Huelva

The port city of Huelva is located in the southwest of Spain in the region of Andalusia. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, the historic city of Huelva is a great destination for a short vacation and a perfect starting point for ferry crossings to the Canary Islands, including Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

On Ferryhopper, you can find all the details you need about ferry routes from Huelva, access to the port and holidays in the city!

Find useful info about the ferry port of Huelva and plan your trip to the city:

• Huelva ferry port
• Vacation in Huelva

The Monument to the Discovery Faith in Huelva

Huelva ferry port

The main port of Huelva is one of the most active ports in Spain and it has a total of 6 docks. Due to its strategic location, it is one of the best starting points for ferry trips to the Canary Islands, as it offers easy ferry access from mainland Spain.

Except for parking lots, a supermarket, a few restaurants, and ferry company offices, there are not many traveler services at the port of Huelva. However, it is really close to some of the prettiest beaches in Huelva, so you can have a last swim before you head to the port.

Ferries from Huelva port: schedules and tickets

From Huelva you can catch a ferry to the Canary Islands throughout the year. There are direct ferry crossings to Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, as well as indirect ferry routes from Huelva to Fuerteventura, La Gomera and La Palma.

The ferry companies operating at the port of Huelva are Naviera Armas and Fred. Olsen Express. Check all available ferry connections from the port of Huelva on Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries!

Below, you can find more information on the Huelva - Canary Islands ferry routes.

Direct ferries from Huelva to the Canary Islands

Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas serve ferry routes from Huelva to Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Below you can find more details about the trip from Huelva.

• Ferry from Huelva to Tenerife: there are around 3 weekly ferry crossings from Huelva to Tenerife. Ferries from Huelva travel to the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the duration of the trip is between 31-40 hours. Standard tickets start at around €120.
• Ferry from Huelva to Gran Canaria: you can catch a direct ferry from Huelva to Gran Canaria 3 times a week. The trip duration to the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria ranges from 33 to 37 hours. Tickets start at approximately €120.
• Ferry from Huelva to Lanzarote: the Huelva - Lanzarote ferry route is serviced once a week by Naviera Armas. The direct crossing to Arrecife lasts around 27-28 hours and tickets start at about €150.

Good to know: some ferry trips include stopovers at different Canary Islands ports before reaching the final destination. There’s no need to change ferries.

Indirect ferries from Huelva to the Canary Islands

If you want to go island hopping in the Canaries or you dream of cruising the archipelago, you can also catch an indirect ferry from Huelva. You can either stay at one of the islands for a few days or transfer to your final destination at the connecting port.

Indirect ferry crossings from Huelva are operated by Fred. Olsen Express. Have a look at more info about indirect ferry crossings to the Canary Islands from Huelva.

• Ferry from Huelva to Fuerteventura: the ferry crossing from Huelva to Fuerteventura via Gran Canaria is available twice a week. Total sailing time is around 34.5 hours and tickets start at around €160.
• Ferry from Huelva to La Gomera: ferries from Huelva to La Gomera via Tenerife are in operation twice a week. Total sailing time ranges from approximately 32.5 to 41 hours and tickets start at around €160.
• Ferry from Huelva to La Palma: the ferry to La Palma from Huelva stops at Tenerife. The crossing is available 2 days per week and it takes around 34 to 41.5 hours to reach Santa Cruz de La Palma. Tickets start at about €160.

Good to know: there are also indirect ferry crossings from Huelva to Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Agaete in Gran Canaria twice weekly.

The port of Huelva at sunset

Where is the ferry port in Huelva?

The main port of Huelva, also known as Puerto Exterior, is located just off the city center of Huelva at the mouth of river Odiel.

Good to know: Puerto Interior (also known as “Muelle de Levante”), which is located in the city center of Huelva, mainly serves tourist boats and yachts. From the city center harbor, you can catch a boat to explore the coast of Huelva and visit beautiful landscapes.

How to get to Huelva port?

Most travelers drive or take a bus or taxi to Huelva Port, as it is around 17 km from the majority of downtown hotels.

To approach the port of Huelva from the city center, you can take the Francisco Montenegro avenue and exit onto the Huelva - Matalascañas highway.

The impressive pier Muelle del Rio Tinto in Huelva

Vacation in Huelva

Huelva is an ideal stop during your road trip in Andalusia, before taking the ferry to the Canary Islands. The port city and the whole region have a rich past evident in the many monuments and historic locations. Christopher Columbus started his notable trip from the town of Palos de la Frontera in Huelva!

In Huelva, you can swim in the waters of amazing beaches with golden sand, away from the crowds. As the city is less popular than other beautiful destinations in the Costa de la Luz, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the sublime nature in peace. Apart from the beaches, you can also visit breathtaking mountains and magnificent nature reserves.

Huelva is one of the best places in Spain for family-friendly holidays, as well as a paradise for nature-lovers!

