At the top of a hill, next to the Church of San Jorge Mártir, stands the Castle of Palos de la Frontera, a late medieval fortress that dominated the Tinto River inlet. Built between 1322 and 1379, during the town’s economic boom, this castle witnessed the departure of the caravels to the New World. Although much of its original structure has disappeared, the current archaeological remains give a glimpse of its historical importance.
At the foot of the castle and the Church of San Jorge was the old Port of Palos, a natural river port from which the caravels Pinta, Niña and the Santa María set sail on 3 August 1492, commanded by Christopher Columbus and the Pinzón brothers, on the voyage that culminated in the so-called Discovery of America.
The port had infrastructure such as a wharf, a pottery workshop and shipyards, and was a hub of maritime activity in the 15th century. Although the exact location of the shipyard is unknown, it is known that the Fontanilla, a nearby public fountain, supplied water to the ships before they set sail.
The truth is that, based on both documentary research and archaeological interventions, several periods of construction of the Castle of Palos de la Frontera have been established, coinciding with the demographic growth and commercial development that took place in the historic port.
The 13th century was a foundational period, in which there was originally a primitive tower with a polygonal floor plan. An expansion can be seen in the 14th century, with the addition of three more towers and a wall attached to the original tower, modifying its structure to resemble a castle. Its heyday and final renovations took place in the 15th century, and this structure has survived to the present day.
The area consists of four main lagoons: Laguna Primera de Palos, Laguna de la Jara, Laguna de la Mujer and Laguna de Las Madres.
These lagoons are located about 10 metres above sea level, on the left bank of the Huelva estuary, downstream from the confluence of the Odiel and Tinto rivers.
These lagoons were formed when ancient riverbeds were closed off by the advance of a coastal dune front, which interrupted the flow of water from their catchment areas to the sea. This process has given rise to an ecosystem that is unique in terms of its hydrogeomorphology on the Iberian Peninsula.
The area is an important refuge for birdlife, especially during migration. Among the species present are the white-headed duck, the squacco heron and the horned coot, among others.
In addition, the area is home to species such as the osprey, which uses the site as a breeding and wintering ground.
The Lagunas de Palos y Las Madres Natural Park is included in the Andalusian Wetlands Inventory and forms part of the Natura 2000 Network as a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It has also been designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The Domingo Rubio Estuary Natural Area is a wetland of high environmental value, located between the municipalities of Palos de la Frontera and Moguer. This protected area covers approximately 480 hectares and was declared a Natural Area on 18 July 1989.
The estuary is located near the mouth of the Tinto and Odiel rivers, forming part of the complex of marshes and estuaries on the Andalusian Atlantic coast, one of the most important in the Iberian Peninsula. It is located near the Monastery of La Rábida and the International University of Andalusia, which gives it a rich cultural and natural environment.
The estuary has a combination of freshwater and saltwater environments, fed by waters from the Atlantic Ocean, streams such as Juana Ruiz, Príncipe and Juan Delgado, and rainfall runoff.
The estuary is an important refuge for birdlife, especially during migration. The area is also home to species such as the Iberian lynx, the common otter, the glossy ibis, the harrier, the peregrine falcon, the purple heron and the osprey.
Playa del Vigía, or Playa del Puente del Vigía, is a quiet and uncrowded spot, ideal for unwinding and enjoying fishing from the walkway.
There you will find the Vigía Pier, an iconic spot that combines maritime history and natural beauty. Built in 1964 to replace a wooden structure damaged by storms in December 1963, this pier was essential for the port’s pilotage service, from where the pilots’ canoes set out to guide ships in and out of the port.
In 2001, due to the deterioration of the original walkway, a new structure 105 metres long and 2.5 metres wide was built, culminating in an 18×18-metre hexagonal platform.
The pier is located on the left bank of the estuary, about 20 kilometres from the city of Huelva.
Next to the pier is the Casa del Vigía (Watchman’s House), built in 1906 on the same dune, with a reinforced concrete frame and floors and supported by 16 posts. It was the first building in Huelva to use this construction material. The project for this building was drawn up by the chief engineer Francisco Montenegro y Calle on 23 November 1904.
The building was used for years to control the entry and exit of ships through the Padre Santo channel and to mark the estuary. The watchman’s shift lasted one week, with relief coming on Saturdays. The house was also used by the channel depth survey staff as a support centre for their bathymetric work.
Mazagón Beach is one of the most outstanding natural treasures on the Huelva coast, shared by the municipalities of Palos de la Frontera and Moguer. This extensive coastline, more than 9 km long, stretches from the Muelle del Vigía pier in the Ciparsa area to the Parador de Mazagón hotel, offering visitors a privileged setting where nature and the sea merge in perfect harmony.
The beach is surrounded by a stunning natural landscape, with sand dunes, pine forests, junipers and sabinas, giving it a unique and unspoilt character. It has adequate access for family tourism, making it an ideal choice for those seeking tranquillity and contact with nature. Depending on the area, you can find services such as showers, toilets, parasol and sun lounger hire, and food and drink establishments.
