A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discover Matalascañas: The Hidden Gem of Huelva, Spain

Introduction

Matalascañas, also known as Torre de la Higuera, is a coastal town located in the province of Huelva, in Andalusia, Spain. This charming tourist destination is famous for its stunning beach of fine golden sand, its warm climate, and its rich Andalusian culture. But Matalascañas is much more than just a beach destination; it's a place full of history, nature, and activities for the whole family.

The Beach of Matalascañas

The beach of Matalascañas is undoubtedly the main attraction of the town. With more than 5 kilometers in length, this beach of fine golden sand is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or practicing water sports. In addition, the beach has numerous services, such as beach bars, restaurants, showers, and rental of umbrellas and hammocks.

The Doñana National Park

Matalascañas is the gateway to the Doñana National Park, one of the most important natural spaces in Europe. This park is a paradise for nature and bird lovers, as it hosts a wide variety of bird species, as well as other animals such as the Iberian lynx. In addition, the park offers numerous hiking routes and activities such as 4x4 or horseback rides.

The Tower of the Fig Tree

One of the symbols of Matalascañas is the Tower of the Fig Tree, an old watchtower dating from the 16th century. This tower, which is located on the beach, is famous for being tilted, earning it the nickname of "the Andalusian Pisa tower". The tower is a perfect place to take photos and enjoy the sea views.

Gastronomy

Gastronomy is another of the great attractions of Matalascañas. The town is famous for its fresh fish and seafood, which can be tasted in the numerous restaurants and beach bars. Some of the most typical dishes are the coquinas, the shrimps, the onioned tuna, and the fried fish.

Activities and Events

Matalascañas offers a wide range of activities and events throughout the year. In addition to enjoying the beach and the national park, visitors can practice sports such as golf, surfing, or horse riding, visit the local market, or participate in the festivals and events that take place in the town, such as the Romería del Rocío, one of the most important in Andalusia.

Gastronomic Products of Matalascañas

• Almadraba Tuna

  Matalascañas, being in the province of Huelva, has access to one of the most prized products of Andalusian cuisine: the almadraba tuna. This tuna, caught off the coasts of Cadiz and Huelva, is known for its intense flavor and soft texture. It can be enjoyed in many ways, from raw in tartar or sashimi, to cooked or canned.

• Huelva White Shrimp

  The Huelva white shrimp are another star product of Matalascañas cuisine. These shrimp, caught off the coast of Huelva, are known for their delicate flavor and firm texture. They can be enjoyed boiled, grilled or in a variety of seafood dishes.

• Acorn-fed Iberian Ham

  You can't talk about Huelva's cuisine without mentioning the acorn-fed Iberian ham. This ham, produced in the Sierra de Huelva, is one of the most appreciated products of Spanish cuisine. Its flavor is intense and its texture is soft and melting. It can be enjoyed alone, in sandwiches or as part of a charcuterie board.

• Wines from the County of Huelva

  The wines from the County of Huelva are the perfect complement to the gastronomic products of Matalascañas. These wines, produced in the province of Huelva, are known for their quality and variety. You can find white, rosé and red wines, as well as fortified and sparkling wines.

Sport Activities in Matalascañas, Huelva

Hiking in Doñana National Park

Doñana National Park, one of the most important natural spaces in Europe, offers hiking routes of different levels of difficulty. You can enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the region while exercising.

Surf and Water Sports

Matalascañas has a wide beach where you can practice water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. There are several schools that offer courses for beginners and equipment rental.

Golf

If you are a golf lover, Matalascañas has an 18-hole golf course, the Doñana Dunes Golf Club, where you can practice this sport while enjoying stunning views.

Cycling

The Matalascañas area is ideal for cycling, both mountain and road. There are numerous routes that will allow you to discover the beautiful landscapes of the region.

Horse Riding

In Matalascañas you can also enjoy horse riding on the beach or in the Doñana National Park. It's a different and exciting way to explore the area.

Places near Matalascañas

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

Doñana, a natural paradise in Spain, offers rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy authentic Andalusian cuisine, highlighting fresh seafood, local stews, and wines from the region.

El Rocío, in Andalusia, is famous for its annual religious pilgrimage and its Doñana National Park. Visitors can enjoy its rich cuisine, featuring dishes such as venison stew and rice with hare.

Almonte, in Spain, is famous for its Doñana National Park and the El Rocío Pilgrimage. Its cuisine stands out for dishes such as cockles, venison and orange wine, offering a unique culinary experience in the Andalusia region.