A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Almonte: The Hidden Gem of Huelva, Spain

Introduction

Almonte, a small town located in the province of Huelva, Andalusia, is a tourist destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. Although it is primarily known for its famous Romería del Rocío, Almonte has much more to offer its visitors.

The Doñana National Park

Almonte is the gateway to the Doñana National Park, one of the most important natural spaces in Europe. This park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a paradise for nature and bird lovers, as it is home to a wide variety of bird species, as well as Iberian lynxes and deer.

The Romería del Rocío

Almonte is globally known for the Romería del Rocío, one of the most important Marian pilgrimages in Spain. Each year, during the Pentecost weekend, thousands of people from all over the world come to Almonte to pay homage to the Virgin of Rocío. This festival is characterized by its color, music and dance, and is a unique experience that no visitor should miss.

The Matalascañas

A few kilometers from Almonte is Matalascañas, a popular golden sand beach that is perfect for enjoying the sun and the sea. In addition to its crystal clear waters, Matalascañas is famous for the Torre del Loro, an old watchtower that is one of the few remnants of the Arab presence in the area.

The gastronomy

Gastronomy is another of the great attractions of Almonte. Visitors can taste typical dishes of the area such as coquinas, acorn-fed Iberian ham, Andalusian gazpacho or local wines. In addition, the town has several restaurants and wineries where you can enjoy authentic Andalusian cuisine.

The historical heritage

Almonte also has a rich historical heritage. Highlights include the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, an impressive Mudejar-style building dating from the 16th century. It is also worth visiting the Palace of the Dukes of Medina Sidonia, a beautiful Renaissance palace that houses an interesting museum.

The natural environment

In addition to the Doñana National Park, the surroundings of Almonte offer other natural spaces of great beauty. Among them is the Odiel Marshes Natural Reserve, an impressive wetland that is home to numerous species of migratory birds.

Gastronomic Products of Almonte

• Ham from Huelva

  Almonte, located in the province of Huelva, is famous for its Iberian ham, also known as Ham from Huelva. This ham is produced from Iberian pigs that are raised in the pastures of the region and fed on acorns. The ham from Huelva is known for its intense flavor and its soft and juicy texture.

• White Shrimp from Huelva

  The white shrimp from Huelva is another outstanding gastronomic product of Almonte. These shrimp are fished off the coast of Huelva and are known for their sweet taste and firm texture. They can be enjoyed alone or as part of different dishes, like the famous "shrimp scramble".

• Wines from the County of Huelva

  Almonte is also known for the wines from the County of Huelva. This wine region produces a variety of wines, including white, red and rosé wines, as well as dessert wines. The wines from the County of Huelva are known for their quality and unique flavor, which is due in part to the climate and soil of the region.

• Strawberries and other red fruits

  Almonte is one of the main areas of strawberry and other red fruit production in Spain. These fruits are grown in the region during the spring and summer and are known for their sweetness and intense flavor. They can be enjoyed fresh or can be used to make jams, desserts and other dishes.

Sporting Activities in Almonte, Huelva

Hiking in Doñana National Park

Doñana National Park is one of the most important natural spaces in Europe. Here you can enjoy hiking trails that will allow you to appreciate its rich biodiversity.

Cycling

Almonte has numerous routes for bicycles, both mountain and road. You can explore the beautiful landscapes of the area while practicing this sport.

Golf

If you are a golf lover, in Almonte you will find the Dunas de Doñana Golf Club, an 18-hole course located in a unique natural environment.

Horseback riding

Almonte is famous for its equestrian tradition. Here you can enjoy horseback rides on the beach of Matalascañas or in the Doñana National Park.

Kitesurfing in Matalascañas

The beach of Matalascañas is an ideal place to practice kitesurfing. If you are a fan of this sport, you cannot miss visiting it.

Places near Almonte

If you are in Almonte and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

El Rocío, in Andalusia, is famous for its annual pilgrimage, its beautiful hermitage and its traditional houses. Enjoy authentic Andalusian cuisine, with dishes such as venison stew and fried fish, in this charming Spanish village.

Matalascañas, in Andalusia, Spain, is an ideal tourist destination for beach and gastronomy lovers. Enjoy its extensive coast, practice water sports and taste delicious fresh seafood and local wines in its numerous restaurants and bars.

Doñana, a natural paradise in Spain, is famous for its biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy the local cuisine, which includes delights such as fresh seafood, Iberian ham, and wines from the region.