One of the main attractions of Mazagón Beach is its spectacular sunsets, which paint the sky with warm tones and offer unforgettable views. In addition, the environment is ideal for activities such as hiking, bird watching and water sports.
Mazagón is a district located on the Huelva coast, administered by the Palos de la Frontera – Moguer association of municipalities. This collaboration between the two municipalities has enabled the sustainable development of the area, preserving its natural wealth and promoting responsible tourism.
Every last weekend in August, Palos de la Frontera dresses up to celebrate its pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin of Miracles, patron saint of the municipality and the Monastery of La Rábida. This festival, full of fervour and tradition, is one of the most important events on the Palos calendar.
The image of the Virgin of Miracles is a 14th-century Gothic alabaster sculpture, venerated for its connection to the discovery of America. It is said that Christopher Columbus and his crew prayed to her before setting sail on their first voyage. In 1993, she was crowned by Pope John Paul II, who proclaimed her ‘Mother of Spain and America’.
At the beginning of August, the Virgin is transferred from the Monastery of La Rábida to the Church of San Jorge Mártir in Palos de la Frontera. During this month, various events are held in her honour, such as the novena and the offering of flowers. At the end of August, the image returns to the monastery, marking the start of the pilgrimage. The faithful, dressed in flamenco costumes, accompany her on foot, on horseback or in carriages, in a journey full of joy and devotion.
Once in La Rábida, the pilgrims settle into the traditional ‘ranchos’, where they enjoy a festive atmosphere with music, dancing, food and drink. The festivities are complemented by religious events, such as the torchlight rosary on Saturday night and the solemn mass and procession on Sunday. On Monday, after the farewell mass, the image returns to the parish church of San Jorge Mártir, thus concluding the festivities.
Every year in April, Palos de la Frontera dresses up to pay tribute to its patron saint, Saint George the Martyr, with festivities full of tradition, devotion and joy. These celebrations combine religious events with recreational and cultural activities for all ages.
The festivities usually begin with the Parade of Giants and Bigheads, which winds its way through the streets of the town, followed by the switching on of the festive lights and a public tasting of habas enzapatás (broad beans). Over the weekend, there are concerts, children’s shows, bullfights and the traditional Strawberry Festival, where you can taste the town’s famous strawberries.
The highlight of the festivities is the procession of Saint George the Martyr, which takes place on Sunday afternoon. The image of the saint, which is located in the Church of Saint George the Martyr, is accompanied on a tour through the streets of the town.
Every year, from 13 to 16 August, Palos de la Frontera celebrates its festival in honour of its patron saint, the Virgin of Miracles.
The festivities begin with the traditional Paella Day in the Youth Marquee, where paella is offered at affordable prices to encourage conviviality between locals and visitors. Throughout these days, free concerts are organised with renowned artists, parades of giants and big-heads, and other activities for all ages.
On 15 August, the main day of the festivities, the Main Function is held at 12 noon in the Church of San Jorge Mártir. In the evening, at 9 pm, the procession of the Virgin of Miracles takes place through the streets of the town.
Every March, on the weekend closest to the 15th, Palos de la Frontera is transformed into an authentic 15th-century setting to celebrate the Medieval Discovery Fair, commemorating the return of Martín Alonso Pinzón, aboard the caravel La Pinta, to the port of Palermo on 15 March 1493, after Christopher Columbus’ historic expedition.
During the fair, the streets of the old town are decked out with medieval decorations and the residents dress up in period costumes, recreating the atmosphere of a 15th-century village. The event begins with a grand medieval parade, in which more than 400 participants walk along Avenida de América to re-enact the arrival of the sailors of the discovery at the port of Palos.
The Medieval Market is located around the Church of San Jorge, where all kinds of handmade products are sold. In addition, during the fair there are parades, theatrical performances, demonstrations of traditional crafts, fire shows, falconry displays, fencing, medieval combat and archery. There are also activities for children.
The New World Route, promoted by the Huelva County Development Association, offers a tourist experience that combines history, culture and nature along the coast and inland areas of the region. This itinerary allows visitors to explore the origins of the Discovery of America in Palos de la Frontera and culminate with a sunset in Mazagón, creating a unique connection between the past and the present.
The tour begins at Palos Castle, a medieval fortress that witnessed the preparations for Columbus’ expedition. From there, visitors can visit the Muelle de las Carabelas, where replicas of the ships that made the historic voyage in 1492 are located. The route continues to the La Rábida Monumental Complex, which includes the Monastery of Santa María de La Rábida, where Columbus was welcomed, and the Celestino Mutis Botanical Park, a natural space that pays tribute to the Spanish botanist.
As you head towards the coast, you will reach Mazagón, a quiet coastal enclave offering more than 9 kilometres of fine white sandy beaches. Here, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the natural environment, with landscapes that evoke the connection between the sea and history. The experience culminates with a sunset over the Atlantic, providing a memorable end to the tour.
The New World Route is an invitation to discover the places that marked the beginning of globalisation, combining historical heritage, natural beauty and moments of reflection in a single itinerary.
