The chance to escape rainy England in December is always a treat, especially if you go somewhere warm and picturesque like Spain, however we got to see an area most British tourists haven’t yet seen which felt very special.
Over a weekend, we explored British-influenced architecture, lively markets bursting with atmopshere, peaceful waterfront views, and some of the tastiest food I’ve eaten all year. We watched the sun go down while relaxing on a Pier, tasted local delicacies, and saw first-hand how Huelva combines its rich British and Spanish past.
Whether you’re drawn to history, food, nature, or simply escaping the usual tourist spots, Huelva is a destination you’ll want to discover.
1) Queen Victoria Neighbourhood
It was hard to pick which should take top spot, as there were so many amazing things to see, but I wanted to highlight the Queen Victoria Neighbourhood as it was so different to anything else we have seen in Spain and the history of it all was captivating to learn about.
The Spanish workers for the Rio Tinto company all were given these houses for free while working for the mining company, while the British workers settled in the village of Rio Tinto. The architecture here is unlike anything else in the city, with elegant Victorian-style houses that seem to transport you to a different time. These buildings stand as a testament to the significant role the British played in Huelva’s industrial past.
Quite remarkably, when the mines were no longer profitable and the company moved out of the area, they left the houses for the British workers to have. Being up a hill, close to the centre of town and being houses rather than flats, the price of these properties now is very high for the city.
It was a segregated area, where they had their own church, school and play area. The British had erected schools in the area, so the locals were actually very well educated in Huelva compared to the rest of Spain, where many people couldn’t read or write at this point in time.
The Queen Victoria neighbourhood was initially surrounded by a wall, however this has since been knocked down, plus they used to have a Guardian to look after the area and make sure the British workers didn’t get too drunk in the evening with work the next day.
This was the area that hosted the British Legacy Fair for the first time earlier this year in September, something they hope to do regularly now.
The week long celebration involved people getting dressed in the traditional clothing of that era, live music and fun games for the kids. The music playing was all British bands, so for any Brits wanting a piece of home while exploring, this could be amazing to see.
The local council are working on increasing the greenery in the area. There are certain costs to this, considering the amount of water required to keep the grass alive when it’s so warm, but there was already some beautiful green areas on either side of the neighbourhood.
The area is peaceful, with tree-lined streets and a quiet atmosphere that makes it perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll. It’s one of those places you can’t quite believe you’re seeing in southern Spain, and it left us with a sense of just how much history lies beneath the surface of this city.
There was also a cafe/bar by the entry which you can relax in on your visit, however it’s closed on Sunday’s, the day we visited.
You can learn all about the British legacy on the Huelva Tourism website.
2) Mercado del Carmen
One of the highlights of our time in Huelva was the visit to Mercado del Carmen. This market is where the heart of local life beats, with people bartering and meeting with friends and family. Inside, you’ll find fresh fish, cheese, olives, wine and an array of local produce.
The olives were so popular that there was a queue of people waiting to pick up their favourite variety, which made me curious to give these a try (I got to eat the local olives while at a restaurant and I was not disappointed).
What really stood out was the sense of community and happy atmosphere. People drank wine with their glasses placed upon barrels, chatting and laughing as they sampled local goods. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend hours wandering around, enjoying the lively ambience, and tasting all the flavours Huelva has to offer.
I would give yourself a good hour to walk around, especially if you plan on trying some of the food and drink as you go. You can alternatively visit around lunch time so you can truly try all the culinary options.
3) Statue of Christopher Columbus (Estatua de Cristóbal Colón)
One of the most memorable sights in Huelva is the Statue of Christopher Columbus. I had no idea that Columbus was from this area, but it makes complete sense that he would be celebrated so much, considering the importance he has on US history, being the area he set sail on his voyage to the Americas.
Alongside the statue was a fountain and a big plaza, meaning people naturally collated here and spent time with family or relaxed at a cafe.
