HuelvaMainland Spain · Spain

All About Huelva

The exact details of the founding of Huelva remain largely unknown, although it is now believed that settlements have existed on the site of the current city since at least the 10th-century BCE. Falling under the rule of Moorish Spain in the Middle Ages, it became an important fishing port after its return to the kingdom of Spain. It then rose to the position of being the provincial capital in 1833. The result is layer after layer of history in and around the town, which includes the country’s oldest soccer club, Recreativo de Huelva.

Close to Spain’s southern Atlantic border with Portugal, Huelva is located west of Cadiz in Andalusia. It sits on an estuary formed by two rivers, the Odiel and Tinto. Its position close to the southwestern-most point in Spain makes it an ideal starting point for a variety of ferry routes. For information on the latest ferry tickets to Huelva, or likewise from the city, use Ferryscanner. The Ferryscanner website has up-to-date schedules and everything you need to purchase your ferry tickets to Huelva all in one place.
 

Routes and Ferries to Huelva

Most people with ferry tickets to Huelva are heading to the city for the ferry routes which connect it with the Canary Islands, lying off the coast of Morocco but very much a part of Spain. There are three alternative routes to choose between, allowing those with a love of sea travel to reach some of Europe’s most popular vacation spots.

The shortest of the three ferry routes between Huelva and the Canary Islands links mainland Spain with Arrecife on the northern side of Lanzarote. There is at least one service per week in either direction, operated by FRS. The sailings are due to last approximately 28 hours, with a standard ticket costing around €260 for an adult passenger on foot. This ticket gives the holder access to a reserved Pullman-style seat for the entire length of the journey.

Should you have your heart set on Gran Canaria instead, don’t worry. There are actually two ferry companies that operate services to this island, FRS and Fred Olsen Express. Sailings last between 31 and 34 hours, depending on the exact ship chosen, with the services by Fred Olsen Express generally being the quickest. In total there are usually three departures per week, arriving into the town of Las Palmas on Gran Canaria from Huelva. Keep in mind that this is a separate destination from the island of La Palma.

The ferries docking at Las Palmas regularly continue to Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Reaching this point in the Canary Islands takes an additional four or five hours from the trip mentioned above. Passengers are able to upgrade for their Pullman seating to private cabins at additional cost for all three ferry routes.

Huelva is well connected to Spain’s road network, although rail services are limited to regional trains on a local line. There is no airport in the vicinity of Huelva itself, although Seville’s San Pablo International Airport is just 95 kilometers away and has flights arriving and departing from all over Europe. Faro Airport is a similar distance but lies across the international border in Portugal.
 

Ports of Huelva

The ports of Huelva are divided into two distinct parts. Closest to the city center, on the banks of the River Odiel, is the inner port (Puerto Interior, or Levante dock). This is primarily used by smaller vessels and tourist boats. Ferries depart from the outer port (Puerto Exterior), which is located where the Odiel meets the Atlantic Ocean in the Palos de la Frontera neighborhood. The second-largest port in Andalusia after Algeciras, Huelva has a capacity of almost 34 million tons of cargo per year.
 

Best Beaches

Huelva’s geographic location pretty much guarantees that it’s going to have some phenomenal stretches of sand. The reality on the ground is certainly no different. You won’t have any trouble finding somewhere to spread out a towel and soak up the glorious climate of southern Spain.

Playa de Mazagon

Situated a short distance further along the coast from the outer port, Playa de Mazagon is a broad sweep of sand that (through various name changes) continues for several kilometers without a break. There are refreshments nearby, and various beach activities, from swimming to banana boat rides.

Playa del Espigon Juan Carlos I

One of the region’s most naturalistic beaches, Playa del Espigon Juan Carlos I sits on the southern side of the long Isla de Saltes and forms part of the Marismas del Odiel Nature Reserve. Accessible via the A-497, don’t rely on there being any facilities of any sort here.

Playa de Punta Umbria

Located in the suburbs of Altavista, Playa de Punta Umbria has two major attractions, its local laid-back atmosphere, and its offshore winds. The latter draw in windsurfers from far and wide. The entry into the sea at this point on the Huelva coast is also shallow, although it can be difficult to park nearby.
 

Places to Visit

Although severely damaged by the Lisbon earthquake of 1755, Huelva has managed to salvage a variety of historic and cultural attractions. For the best places to visit in Huelva, check out our list of recommendations below.

Plaza de las Monjas

If you have time to only visit one place in Huelva before your ferry, make sure it’s Plaza de las Monjas. The heart of the city in every sense, its tall palms, and bubbling fountain are ringed by impressive structures, making it a great place for a bite to eat or a quick drink among the outdoor café tables.

La Rabida Monastery

One of the area’s oldest structures, La Rabida Monastery dates back to the 13th-century. Little has changed since then, and this hermitage on the outskirts of the city is home to a statue of the Virgin Mary where Christopher Columbus is known to have prayed before his famous voyage to the Americas.

Muelle de Rio Tinto

Otherwise known as the Rio Tinto Pier, this popular tourist attraction was once a working wharf used to transport cargo from ship to shore. Over a kilometer in length, it was first opened in 1876 and remains one of the best places in the city to watch the sunset.
 

Transportation Around Huelva

The center of Huelva is roughly 500 meters from one side to the other, meaning it’s unlikely you’ll need to look out for public transportation to get around the sights. However, with the main port some distance away, you will need to make use of the city’s bus network or private taxis if you’re traveling without your own vehicle. The main bus station is located opposite the tourist information office, which can provide the latest information on bus schedules and routes.