Islantilla is a perfect example of how coastal development does not have to be an eyesore on the landscape. A low-level development of residential houses, tourist accommodation and hotels, even the commercial centre right on the beach-front seems to blend in.

The small commercial centre is the focal point of the area and has boutiques, cafes and restaurants which are overflowing with visitors during the summer months (and very quiet during the winter months, with many establishments closing until the tourists return).

While Costa Esuri is not a town in itself it has to be mentioned as one of the largest urbanisations to have been built in Spain. Modeled on a ´mediterranean-style´ village it has a staggering 7000 residential units with a mixture of apartments, townhouses and villa plots.

When it is completed, Costa Esuri will have its own commercial centre, various 4 and 5 star hotels, a school, marina and several social and recreational areas. Not to mention the fact it has 2 18-hole golf courses already popular with players.

Islantilla is a shining example of how coastal development does not need to be an eyesore on the landscape. A low-level resort in the middle of the Huelva coast, Islantilla is one of the most important tourist destinations in the province.

The focal point of the area is the small commercial centre which blends into the coastline and is full of shops, bars and restaurants which are a hive of activity in the summer (and very quiet in the winter with many establishments closing until the tourists return).

Population: 9,925

La Palma del Condado is one of those typical little Spanish villages that is missed by many visitors travelling between Huelva and Seville. It has recently gained more attention however due to the new Monte Blanco Racing Circuit that has been built there.

The circuit will include a ´village´ that can be included in the overall circuit and that has a hotel in the centre. Approved for international racing up to GP2 and used for Formula One testing the circuit is set to become one of the best in Europe.

Built by the Rio Tinto mining company in ´English style´ - situated right in the heart of Huelva

Full size replica of one of the ships used by Columbus

Population: 7,228

Aracena is in the northern part of the Huelva province located in the centre of the Sierra de Aracena & Picos de Aroche natural park.

Panoramic views of the area can be seen from the ruined hilltop castle and church while a must see is the ´Gruta de las Maravillas´.  A series of caverns over 1.2km with impressive limestone formations as well as underground lakes.

Population: 8,415 

The areas surrounding Palos de la Frontera are a sea of strawberry fields which contributes to Huelva being the largest strawberry supplier in Europe.  However, Palos de la Frontera is historically best known for its association with Christopher Columbus who is said to have recruited local sailors here before setting sail to discover America.

Population: 5.056

Translated as Mines of RioTinto, this town is more popularly known simply as Rio Tinto, an important factor for the success and expansion of Huelva city which was once little more than a small village itself.

The mines at Rio Tinto employed tens of thousands of workers in its heyday and while the mines are no longer in use, the scars left by the years of mining make an impressive moon-like landscape. Visitors can ride on one of the old trains through the main site and visit the smaller mines in the area or the historical mining museum.