Huelva

Huelva is a city in south-western Spain and the capital of the province of Huelva in the autonomous region of Andalusia. It is located along the Gulf of Cadiz coast in the Atlantic Ocean.

Parque Nacional de Donana is a natural reserve with areas of marsh, shallow streams, sand dunes and woodland. It is home to many species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds.

Huelva and the surrounding area is a Mecca for those interested in Christopher Columbus, with a number of significant tourist attractions relating to the famous explorer.

On the Río Tinto estuary, the Muelle de las Carabelas is a waterfront exhibition with life-size replicas of Columbus's three ships. The museum next door details Columbus's life and features various artefacts from the ships.

Around 7km south of Huelva city is the 15th century Franciscan Monasterio de Santa María de la Rábida. La Rábida is where Columbus stayed between 1491-92. The monastery was built in 1412 and has a 14th century Gothic-Mudéjar church.

The Monument Plus Ultra, close to the Muelle, commemorates the first transatlantic flight between Spain and America.

Nearby Castillo de Niebla has themed rooms recreating the past, including dungeons displaying more than 30 instruments and machines of torture.

Popular beaches include the sandy Playa de Matalascañas in Almonte and in Huelva city - Playa El Espigón: located in the Marismas de Odiel Natural Park.

Local dishes include jamones de jabugo, cold meats, seafood and fish (tuna, sole, red mullet and bass). Meat dishes featuring game are popular too.

The port of Huelva is located around 1km from the city centre.