroll through the plaza!

Monumento a Colón

Address: Plaza las Monjas, 21001 Huelva, Spain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

11. Treat yourself at Holea Shopping Center

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

From its food court stocked with tasty bites to its stores lined with the highest quality items, Holea Shopping Center is a great place to spend an evening wandering about, window shopping, taking in the fine things Huelva has to offer. Check out the luxurious jewelry and watches sold in Chiguagua. For the younger audience wanting for some stylish new looks, check out the fashions on display in Celopman. Stop into Druni for all your skincare needs. Or, if shoes are what you’re after, pick out a fresh pair at Adventure and then grab one for the kids at Adventure Kids!

Holea Shopping Center

Address: Ronda Exterior Zona Sur, s/n, 21007 Huelva, Spain

Website: Holea Shopping Center

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 10pm (closed on Sun)

12. Learn the history behind Casa Colón de Huelva

You’ll want to stop and admire the orange hue of the terracotta facade covering Casa Colón de Huelva (Columbus House). This formidable mansion was originally designed in the 19th century to serve as a hotel, but it saw little success in the business. Therefore, it was sold and transformed into offices, housing, and an entertainment venue for the mining management staff of the Rio Tinto Company. Today, you can see the building and enter the interior courtyard where the dancing waters of the fountain make it a soothing place to sit and rest, away from the bustle of the city’s squares.

Casa Colón de Huelva

Address: Plaza del Punto, 6, 21003 Huelva, Spain

13. Learn all about Huelva at Museo de Huelva

Where does the rich culture of Huelva come from? Who populated this area of rivers and marshland hundreds of years ago? What influence did the local mining company have on the economy? Museo de Huelva, through beautiful and educational displays of artifacts, images, and materials answers these questions and more on the subject of Huelva. You’ll be able to see artifacts which the Romans left behind; tombstones of important dignitaries; pieces of jewelry once worn by royalty; shattered fragments of pottery which, though broken, tell stories vital to the dialogue of Huelva. There is so much to be discovered here that you’ll want to spend hours uncovering the mysteries!

Museo de Huelva

Address: Alameda Sundheim, 13, 21003 Huelva, Spain

Website: Museo de Huelva

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 3pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 1.65 USD

14. Learn about the significance of Monumento a la Virgen del Rocío

El Monumento a la Virgen del Rocío stands as a dedication to the tradition of processing around the city, bearing the original wooden statue of Our Lady of Rocío. The statue depicts Our Lady of Rocio carried on the shoulders of sixty men, and it’s meant to honor her, the patron saint of the city. The monument stands in grandeur in the city’s center where visitors can see the faces of the men bearing the state and the regal way in which Our Lady overlooks the city.

Monumento a la Virgen del Rocío

Address: Av. Martín Alonso Pinzón, 24, 21003 Huelva, Spain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

15. Tour the uniquely designed Mora Claros Palace

Mora Claros Palace was constructed at the end of the 19th century, into the beginning of the 20th, as a home for the mayor. Today, you can make a stop here to marvel at the subtlety of the building’s exterior standing in sharp contrast to the complexities of the decorations within. The interior of the mansion is a piece of artwork in itself, containing many stained-glass windows and wrought iron details. See the beauty and skill which went into the Mora Claros Palace, as well as the differences in the living spaces of the nobles’ versus the servants’ quarters.

Mora Claros Palace

Address: Calle Alcalde Mora Claros, 13, 21001 Huelva, Spain

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Free

16. Get a taste of culture at Museo al Aire Libre

A good way to tap into the culture of a city is by visiting the art museums! Museo de Huelva offers you the opportunity to learn about the art and artists who participated in the sculpting of the culture which is present in Huelva today. The museum was instituted in 1991 due to the ideas of Pepe Noja, a sculptor. Even though some of the sculptures have fallen into disrepair and have been removed, many interesting ones still remain, including Noja’s own work. Also, in one particular corner of the museum, you will find the stunningly intense street art of Man'o'matic, an artist whose work will make you contemplate and question all at the same time.