Columbus’s journey was one of the most important in history, and knowing that it all began in Huelva adds a real sense of connection to the past. The statue itself is impressive, and it serves as a reminder of the city’s importance in global exploration.
4) Casa Colón Gardens
For a more tranquil experience, we headed to the Casa Colón gardens, a beautiful and serene spot in the heart of the city. The gardens are home to a stunning fountain that sits at the centre, surrounded by greenery and shaded paths. I can imagine it would be amazing to sit here and have some lunch during your working day.
While we were there, we also visited the British Legacy Museum, located in the Casa Colón building. It was fascinating to learn more about the British influence in Huelva, from the railway systems to the industries they helped shape. The museum was incredibly informative, offering a deep dive into the shared history between Huelva and Britain.
The museum covers areas such as what the mining company was looking for and how they conducted their business and the influence on the local area (such as launching a football team and stadium, as well as building schools and hospitals in the area).
5) Relax at the Dock of the Canoes Punta Umbría
After a morning of exploring, we made our way to Dock of the Canoes Punta Umbría, a perfect spot to relax and enjoy some dinner or to have a drink. This area is right by the seafront, offering incredible views of the surrounding nature park.
You have the Piers on either side, as well as the nature park on the far side, meaning you saw many birds flying above you.
I should mention, the ‘canoe’ is not how you would imagine it, it’s not one person rowing on a little kayak and taking tourists one-by-one, it’s actually a proper boat, which used to transport people from one town to the other, before the road was built to connect the two areas.
Even as you approach the docks it feels tranquil, with fountains on either side of you and a beautiful statue of the Nudo Marinero (Sailor’s Knot), a symbol I had noticed around town quite a bit.
6) Watch Sunset on Muelle de Riotinto
For one of the best views in Huelva, we recommend heading to the Muelle de Riotinto at sunset. The bridge here offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape, especially when the sun starts to dip below the horizon. There were a few clouds at the base of the horizon, so we couldn’t quite see the sky go orange completely, but it was still absolutely beautiful.
There were couples holding hands, elderly people heading for a stroll, friends sitting together and joggers stopping for a moment to take in the views.
One of the most interesting aspects of this spot is the tradition of adding a lock to the bridge. It’s become increasingly common for couples to attach a lock to the railing, writing their names on it as a symbol of love. We were short of a lock so we couldn’t add one ourselves, but we loved the idea of marking such a beautiful place with a personal memory.
Also, being Spain, it really wasn’t that cold in the evening. In fact, despite being the middle of December, it was 15 degrees celcius at that time of the evening.
7) Admire the Architecture at Ayuntamiento de Huelva
A visit to the Ayuntamiento de Huelva is a must for anyone interested in Huelva’s architectural beauty. We actually went inside to see the miniature model of Huelva, which would be really high on my list, but I believe it’s only visible around Christmas (I could be wrong).
But after turning around, I was shocked to see how stunning the building looked with the red and yellow walls on top of the grey pillars. This building is a stunning example of the city’s mix of traditional and modern styles, and its grand arches and columns provide a perfect backdrop for photos.
8) A Walk Along Calle Rico to Admire the Expensive Houses
Calle Rico was an incredibly wealthy street, where the richest people in Huelva used to live, each building being owned by a different family back in the day.
The pink building you will see early on was owned by a former bull fighter, but is now one of the most popular restaurants in town.
A little further on is Casa Circulo, a private society where people would meet and talk about culture and society.
Once you get to the end of Calle Rico, there are two other buildings which are worth checking out while in the area. First is the Mora Claros Palace, despite it’s name there was no royalty living here, instead the mayor used to be in this building. His wife was involved in numerous good causes in the local community.
Next door is the other building I wanted to highlight, Casa del Millón, or House of a Million as according to legend it was worth 1 million pesetas. This is now the museum of architecture, which makes a lot of sense as I can imagine the students must love working in such a gorgeous building, overlooking the city.
