Punta Umbría is a town located in Huelva, province ofthe autonomous community of Andalusia, in Spain. Punta Umbria is a fishing village situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the riaof Huelva, and offers a wide range of beautifulgolden sand beaches.
History
Punta Umbría dates to the last third of the 19th century, between the arrival of the staff members of the Río Tinto Company and the rise of the fishing industry.
During the Second World War, the body of a British Major taking false top secret documents was washed up, as part of by the Operation Mincemeat, carried out by the British secret service.
What to see
Torre Umbría
Torre Umbría was used as an important defensive tower against the Barbary pirates that invaded the Spanish coast during the 16th and 17th centuries. Nowadays, it´s the oldest construction of the municipality. The tower stands 14.5m high with a wall approximately 4.5m thick. The Torre Umbría was of great importance in monitoring entry of ships in the Ría de Huelva. Located on Calle Jazmín.
Iglesia del Carmen
This church, located in CalleAncha, was constructed in 1969 by the fishing fleet of Punta Umbría. It was designed by Miguel Fisac, one of the most important Spanish architects.
Casa de los Ingleses
This construction was designed by González García de Velasco and González Vílchez, inspired by the Río Tinto Mining Company´s buildings during the 19th century. Inside the house, you can appreciate the British presence. Located in Avenida Ciudad de Huelva.
Camping Playa La Bota
At the outskirts of Punta Umbría, on the Huelva road, you can find the Camping Playa La Bota, which claims to be Andalusia’s first ecological camping. TheParaje Natural Marismas del Odiel and Laguna de El Portil, offer a wide range of amazing walks to enjoy nature.
Punta Umbría Port
The sunset over the harbourin Punta Umbría Port is worth seeing. Paralell to the waterfront, you find CalleAncha, the most important shopping street of the town, where the Iglesiadel Carmen is situated, as we mentioned before. Here you enjoy the plenty of bars and restaurants where you can have the best seafood and fish. During the summer, there are many late-night bars and clubs open where to dance all night.
Natural Areas
Punta Umbríais surrounded bythree protected areas. The most famous is the Paraje Natural Marismas del Odiel, declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. It is located in the mouth of the River Odiel. If you want to explore the marismas, there are several paths starting from the Centro de VistantesCalatilla. The second most important area is the 2 km stretch of dunes Paraje Natural los Enebrales, which runs along the beach from Punta Umbría to La Bota Beach.Last but not least, you can find the Paraje Natural La Laguna de El Portil, freshwater lagoon with three bird watching observation hides.
Beaches
In the south of Punta Umbría you can enjoysomeamazing beaches. The Playa La Mata Negra is the closest to the town, where you can practice windsurfing, sailing and other activities.
Gastronomy
Andalusia is popular for its fresh top quality fish and seafood offered. You can enjoy from the popular grilled sardines in beach bars to top restaurants with great chefs. Special mention to rayaenpimentón, guisosmarineros de rape, corvina, pezespada, adobo,chocosfritosand of course, the seafood.
W would also want to highlight the artisan ice cream industry in Punta Umbría, which has played a part in the municipality forover half a century.
