03 Villages of Huelva Rio Tinto to Punta Umbria
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RouteXpert Jordi honrubia (RouteXpert)
Last edit: 14-02-2025
Route Summary A three-day trip with three routes, this is the third.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the province of Huelva, a destination that will surprise you with its diversity of landscapes, its rich history and its unparalleled gastronomy. We propose a three-day itinerary, but you can adapt it to your preferences and enjoy each of its routes separately.
This third route will be the one that brings you closer to the coast on the way back but traveling through an environment and a mix of landscapes that range from rich farmland to wooded mountains.
We will leave a unique town like Las Minas de Rio Tinto saying goodbye to Aracena, which is the cradle of everything, to go down to Punta Umbria, which is a coastal and fishing town that invites you to enjoy its gastronomy and that we already know and will be where we will end our beautiful route and, if you could, our third trip through the towns of Huelva and its Sierra.
The sum of what we are going to enjoy is reflected in a 4-star Route.
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Verdict
Duration
5h 53m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
180.05 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review Uncovering the wonders of the Rio Tinto mines:
Our adventure begins at the legendary Rio Tinto mines, a cornerstone of Spain's mining heritage.
A historic gem, Since ancient times, the Rio Tinto mines have been a beacon in Spain's mining history. Located in Huelva (Analucía), these mines have been essential for the extraction of minerals, especially iron and copper, dating back more than 3,000 years to the Tartessians. The Romans, recognizing the value of the region, called it "Rio Tinto" due to its characteristic reddish waters caused by the name of mineral oxidation that has endured through the centuries.
A Tour of Rio Tinto's Unique Geography The Rio Tinto River is a natural wonder, its deep red waters a testament to high mineral content such as iron and copper. This surreal, almost Martian landscape is inhospitable to most aquatic life, but home to exophilous organisms that intrigue scientists around the world. The river's unique characteristics come from the oxidation of iron sulphides, releasing sulphuric acid and creating its distinctive pH and colour.
A Journey Through Time The history of mining here is astonishing. During Roman times, the gold and silver mined here funded the expansion of the empire. The Romans developed sophisticated mining techniques, including advanced drainage systems. The 19th century saw a significant change with the arrival of the British Rio Tinto Company, introducing modern technologies that revolutionised the extraction and transport of minerals.
The Rio Tinto Company: A Global Influence Founded in 1873, the Rio Tinto company had a lasting impact, building a railway to transport minerals to the port of Huelva and exporting them globally. This infrastructure revolutionised mining operations, and the company improved local communities by building homes, schools and hospitals for workers.
The Copper Rush The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought a copper rush, driven by demand for the metal's electrification and communications. The region prospered, attracting global investors and workers, leading to an economic boom.
Environmental and Social Impact However, the intensification of mining raised environmental and social concerns. The river suffered from pollution from mining waste, and labour disputes arose over working conditions. Balancing economic benefits against environmental and social costs became a pressing issue.
The Spanish Civil War and Beyond During the Spanish Civil War, the strategic importance of the mines caused frequent changes of control, disrupting operations. Post-war mining remained vital, but global competition and infrastructure modernisation posed challenges.
Transition to the present, In the 1980s, large-scale mining declined, leading to mine closures. However, this transition opened up new opportunities, transforming the Rio Tinto mines into a tourist destination. The “Rio Tinto Train” and the Mining Museum now offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
Discovering the Rio Tinto mines today, The Rio Tinto mines offer a unique experience. The “Rio Tinto Train” takes visitors through former mining facilities, showcasing the region’s landscape and history. The Mining Museum houses artefacts and documents detailing mining techniques and the lives of miners. Visitors can even explore underground mines, experiencing first-hand the harsh working conditions of the miners.
The Dehesa:
A model of sustainable management, In Andalusia, the dehesa covers 1.2 million hectares, 15% of the surface of the community. Farms such as Montefrío in Cortegana raise Iberian pigs organically, keeping one pig per hectare. Dehesa Frías in Seville diversifies livestock, breeding fighting bulls, sheep, goats, cattle and even geese. The dehesa exercises sustainable human-environmental coexistence, protected by Andalusian law and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status.
Challenges and conservation efforts, Despite its sustainability, the dehesa faces profitability problems and an aging sector. The most pressing concern is "la seca", a disease that decimates holm oaks and cork oaks. Conservation efforts include soil treatments and new initiatives, but challenges persist.
Gossan-Cobre Reservoir:
A marvel of engineering, declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2005, the Gossan-Cobre Reservoir reflects the history of the Pyrite Belt industry. Built in 1971, its four cascading dams collect mining waste and control the flow of water. In addition to its cultural importance, the reservoir guarantees the water supply for the population and industries of Huelva. It has also become a tourist attraction, ideal for hiking and outdoor sports, offering information about the natural system, climate and history of the area.
