Nudist Beaches in Huelva

Huelva

• Lepe

Huelva Province

Forming part of the Costa de la Luz and bordering Portugal, the Spanish province of Huelva makes the most of its diverse regions. Its mountain and coastal areas draw revenue from tourism whilst the agriculture and lucrative mining industry of the region give an added boost to the province’s economy. Mining has played a huge part in Huelva’s history and its oldest and most famous mine, the Rio Tinto has been productive since 1000 BC.

Huelva’s coastline forms part of the Costa de la Luz on the Atlantic ocean, an area of natural beauty that is relatively uncrowded due to its delayed tourism. This has also led to better city planning than other regions where the tourism boom has seen mass development on a grand scale. Throughout the coastline’s towns and villages are miles of beautiful unspoilt beaches, sweeping bays and rugged coves. There is also an official nudist beach near the town of Lepe.

The province’s countryside is just as impressive and the Doñana National Park, one of the most important marsh and wetland areas of Europe, is situated here. Covering an area of 543 km2, it is divided between the National Park which was developed in the late 1960’s and later development in the late 1980’s through to 1997 saw the creation and expansion of the Natural Park. The area is a diverse combination of pine forest, marshland, salt flats, sand dunes, streams and freshwater lagoons. Its location close to the Straits of Gibraltar and relatively short distance between Europe and Africa has created a unique stopping off point and breeding ground for thousands of birds from both Africa and Europe, making it a true birdwatcher’s paradise. Up to 300 bird species can be seen in the area annually and it is a winter home for thousands of waterfowl.

Near the famous town of Jabugo are another 2 important wilderness areas, the Picos de Aroche National Park and the protected area of Sierra de Aracena. Both areas offer visitors a variety of flora & fauna and have some excellent hiking trails, perfect for a day’s rambling. Why is Jabugo famous you are asking yourself ? The locals will tell you Jabugo is short for jamon Iberico the finest cured ham in the land, also known as pata negra which refers to the distinct black trotters of the breed of pig used in the making of the hams. Visitors to the town are purely there for the hams as it is not a pretty place, with meat factories and abattoirs dominating the outskirts of the town. The area around Jabugo includes the Aracena mountain range that is home to the Gruta de las Maravillas (Grotto of the Marvels) that was opened to the public in 1913 and is labyrinth of over 2000 metres of subterranean tunnels and caves. The nearby town of Alajar found brief fame in 2011 when it was the setting for filming the song Senorita from the Bollywood movie You Only Live Once.

Punta Umbria is a fishing village and beach resort situated on the banks of the Rio Odiel and facing the small island of Saltes. The surrounding area of salt marshes are rich in flora & fauna and Punta Umbria Beach has received the Blue Flag Award for cleanliness and a high standard of facilities. The beach resort has further facilities, bars and restaurants.

Situated slightly inland, the town of Lepe has an intensive strawberry farming industry which is its main economy, and its delicious fruit is exported across Europe. Lepe is also well known for its wines and one of its past townsfolk, sailor Rodigo de Triana was the first person to sight the coast of America during Christopher Columbus’ voyage to discover the Americas. About 5 kilometres to the south is the town’s lovely stretch of beaches including an official