Museo al Aire Libre

Address: Barcelona Street, Huelva, Spain

17. Enjoy the tranquility at Zafra Park

Spend a peaceful evening in Zafra Park, strolling along one of the walking paths. Sit on a bench and people watch, perhaps read a magazine, as the birds chatter in the trees above you and the sounds of the city rumble dully in the background. Stand and gaze at the rotating fountain as it throws droplets of water, glittering, into the light of the sunset. After a busy day of sightseeing, Zafra Park is the perfect place to unwind.

Zafra Park

Address: Av. Julio Caro Baroja, 1B, 21002 Huelva, Spain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

18. Take a tour of Tejada La Vieja

Although it might look like a literal pile of rocks, Tejada La Vieja is actually a very important archeological site in Spain. It is more than three thousand years old, and continued excavations of the site have allowed archeologists to dig even deeper in the history buried underground. Take a free tour of the area, offered bi-weekly on Sundays, and experience what was once the wealthy, walled city of Tartessos.

Tejada La Vieja

Address: 21870 Escacena del Campo, Huelva, Spain

Website: Tejada La Vieja

19. Swing by Monasterio de Santa Clara en Moguer

Built in 1337 as a donation to the Franciscan - Clarisa nuns, Monasterio de Santa Clara en Moguer today stands as one of the Columbian sites. Christopher Columbus, upon his successful return from the Americas in 1493, entered this monastery to pray in thanksgiving for his voyage. Today, reverently enter the church and see the gorgeous stone archways within; admire the rich golds and reds adorning the sanctuary and see the place where Columbus himself prayed.

Monasterio de Santa Clara en Moguer

Address: Plaza de las Monjas, 1, 21800 Moguer, Huelva, Spain

Website: Monasterio de Santa Clara en Moguer

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10:30am - 6:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

20. Admire contemporary art at Espacio Cero

Espacio Cero is more than just a gallery of artwork. This spot wants its guests to come into their spaces and experience contemporary art, dialogue about it, ask questions, and wonder at its meaning and story. Come in and see the exhibitions; take a workshop class from a master artist and learn about how he or she views the world through the lens of artwork; attend a poetry reading, a book presentation, or a concert. If art is an examination of culture and life, Espacio Cero wants to present it to its visitors! So come with an open and curious mind!

Espacio Cero

Address: Calle Miguel Redondo, 52, 21003 Huelva, Spain

Website: Espacio Cero

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 1:30pm. 6pm - 9pm; Sat: 11am - 2pm (closed on Sun)

21. Watch a show at Gran Teatro

Put on your glossiest pair of heels or swankiest bowtie, and head out for a night at the theater! The internal beauty of Gran Teatro will make you feel like Spanish nobility as you relax in the plush red seats and look forward to the performance ahead as the lights dim low. Get swept into the drama of a Spanish opera; be engrossed by the intricate technique of a flamenco ballet; laugh until your sides hurt with a classic comedy show; marvel at the talent of a renowned musician. Whatever your taste in entertainment, Gran Teatro is guaranteed to enchant with its professional performances!

Gran Teatro

Address: Calle Vázquez López, 13, 21001 Huelva, Spain

Website: Gran Teatro

22. Go for a hole-in-one at Minigolf El Portil

Minigolf El Portil is more than just a minigolfing court! It’s an entire venue, complete with a restaurant and a lounge for the parents, where the entire family can spend a day together! Rent a ball and golf clubs and head out to see who can get the best score on the 18-hole course. And after you’ve played hard all day, take a load off at the pizza restaurant and enjoy some delicious (and well-deserved) comfort food!