Campofrio:
A mix of history and legend, despite its mining roots, Campofrío remains culturally linked to the Sierra de Aracena. Its natural environment combines the pleasant orography of Andévalo with the wild side of the Huelva mountain range. Archaeological findings suggest Iberian and Roman presence, fueling legends of King Solomon's fortress. The town's history spans Muslim, Christian and modern periods, with notable Roman roads, fortresses and necropolises.
Aracena:
A municipality of historical and tourist signage, Aracena, once a medieval village, expanded into a vibrant town. Its historic centre, Plaza Alta, houses the Parish Church of the Assumption and Cabildo. The town flourished in the Modern Age, with Dominican and Carmelite convents and later became a lordship under the Count-Duke of Olivares. The 19th-century discovery of the Gruta de las Maravillas boosted tourism, making Aracena a pioneer in underground tourism.
Alajar:
A town of natural and cultural beauty, located in the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park, it is known for its pastures, forests and streams. Its historic centre, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, features narrow streets and the church tower, all beneath the Peña de Arias Montano. The town's name, derived from Arabic, reflects its ancient roots, with evidence of prehistoric, Roman and Al-Andalus settlements.
Cerro de Andévalo:
A town with rich cultural heritage, Cerro de Andévalo boasts important buildings such as the Church of Santa María de Gracia, the Hermitage of the Trinidad and the Town Hall. Its Easter celebrations and August fiestas attract visitors, while its gastronomy offers delicious local dishes such as migas and pestiños.
Valverde del Camino:
A luxury of Craftsmanship, Valverde del Camino is known for its handcrafted cowboy boots, mixing tradition and innovation. The town's rich history includes prehistoric settlements and Roman mining. Its artistic heritage includes the Parochial Church of the Virgen del Descanso and the Hermitage of the Trinidad. Local craftsmanship and modern developments make Valverde a unique destination.
Beas:
The capital of EVOO, Beas, in the heart of Huelva, offers rich history, natural beauty and traditions. The Oil Route and the Water Mill Route showcase the region's olive oil tradition and historic water mills. Beas, the capital of EVOO, celebrates its culture with the Oil Fair, live nativity scenes and Holy Week. Its spring and summer festivals, such as the pilgrimage to Santa María de España, highlight the town's vibrant traditions.
Pumta Umbria:
A town located near the capital on the banks of the Odiel, which has become an important tourist centre thanks to its wonderful beaches of fine, golden sand. It has a quality tourist offer that attracts a multitude of visitors every year.
Within its area are the Paraje Natural de las Marismas del Odiel and the Paraje Natural de los Enebrales de Punta Umbría, two natural spaces of great ecological interest.
It has its origins in the watchtower built by the Huelva council in the 16th century, but it was not populated until the 19th century. At the end of the 19th century, the place only had a watchtower and signal tower from the time of Charles III, a police station and some fishermen's huts.
In 1896, the English, belonging to the Riotinto Mining Company, built several colonial-style wooden chalets for their managers to relax in.
In the 1920s, the first Spanish holidaymakers began to arrive. A regular river transport service was created with Huelva.
During the 1930s, the fishing industry reached its peak.
It was declared an independent municipality in 1959.
Conclusion:
As our journey through the Sierra de Huelva comes to an end, we have crossed stunning landscapes, explored historic sites and experienced vibrant local cultures. From the old Rio Tinto Mines to the sustainable pasture, the engineering marvel of the Gossan-Cobre reservoir, and the charming towns of Campofrío, Aracena, Alájar, Cerro de Andévalo, Valverde del Camino, Beas and Punta
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Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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Andalusia
About this region
Andalusia (UK: , US: ; Spanish: Andalucía [andaluˈθi.a]) is the southernmost autonomous community in Peninsular Spain. It is the most populous and the second largest autonomous community in the country. It is officially recognised as a "historical nationality". The territory is divided into eight provinces: Almería, Cádiz, Córdoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaén, Málaga, and Seville. Its capital city is Seville. The seat of the High Court of Justice of Andalusia is located in the city of Granada.
Andalusia is located in the south of the Iberian peninsula, in southwestern Europe, immediately south of the autonomous communities of Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha; west of the autonomous community of Murcia and the Mediterranean Sea; east of Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean; and north of the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar. Andalusia is the only European region with both Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. The small British overseas territory of Gibraltar shares a three-quarter-mile land border with the Andalusian portion of the province of Cádiz at the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar.
