Our house is located in La Redondela, on the western coast of Huelva, very close to the municipalities of Isla Cristina, Lepe, Islantilla or La Antilla, which means that in the summer it receives many visitors who come mainly looking for sun, beach, good gastronomy and tranquility.
La Redondela is currently an autonomous local entity that belongs to the main municipality of Isla Cristina, but this circumstance was not always like this, in fact La Redondela has a lot of history since it was founded long before Isla Cristina.
In the following captaincy map of Cádiz from the year 1748 you can see what the western coast of Huelva used to look like and how the famous “Barra de la Tuta” existed that connected the Atlantic Ocean directly with the old port of La Redondela.
Furthermore, it is observed that at that time there was no Isla Cristina, but rather it was La Higuerita, a small group of fishermen founded by some Catalans of the time on a small island.
What happened next is history, in 1755 the Lisbon earthquake occurred that caused a tsunami in the area and completely modified the entire western coast, among other things the Bar de la Tuta disappeared.
Since Phoenician times there were settlements in the area, later passing through Romans and different kingdoms such as the Taifas and the Almoravids. In the 13th century, Alfonso X the Wise conquered the territory, which later became part of the County of Ayamonte. Although it had a time of economic decline, in the 20th century it began to recover thanks to the cultivation mainly of strawberries.
We have made a list with the 5 best things to do in La Redondela, we also recommend places to have a drink, eat and key dates to make your stay in our house much more productive and fun:
1. Visit the 15th century Mudejar Room
The town hall of La Redondela preserves a Mudejar room from the time when it became part of the County of Ayamonte in 1475.
The room is mainly used as an exhibition hall for works of painting, photography, traveling exhibitions, etc., so when you go, if you are lucky, in addition to seeing the room you will be able to see an exhibition.
The room is located in the lower part of the Town Hall, which is located in the council square.
2. Visit the Palomar de la Huerta Noble
The Huerta Noble de La Redondela houses a unique architectural jewel: a gigantic columbarium from the 18th century, with capacity for more than 36,000 pigeons. This impressive dovecote is the largest in Europe of its style and is made with ceramic vessels built into the walls.
Part of an old Andalusian rural hacienda, the complex combines agriculture and livestock, with a main house and a small chapel. Although some of the facilities are deteriorated, this place remains a treasure of the Huelva baroque, protected as historical heritage.
There are several hiking routes that can be taken that go from La Redondela to the pigeon house along the greenway for a distance of approximately 5 and a half kilometers.
3. Day at La Redondela Beach
Another plan to do in La Redondela is to spend the day on the beach of its own name. La Redondela Beach is 1km from the town, you can walk, by car or by bus.
Before reaching the sand there is a pine preserve and then a large esplanade that serves as parking. Right on the beach access walkway is the Chiringuito – Restaurante Pedro, where you can enjoy local cuisine, especially fish and seafood, next to the beach.
Playa de la Redondela is known because it is quieter than the surrounding beaches, such as Isla Cristina, Urbasur, Islantilla or La Antilla.
There are kilometers and kilometers to walk and reach other beaches walking along the shore.
4. Hiking route along the greenway to Ayamonte
The Vía Verde del Litoral is a route that takes advantage of the old Huelva railway line. The route that passes through La Redondela offers a journey between marshes, crops and historical sites.
Highlights include stops such as the Apeadero de La Redondela, now a sports center, the Laguna del Prado with its abundant fauna and the impressive Palomar de la Huerta Noble, the largest in Europe.
Along the way you can see ruins and natural landscapes, ending in Ayamonte, with views of marshes and monuments such as the El Pintado Tidal Mill.
5. Visit to the craft beer factory and beer garden
In the Rubens garden, formerly called the beer garden, it is a space where you can make many plans.
You can go to eat at their restaurant with a local recipe book, but also with innovative dishes. They also have their German food branch and they have many vegan options.
As its name indicates, it has a spectacular garden that serves as a terrace, but also as a play area for the little ones, even in the lower part it has a mini grass soccer field.
If your plan is not to go to eat… What you can do is go have a few beers, a few drinks, a coffee or a cocktail in the sun on their terrace.
Rubens, in addition to this leisure space, is a craft beer factory, so you can taste their wide range of beers, they have something for all tastes, pilsner, toast, etc.
Another of the most requested plans is to see one of the best sunsets in the area from its upper area, where it has several sofa swings to watch it.
It also does activities throughout the year such as Oktoberfest, celebrations, festivals, concerts and even educational activities such as stargazing with a telescope guided by an astronomer.
Important dates where parties are celebrated in La Redondela
If you visit La Redondela on the following dates, you cannot miss the following local festivals, Holy Week and pilgrimage.
Saint Sebastian’s Day
On a Sunday in January, a religious procession is held in honor of San Sebastián, which was formerly the patron saint festivities of this town and which is currently the patron saint of La Redondela.
After the procession, a popular meal is usually held, this year it featured chickpeas and other appetizers and was enlivened by a small festival until night falls.
Garden Celebration during local Holy Week
One of the big days that attract many visitors (the population triples that day) to La Redondela is the last day of the local Holy Week, when the traditional Garden Festival is celebrated on Easter Sunday.
This traditional festival has its origins in the 16th century and is still celebrated, preserving much of its essence.
The highlight of the day is the encounter, when the “lost boy” or the “boy with the ball” meets the Virgin of Hope.
It is worth seeing, because the young people of the town prepare the previous days in the “Lejío” a garden, palm trees and more decorations, adorning the route of the two steps that process.
Pilgrimage in Honor of the Virgin of Hope
The La Esperanza pilgrimage, one of the most beautiful in Huelva, is celebrated on the last weekend of June in La Redondela. The Virgin of La Esperanza, patron saint of the town, is carried in an oxcart from the local church to the hermitage in a pine forest by the sea.
On Saturday, the Virgin is taken to the beach, where she is briefly submerged in the Atlantic in tribute to the deceased sailors. Then, the pilgrimage itself begins, a party with sevillanas, horses and fun that lasts until dawn. On Sunday, a mass is celebrated before their return to the town.
Patron Saint Festivities of Hope
During the first week of August, La Redondela celebrates its festivities in honor of its patron saint, Our Lady of Hope. Along with the religious events and the procession of the Virgin, the program includes activities for all ages, such as contests, gymkhanas, parades, concerts and popular festivals.
The most anticipated events are the traditional ribbon race on Santa María Street and the exciting foam party in the Plaza del Concejo, which bring together the entire community in a festive and joyful atmosphere.
More recommended places in La Redondela
- Restaurant to eat (especially grilled meat): Casa Serrano
- Coffee, drinks and good pizzas: Lemon lime.
- Cafe to watch football with friends: N7
- Restaurant local recipes: Los Naranjos Restaurant