Huelva Car Hire

Guide of Huelva

Geography

Huelva is located in the corner of southwestern Spain, on what has been billed as the ‘Secret Coast’. It sits at the confluence of the Odiel and Tinto rivers and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, making it particularly popular with surfers and swimmers. The city has several natural parks on its doorstep, including the Marismas del Odiel Park (a crucial nesting place for migratory birds) and the soaring Sierra de Aracena Mountain Range. The area is also known for the strength of its agricultural produce, notably strawberries and citrus fruits.

Climate in Huelva

Huelva enjoys a Mediterranean climate with some Atlantic influences. That means mild winters, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 17°C during the daytime and hot summers, with average highs of 33°C. Its seaside location moderates extreme temperatures, making it cooler than inland areas of Andalusia.

Summer officially begins in June, though the area begins to warm up in March, making for a pleasant and mild spring. Autumn is a popular time to visit too, though rainfall tends to increase.

Culture

Huelva boasts a rich and diverse culture, shaped by thousands of years of history. Due to its Atlantic location, the city played an important role in the exploration and colonization of the New World and there are several sights dedicated to Christopher Columbus dotted around the city.

The city also has a strong connection to flamenco and has produced countless flamenco artists. The best place to catch a performance is at a local bar or centre, or one of the city’s many lively festivals, such as the Colombinas Festival.

Things To Do in Huelva

Explore the Wilds of Donana

The Donana National Park is one of Europe’s most important wetland reserves. It encompasses a variety of ecosystems, from marshlands and lagoons to pine groves and unspoiled natural beaches. No surprise, then, why it’s so popular with wildlife, including migratory birds, Spanish red deer and Egyptian mongooses.

Follow in the footsteps of Columbus

Columbus has significant connections with Huelva and even set sail for his first voltage from Palos de la Frontera, close by to the city. Take a trip to the Monument to the Discoverer and the Sanctuario de Nuestra Senora de la Cinta. Visitors can also get up close to a replica of Columbus’ ships, the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria, for extra-special insights into the explorer’s famous voyages.

Beach hop

Huelva is renowned for its pristine and unspoilt coastline. There are dozens of beaches to choose from, some suited to swimming and sunbathing while others are popular for their watersports offering. Playa de Punta Umbria is particularly popular thanks to its endless golden sands and extensive facilities. Playa de Mazagon offers a more serene and unspoilt experience, thanks to its dunes, pine forests and wide sandy beach.

Stroll around the historic centre

Huelva boasts a charming historic centre, with winding streets and elegant sights, such as the Cathedral of Huelva and Casa Colon. Plaza de las Monjas sits at the heart of the centre and is the perfect spot to soak in the local atmosphere, with its lovely cafes and restaurants, palm trees and central water fountain.

Eating Out in Huelva

Like the rest of Andalusia, Huelva is a haven for foodies. The city’s gastronomic scene is heavily influenced by its coastal location and seafood dishes, particularly prawns, shrimp and mussels, play an important role on most tables. Huelva is also well known for its Jamon Iberico (Iberian Ham), which is usually served in thin slices as a tapa or part of a charcuterie board. Strawberries feature heavily in local cuisine too, in jams, ice cream and desserts.

There are dozens of bars, restaurants and cafes to choose from, but for something extra special try Finca Alfoliz, a short drive from the city centre. Run by Xanty Elias, the restaurant is set in stunning natural surroundings and is renowned for its focus on seasonal organic products. Bar Pappis is a neighbourhood institution famed for its montaditos (sandwiches), while Gran Via Uno Restaurante is one of the city’s trendiest spots, located right on Plaza de las Monjas.

Transport

Airport

The nearest airport to Huelva is Seville Airport (SVQ), which is located around 59 miles (95 km) southwest of Huelva. The airport offers a range of international and domestic flights. It takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to drive directly or 2-3 hours on the bus.

For a greater choice of flights, you may prefer to fly to Faro Airport (FAO) in Faro, Portugal, which is located 71 miles (115 kilometres) southwest of the town. The airport is served by a wide range of airlines, with flights from most major European cities.

It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive directly from the airport to Huelva, depending on traffic. Simply drive east from the airport to reach the A22 motorway, then continue along the A49 once you reach the Spanish border. Alternatively, you can take the bus to Faro Bus Station, then hop on a bus to Huelva. You will usually need to transfer in Seville.

Getting around Huelva

Huelva is a compact city and many of its most notable sights are located within an easy stroll of each other. If walking is difficult, taxis are readily available at taxi stands throughout the city and you can also hail them on the street. The city has a good and reliable bus network that covers most neighbourhoods in the city. If you’re up to it, you could also make the most of Huelva’s bicycle-sharing system, Huelvabici. There are bicycle stations located across the city.

However, if you’re hoping to explore some of the region’s rural attractions, beaches and towns, we recommend hiring a car. Driving around the city is easy and having a car will give you more flexibility to explore the area at your own pace.