The main mountain ranges of Andalusia are the Sierra Morena and the Baetic System, consisting of the Subbaetic and Penibaetic Mountains, separated by the Intrabaetic Basin. In the north, the Sierra Morena separates Andalusia from the plains of Extremadura and Castile–La Mancha on Spain's Meseta Central. To the south the geographic subregion of Upper Andalusia lies mostly within the Baetic System, while Lower Andalusia is in the Baetic Depression of the valley of the Guadalquivir.The name "Andalusia" is derived from the Arabic word Al-Andalus (الأندلس). The toponym al-Andalus is first attested by inscriptions on coins minted in 716 by the new Muslim government of Iberia. These coins, called dinars, were inscribed in both Latin and Arabic. The etymology of the name "al-Andalus" has traditionally been derived from the name of the Vandals. Since the 1980s, a number of proposals have challenged this contention. Halm, in 1989, derived the name from a Gothic term, *landahlauts,
and in 2002, Bossong suggested its derivation from a pre-Roman substrate. The region's history and culture have been influenced by the Tartessos, Iberians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Byzantines, Berbers of North Africa, Jews, Romani, Arab Umayyads, and Moors. During the Islamic Golden Age, Cordoba surpassed Constantinople to be Europe's biggest city, and became the capital of Al Andalus and a prominent center of education and learning in the world, producing numerous philosophers and scientists. The Castilian and other Christian North Iberian nationalities reconquered and settled the area in the latter phases of the Reconquista.
Andalusia has historically been an agricultural region, compared to the rest of Spain and the rest of Europe. Still, the growth of the community in the sectors of industry and services was above average in Spain and higher than many communities in the Eurozone. The region has a rich culture and a strong Spanish identity. Many cultural phenomena that are seen internationally as distinctively Spanish are largely or entirely Andalusian in origin. These include flamenco and, to a lesser extent, bullfighting and Hispano-Moorish architectural styles, both of which are also prevalent in some other regions of Spain.
Andalusia's hinterland is the hottest area of Europe, with cities like Córdoba and Seville averaging above 36 °C (97 °F) in summer high temperatures. Late evening temperatures can sometimes stay around 35 °C (95 °F) until close to midnight and daytime highs of over 40 °C (104 °F) are common. Seville also has the highest average annual temperature in mainland Spain and mainland Europe (19.2 °C, 66.6 °F), closely followed by Almería (19.1 °C, 66.4 °F).
Read more on Wikipedia
Andalusia is located in the south of the Iberian peninsula, in southwestern Europe, immediately south of the autonomous communities of Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha; west of the autonomous community of Murcia and the Mediterranean Sea; east of Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean; and north of the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar. Andalusia is the only European region with both Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. The small British overseas territory of Gibraltar shares a three-quarter-mile land border with the Andalusian portion of the province of Cádiz at the eastern end of the Strait of Gibraltar.
The main mountain ranges of Andalusia are the Sierra Morena and the Baetic System, consisting of the Subbaetic and Penibaetic Mountains, separated by the Intrabaetic Basin. In the north, the Sierra Morena separates Andalusia from the plains of Extremadura and Castile–La Mancha on Spain's Meseta Central. To the south the geographic subregion of Upper Andalusia lies mostly within the Baetic System, while Lower Andalusia is in the Baetic Depression of the valley of the Guadalquivir.The name "Andalusia" is derived from the Arabic word Al-Andalus (الأندلس). The toponym al-Andalus is first attested by inscriptions on coins minted in 716 by the new Muslim government of Iberia. These coins, called dinars, were inscribed in both Latin and Arabic. The etymology of the name "al-Andalus" has traditionally been derived from the name of the Vandals. Since the 1980s, a number of proposals have challenged this contention. Halm, in 1989, derived the name from a Gothic term, *landahlauts,
and in 2002, Bossong suggested its derivation from a pre-Roman substrate. The region's history and culture have been influenced by the Tartessos, Iberians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Byzantines, Berbers of North Africa, Jews, Romani, Arab Umayyads, and Moors. During the Islamic Golden Age, Cordoba surpassed Constantinople to be Europe's biggest city, and became the capital of Al Andalus and a prominent center of education and learning in the world, producing numerous philosophers and scientists. The Castilian and other Christian North Iberian nationalities reconquered and settled the area in the latter phases of the Reconquista.
Andalusia has historically been an agricultural region, compared to the rest of Spain and the rest of Europe. Still, the growth of the community in the sectors of industry and services was above average in Spain and higher than many communities in the Eurozone. The region has a rich culture and a strong Spanish identity. Many cultural phenomena that are seen internationally as distinctively Spanish are largely or entirely Andalusian in origin. These include flamenco and, to a lesser extent, bullfighting and Hispano-Moorish architectural styles, both of which are also prevalent in some other regions of Spain.
Andalusia's hinterland is the hottest area of Europe, with cities like Córdoba and Seville averaging above 36 °C (97 °F) in summer high temperatures. Late evening temperatures can sometimes stay around 35 °C (95 °F) until close to midnight and daytime highs of over 40 °C (104 °F) are common. Seville also has the highest average annual temperature in mainland Spain and mainland Europe (19.2 °C, 66.6 °F), closely followed by Almería (19.1 °C, 66.4 °F).
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