You will also find a statue out the front, Monumento a Antonio de Mora Claros, celebrating the works of the former mayor of Huelva, who served between 1920 and 1922.
9) Ride Karts Along the Waterfront at Ria de Huelva
For something a bit more thrilling, I love the look of the karts along the waterfront near Paseo de la Ría. The area along the waterfront has no roads and cars nearby, so you can pedal away without worrying about bumping into anything.
With sunsetting over the water, you can admire the great views. You also have a long expanse of pavement stretching quite a long way (we walked for a good 15 minutes without reaching an end).
Whether you’re a kid or just a big kid at heart, it’s one of those activities that brings out your competitive side and leaves you with a big smile on your face. We saw a group of friends having a go and they were all laughing and smiling.
10) Watch a Match at the Nuevo Colombino Stadium
I’m a big football fan, so this will always be high on my list, but football in England does cost a small fortune, fortunately it is cheaper abroad (unless you plan on watching Madrid or Barcelona while in Spain).
Footie fans will want to check out the Nuevo Colombino Stadium, home to Recreativo de Huelva, Spain’s oldest football club setup by the British workers of the Rio Tinto company. Watching a game here is more than just a match; it’s an immersion into Huelva’s unique sporting culture.
Football is the number one sport in this part of Spain (followed by basketball and then badminton thanks to a local player who has become very successful). Even if you can’t see a match, to see the stadium up close is always amazing, plus if you could book a stadium tour then that would be unbelievable.
11) Check Out the ‘Small Mountains’
If you’re into natural wonders, don’t miss a visit to the ‘small mountains’ of Huelva. These rock formations are a fascinating reminder of Huelva’s ancient history. Thousands of years ago, this area was submerged under water, and these unique formations are the result of that long-forgotten past.
Considering how in-land we were when we spotted them, it is bizarre to think how different it all would have looked. Some you can take a walk up, while others are more unused to their full potential (one being a car park area), however it was highlighted that these might be improved in the future so they’re more accessible to the public. They can certainly offer some spectacular views across Huelva!
12) Muelle Garden
For those with kids, Muelle Garden is a lovely spot to spend some time. The kids’ playground is perfect for little ones to play in with some decent sized slides and a giant play area, while the nearby Parque de Atracciones offers arcade games and small rides.
The games looked incredible, if I was a kid I’d never want to leave! There was also a nice fountain in the middle of the park, plus a public toilets, always a must when heading out. I also spotted somewhere nearby where you could grab a coffee while the kids played.
13) Admire Parroquia Mayor de San Pedro de Huelva
This church, or Holy Parish (I’m not religious so I’m always getting the terminology wrong) is for Saint Peter, the oldest apostle.
Purely from an architectural point of view, this building is absolutely beautiful, while there is a nice open area outside where they had a number of Christmas decorations and displays setup (I visited in December, don’t expect the same on a summer holiday).
One of Huelva’s most striking buildings is the Parroquia Mayor de San Pedro, a beautiful church in the heart of the city. The architecture is stunning, with intricate details and a sense of grandeur that’s typical of Andalusian churches. It’s a peaceful place to visit, offering a break from the more lively spots in the city. The interior is equally impressive, with high ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows that let in soft, colourful light.
While I didn’t go inside, I’ve since seen pictures of the main altarpiece which looks incredible.
14) Museum Huelva
If you’re a fan of literature or history, the Museum Huelva is definitely worth a visit. The museum opened in 1973 and gave the city a cultural space for exhibiting everything from archaeological discoveries made in Huelva dating from prehistoric times to 20th century artwork, displaying exceptional works by Daniel Vazquez Diaz and Jose Caballero.
Currently there is a temporary Washington Irving exhibition, dedicated to the American author who spent time in Andalusia and was inspired by the region’s landscapes.
It has two section: A significant archaeology collection where highlights include Tartessian findings, and a fine arts section with works from the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Madrid, the Reina Sofia.