Keen to relax in a laid-back, modern city and explore sights that date back to the Phoenicians? Read our travel guide for more tips about vacation in the region of Huelva.

How to get to Huelva

You can get to Huelva by car, bus or train. If you’re making the trip by car, you can take the CN-431 and CN-435 or the A-49 motorway. Moreover, there are frequent buses from major Spanish cities such as Seville and Madrid.

If you prefer to fly to Huelva, you can take a flight to the airport of Seville, which is an approximately 1-hour drive to the city center of Huelva and serves flights from multiple Spanish and European airports.

Tip: usually, there are also daily train connections from the city of Seville to Huelva.

Lake at Parque Moret in Huelva

What to do in Huelva

Huelva is a great destination for exploration, relaxation and cultural sightseeing. The region has many historical sites, such as the pier of Rio Tinto, which was used for mining and now offers the best sunset views in the city!

You can follow the trails of Christopher Columbus in Palos de la Frontera and visit the Monument to the Discovery Faith that commemorates the remarkable voyage.

As for nature enthusiasts, a visit to the saltworks on the bank of the Huelva rivers is a must! You can also hike among flamingos at the Cristina Island marshes.

Explore the beachfront restaurants, attend a flamenco show and don’t forget to spend a whole day at the beach at least once during your stay! We recommend the nude-friendly Playa del Rompeculos, where you can also take your dog!

Wanna find out more about the top experiences in Huelva? Here we go!

Beaches in Huelva

Huelva is blessed with a seriously long coast covered with sand and surrounded by nature reserves, lush vegetation, impressive sand dunes, and beautiful hiking trails.

The region is home to many beaches, perfect for family-friendly activities, relaxation, isolation, and water sports!

Situated on the Gulf of Cádiz, the beaches of the region are mostly untouched and calm, while there are also quite a few clothing-optional spots, to enjoy the sea, sun and nature while facing the Atlantic Ocean.

Here are some of the best beaches in Huelva:

• Playa de Castilla: this is one of the most unspoiled beaches in the area. It’s almost 20 km long and it's covered with sand. The fossil dunes of Acantilado del Asperillo create an amazing scenery.
• Matalascañas: this long sandy beach stretches to the east of Huelva. In Matalascañas, you can find both remote areas, as well as spots with sun loungers and visitor amenities.
• Flecha de Nueva Umbría: Flecha de Nueva Umbría is a marvelous stretch of land between the Atlantic Ocean and river Piedras. It is a sandy beach perfect for shell-hunting, as well as clothing-optional swimming.
• Playa de Mata Negra: this is a family-friendly sandy beach, quite popular for motorhome vacation. There are a few chiringuitos, but most of the coast is untouched. You can also find a clothing-optional spot.
• Redondela: also known as Playa de la Chancla or Islantilla, the popular sandy beach is a 40-minute drive from Huelva. There’s a forest for short hikes and some seaside restaurants.
• Playa de Punta Umbría: this is one of the city beaches of Huelva. It’s close to the city center, it is popular with locals and you can find many traveler amenities, as well as nightlife and dining options.
• Playa de Mazagón: it is one of the most visited in Huelva, due to its city proximity. The sand-covered beach has easy access, it’s popular with campers and families with kids, and it is close to many restaurants, parking lots and shops.
• Playa de Rompeculos: the sandy Playa de Rompeculos is a 30-minute drive from Huelva. There's a parking spot above the beach, where you park your car before taking the short hiking trail. It’s dog-friendly and nude-friendly.
• Playa de Los Haraganes: this beach is a 1-hour drive from Huelva and is close to the border with Portugal. It has crystal-clear waters and it’s relatively quiet. It’s worth visiting, particularly if you’re traveling with kids, as there are restaurants, shops and a sea playground during peak season.

Sun loungers at Matalascañas beach in Huelva

Sightseeing and activities in Huelva

The province of Huelva is located on the Spanish Atlantic coast and is an area of great historical, natural and cultural value. Situated between 2 rivers and encompassing a plethora of nature reserves, Huelva is one of richest regions in Europe regarding natural wealth.

Also, the city of Huelva is considered to be one of the oldest in Europe, most probably founded by the Phoenicians around 1000 BCE.