Minigolf El Portil

Address: Av. de Punta Umbria, 2, 21459 El Portil, Huelva, Spain

Website: Minigolf El Portil

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 12am - 12pm (closed on Tue)

23. Explore the historic Casa Museo Zenobia y Juan Ramón Jiménez

Casa Museo Zenobia y Juan Ramón Jiménez is a unique house-museum where you have a chance to step into the life of famous writer Juan Ramón Jiménez. During the tour, you’ll be able to enter all the rooms in the two-story house, from the library with its collection of over 4000 books and 7500 magazines, to the living room where paintings by both Juan Ramón Jiménez himself and his many artist friends are hung. See artifacts such as his typewriter and desk, and even the delicate slippers that his wife wore on their wedding day. For anyone enthusiastic about literature and history, this tour is definitely one you won’t want to miss!

Casa Museo Zenobia y Juan Ramón Jiménez

Address: Calle Juan Ramón Jiménez, 10, 21800 Moguer, Huelva, Spain

Website: Casa Museo Zenobia y Juan Ramón Jiménez

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 1:30pm, 4pm - 6:30pm; Sun: 10am - 1:30pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 4 USD

24. Fly a kite at the secluded Playa El Espigon

Playa El Espigon is located on Costa de la Luz and is an ideal beach for those who want to take long walks as the sand stretches for miles down the shore. It is a rather secluded beach, owing to the size; the area is widely spread out to provide a tranquil and quiet atmosphere. If you’re into kite flying, be sure to pack yours for this beach day! It is a great beach where the gentle breeze allows you to get your kite into the air and you can also wade into the water as you watch it soar.

Playa El Espigon

Address: Huleva, Spain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

25. Wander around Moret Park

Moret Park is an ideal spot for a peaceful walk in the morning during the cool hours, or as a location for a barbecue later on in the afternoon. Enjoy the many places for sitting and gathering beneath the trees, with a children’s play area not too far away for the little ones. If you enjoy walking or biking, take advantage of the trails winding through. You can also simply stand beside the lake and gaze at the peaceful waters. Moret Park is one of the largest parks in Huelva, so be sure to take advantage of the gloriously green spaces!

Moret Park

Address: Parque Moret, 21005 Huelva, Spain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

26. Admire the floral beauty of Botánico José Celestino Mutis Park

Botánico José Celestino Mutis Park is a gorgeous botanical park named after the renowned Spanish botanist, José Celestino Mutis. The park is interestingly laid out in a matter which follows the course of the water flowing through it. This water trail will follow you as you wind your way through the 12 hectares (29 miles) of this expansive park. Or, choose to walk through the different squares of the enclosure for a different view of the many different shrubs, trees, and flowers giving the garden its natural beauty.

Botánico José Celestino Mutis Park

Address: Paraje de La Rábida, s/n, 21819 La Rábida, Huelva, Spain

Website: Botánico José Celestino Mutis Park

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 7:30pm (closed on Mon)

27. Visit the Fontanilla

Another piece of history in the novel of Christopher Columbus is this unique looking brick structure. This Fontanilla is a fountain which was once used by the public to draw water, built right by an estuary of Rio Tinto. Reputedly, it was at the Fontanilla where Columbus prepared his ships with rations of water before beginning their journey west. Today, you can take a look at the means by which water was secured hundreds of years ago!

Fontanilla

Address: Calle Cristóbal Colón, 21810 Palos de la Frontera, Huelva, Spain

28. Have fun at Parque De La Luz

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Parque de la Luz is a quaint park in the middle of the city where you can spend just a few peaceful minutes wandering, or a whole afternoon resting. Bring a book, a blanket, and maybe a snack, and sit in the shade of the trees for a relaxing couple of hours. Bring the kiddos and let them play on the nearly refurbished playground equipment. Easily accessed from the rest of the city, it provides a peaceful oasis from the business of the area!

Parque De La Luz

Address: Calle Cabezas Rubias, 1, 21007 Huelva, Spain

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Uncover the history of Huelva

With so many famous influences in Huelva, from artists to writers to the explorer Columbus, Huelva is teeming with history to uncover! But amongst those are all the beautiful beaches, marshes, and landscapes which this coastal town is home to. So, no matter what kind of sightseeing activities you prefer, you’ll surely find something to your taste in Huelva.