A Brief History of Huelva

The most westerly city on the Costa de la Luz, Spain, Huelva was founded by the Phoenicians in around 1000 BC. Originally known as Onoba, Huelva was later controlled by the Romans and became part of the province of Hispania Baetica, the Romans established a mint there and coins were produced bearing the name “Onuba”. In the 15th century the explorer Christopher Columbus sailed from nearby Palos de la Frontera, and the discovery of the Americas brought increased wealth to Huelva, though it was generally overshadowed by the more important city of Seville. Significant mineral deposits in the region led to Huelva becoming the home of the well known Rio Tinto Company, a British mining concern which set up shop in the Odiel estuary and subsequently exported its products throughout the civilised world. Huelva fell into decline after being devastated by the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, though it has always been a significant port for the region. Located on a stretch of coast known as the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light), Huelva is experiencing an increase in tourist activity as this less well known piece of coast attracts more and more visitors to its virgin beaches, as yet untouched by mass development. Enjoying a wonderful climate with Huelva weather being somewhat cooler than the neighbouring Costa del Sol, enjoying cooling Atlantic breezes and having a similar climate to Portugal’s Algarve to the south-west. Huelva is located just off the A-45 motoway between the Portuguese border and the city of Seville. Huelva Map.

Colourful Cordoba in Andalucia

Located in northern Andalucia, the city of Cordoba was the former capital of Arabic Al Andalus and was the capital of the Moorish Empire in the west. During the tenth century, Cordoba was one of the most populated cities in the world, with around half a million people, an immense city for those times. These days Cordoba has a population of around 320,000 and is only the 10th largest city in Spain, it is now a major tourist attraction and the best sites can be found in the old Jewish quarter in the area of the famous Mezquita mosque, the largest and most beautiful mosque built by the Moors in Spain. The Mezquita originally dates from the 8th century and was remodelled and extended in subsequent centuries, some of the most lavish additions being built in the 10th century, during the cities golden years. There is lots more to see in this area including the Bishop’s Palace, the Roman Bridge, and the Alcazar Palace. When you are tired of visiting historic monuments you can wander the back streets and seek out a quiet plaza, order a coffee and enjoy the Cordoba weather in the heart of one of Europe’s greatest cities. Cordoba has its own airport but it used for domestic flights only, so if you are flying to the city you will need to go to Seville or Malaga, or from elsewhere in Spain, by road you can reach Cordoba by way of the A-4 from Seville or the A-45 from Malaga. Be sure to visit colourful Cordoba some time soon. Cordoba Map.

Amazing Andalucia

Andalucia, Spain’s most south-westerly region is also the second largest and the most populous of its 17 autonomous communities. Bordering Portugal in the west, Murcia in the east and Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha in the north, its capital and largest city is Seville, which is also one of its eight provinces, the other seven being Almeria, Granada, Jaen, Cordoba, Cadiz, Malaga and Huelva. Andalucia has around eight hundred kilometres of coastline including the coastal regions known as the Costa de la Luz, the Costa del Sol, the Costa Tropical and the Costa Almeria, throughout these regions are a huge number of wonderful sandy beaches and some of the best known seaside resorts in Spain. A pioneer in Spain’s tourist industry, Andalucia attracts millions of visitors each year, not only to its beach resorts but also to its historic cities, with their awe inspiring attractions. Andalucia is where some of Spain’s best known traditions began, most notably bullfighting and flamenco dancing, it also boasts a history as complex as anywhere in Spain and a population of equal complexity. Andalucia can inspire and amaze, its widely varying landscapes can fool you as to where exactly you are, with the snow capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada just a few kilometres from the sun kissed beaches of its coastline, along with its geography, Andalucia weather can vary considerably from area to area from the cold of the mountains, to the high winds of its Atlantic (Costa de la Luz) coastline, to the warm beaches of the Costa del Sol and Costa Tropical. Andalucia has something for everyone. Andalucia Map.

Spain’s Picturesque Costa de la Luz

Situated in south-western Andalucia on Spain’s border with Portugal and the Algarve, a three hundred kilometre stretch of coastline called the Costa de la Luz, its name which translates as “Coast of Light” comes from its clear unpolluted skies, and the quality of light that can be found there, it is particularly renowned for its stunning sunsets. As yet mostly unspoiled by tourism the Costa de la Luz is becoming increasingly popular with international holidaymakers, who visit to enjoy the fine sandy beaches, the ancient towns and cities and the beautiful countryside of its hinterland. Apart from the usual beach type holiday, many visit for the splendid water sports facilities, especially windsurfing and surfing, where strong winds from the Atlantic Ocean provide perfect conditions for these popular sports, one of the best resorts for these activities is Tarifa in the south-east of the region. The sea breezes make temperatures cooler in this area and the weather on the Costa de la Luz is generally a little cooler than on the Costa del Sol. The Costa de la Luz has an interesting history and claims the oldest permanently inhabited city in Europe – Cadiz – which is well worth a visit if you are in the region. The Costa de la Luz is made up of two provinces Cadiz and Huelva, Huelva begins at the border with the Algarve and Portugal, and ends at the River Guadaquivir, Cadiz extends from the Guadalquivir to the town of Tarifa. If you are arriving by air to the Costa de la Luz, you will most likely land at Jerez airport, a modern and compact airport situated north-east of Jerez de la Frontera. If you are on a package holiday you will no doubt be picked up from here, if not you can oganise a Jerez airport transfer or alternatively pick up your Costa de la Luz car hire vehicle directly from the airport. It is recommended to hire a car while you are visiting the Costa de la Luz, otherwise you will miss out on some excellent chances to travel around the region, don’t forget a trip into the magical city of Seville or perhaps to the Natural Park at Donana, an important wetland area with lots of wildlife. Map of Costa de la Luz.