Tucked in the far southwestern corner of Spain, Andalucian Huelva is one of Spain's hidden jewels. The coast here - part of the Costa de la Luz - boasts lovely, unspoilt Atlantic beaches, while the interior is a great place for walking holidays thanks to the pretty villages and unique Andalucian landscapes. Also in Huelva is the Parque Nacional de Doñana, Spain's most important wildlife sanctuary. Although access to the park is limited, this is one of the most interesting sights in Huelva, and arranging a visit is a must.

Huelva's main city, also called Huelva, is an industrial place with a few interesting museums. You'll need to explore beyond the city to discover Huelva's true personality. Villages like Aracena, Minas de Riotinto, Linares de la Sierra, Alájar and Almonastar la Real are all historic towns well worth visiting. And Huelva's natural areas - like the Parque Natural de Sierra Aracena and the Sierra Morena - provide lovely hilly landscapes that are great for walkers.

One of Huelva's most famous towns is Rocío. At Pentecost (7 weekends after Easter), this otherwise sleepy town explodes with life as tens of thousands of pilgrims descend on it from all over Spain. The "Romería del Rocío" is a long and merry pilgrimage made by foot, by donkey, and by cart, and the ensuing party is one of the best in all Andalucía.

Huelva is also known for its connections with Christopher Columbus, since this was one of the last places the explorer visited before setting sail in 1492. In La Ráboda tour replicas of Columbus' ships; in Palos de la Frontera explore the birthplace of nearly half Columbus' crew; in Moguer visit the church where Columbus prayed after his first journey.