Botanical Gardens and Secret Beaches

We borrowed Adam’s car and visited the José Celestino Mutis Botanical Park in Huelva.  The Park contains the most representative plant species of the five continents, such as:  Cuban Palm Trees, Indian Laurels, Argentine Coral Trees, Spanish Olive Trees, Australian Pines, African Atlas Cedar, all sorts of Cacti, Yuccas, Conifers, fruit trees and medicinal plants.
It covers an area of 12 hectares and is criss-crossed by paths, canals and little bridges.

From here we drove passed the statue of the Franciscan Friar, he represents a friar from the monastery that hosted Christopher Columbus whilst he was planning his first voyage.  Built in 1929 and standing 37m high, it looks out to the west and is dedicated to the sailors who helped Columbus in his discovery of America.

We then went on to the replicas of Christopher Columbus ships: The Santa Maria, The Nina and The Pinta.  Unfortunately, they were closed while some renovation work is carried out, but hopefully they will be back open before we move on at the end of February so we can visit.

Replicas of Christopher Columbus' Ships

From here we drove along the coast to a couple of beautiful beaches, with high sea facing cliffs, in the middle of the Doñana National Park.  Between Mazagón and Matalascañas lies a 14 mile stretch of unspoilt beaches, with massive dunes, some are over 100m high!
Playa de El Parador and Cuesta Maneli.

Playa de El Parador

Cuesta Maneli - A mile long wooden walkway leads you over the dunes to this beach from the nearest car park, but is well worth the walk to this natural unspoilt beach!

Cuesta Maneli

 Huelva's coastline has  been named the Secret Coast.  It is one of the quieter parts of the Spanish coast and remains relatively undiscovered – fingers crossed it remains unspoilt by tourists!


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