These are some of our favorite attractions and activities in Huelva:

• Museum of Huelva: the Museum of Huelva is in the city center, close to most major city attractions. It contains important archaeological findings, as well as works of modern art.
• Doñana National Park: this is an amazing nature reserve between Huelva and Cádiz. It’s great for hiking, horseback riding and bird-watching. The lower part of the reserve reaches Matalascañas beach.
• Almonaster la Real: this is a quaint town, 100 km from Huelva, known for its fortress and rich past. Gothic architecture, an Arabian castle and a beautiful mosque are just some of the important historical sights.
• Casa Colón: the beautiful building was inaugurated in the 19th century to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus' trip to America. Nowadays, it hosts events and exhibitions.
• Casa del Millón: according to urban legend, this beautiful mansion cost 1 million pesetas to build back in 1916, hence the name. Currently, it is an architecture college.
• Grotto of Marvels: the impressive cave is located in the town of Aracena, north of Huelva. The dream-like cave interior is worth a visit to admire the intricate rock formations and crystal-clear lagoons.
• Monument to the Discovery Faith: this is a 37 m sculpture commemorating Columbus’ trip to America.
• Muelle del Rio Tinto: this is a historical pier that was formerly used to transport minerals from the Tinto river. It’s a great sea and sunset viewing spot.
• Isla de Bacuta saltworks: this impressive nature reserve close to the city center of Huelva is home to many bird species. There is an information center for visitors and you can also catch a tour to go birdwatching.

Impressive cave in the town of Aracena, Huelva

Nightlife in Huelva

Huelva is not a popular nightlife destination, but it is a big city with plenty of options for night fun. Most locals and visitors hang out at laid-back bars, restaurants and open-air spaces, such as the beautiful squares and the city beaches.

There are also some night clubs mainly frequented by students and young people. During summer, the place to be in Huelva is Punta Umbría. There, you can find bars, beach clubs and chiringuitos for an unforgettable night out.

Food in Huelva

Huelva is rich in gastronomical experiences. The region is famous for its meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. From the melt-in-the-mouth perrunillas biscuits to the delicate white prawns of Huelva, there’s something for everyone!

You can try typical dishes of the community of Andalusia, as well as distinct flavors that combine the Arab past of the region with a contemporary cuisine approach.

Here are the must-try dishes and products of Huelva:

• caldereta del condado (slow-cooked lamb stew)
• papas con choco (potatoes and cuttlefish stew)
• mojama (salt-cured tuna)
• habas enzapatás (cold bean salad with garlic and mint)
• white prawns of Huelva
• Iberian ham
• pestiños (honey-glazed fritters with sesame seeds)
• perrunillas (biscuits made with pork fat)

Good to know: Huelva was chosen as the gastronomical capital of Spain in 2017!

Huelva Tips

Are you planning to visit Huelva soon? To make your trip even more enjoyable, have a look at more travel tips about Huelva:

• Huelva is home to the oldest football club in Spain, Real Club Recreativo de Huelva. Football fans can visit the club’s museum to learn about its history.
• You can easily go on a day trip from Huelva to Seville. The Andalusian capital is just 1 hour from Huelva by car and it’s an amazing city to explore.
• In Huelva, there are not many resorts and all-inclusive hotels, which means you can explore one of the most unspoiled regions in Spain.
• For more adventures in the Iberian Peninsula, you can arrange to fly via Faro Airport in Portugal. Despite being in a different country, it is just 110 km from Huelva.

Flamingos at the Isla de Bacuta saltworks

Useful information about Huelva

Huelva is a modern port city with amazing historical sites. The city is situated between 2 rivers, which makes it one of the richest cities in Spain in regards to natural beauty.

It is one of the least touristically developed coastal cities in Costa de la Luz. Most travelers choose to visit Huelva for 3-4 days before catching the ferry to the Canary Islands or continuing their journey in Andalusia.

As for accommodation in Huelva, there are hotels, hostels, long-term vacation rentals, and a few beach resorts at the outskirts of the metropolitan area. Most accommodation options are in Punta Umbría, the suburb of Mazagón, as well as the city center of Huelva.

Huelva enjoys mild winters and warm summers, typical of the Mediterranean climate. Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, it experiences heavy rainfall from time to time.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Huelva

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Huelva:

• Huelva Port Authority: +34959493100
• Huelva bus station: +34959256900
• Seville Airport (Aena): +34913211000
• Huelva taxi services: +34687444881
• Juan Ramón Jiménez Hospital: +34959016000
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Huelva

Huelva is a relatively small city, which means you can walk around the city easily. Short distances make it possible to cycle or walk to most of the urban attractions and hotels.

As for public transport, local buses operate frequently, connecting the city center with the port of Huelva, the beaches and the nearby suburbs. You can also get a taxi at central locations around the city.

Last but not least, Huelva has central train and bus stations, which connect the city with major Spanish destinations.

Tip: if you’re heading to Huelva to catch a ferry, you can ask the ferry company with which you’re traveling about free shuttle bus transport from the city center of Huelva.

The quaint square of Palos de la Frontera town close to Huelva

Book Huelva ferry tickets online

On Ferryhopper, you can book tickets to the Canary Islands from Huelva and organize your island-hopping trip in Spain in just a few clicks. Find all the information you need about ferry schedules from the port of Huelva, compare companies and prices, and book ferry tickets online with no hidden fees!