Niebla Spain is one of those incredible hidden gems in Andalucia that truly deserves more attention. The whitewashed village is mostly known for its castle, but there’s more to see within the old city walls.
The city was built atop a Roman colony and was one of the most important walled settlements in the ancient Al-Ándalus.
Running through, you also find Rio Tinto, the Red River. Though it’s not so red in Huelva as it is further up, the riverbed is still quite colored in a light orange color.
I’ve been to Niebla a few times and really enjoy the local vibe, and not to mention that the castle is dog-friendly! Besides, the cute, tiled houses remind me how close it is to the Portuguese Algarve.
Read on to find out everything you need to know to plan a trip to Niebla in Huelva, Spain.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I’m Linn Haglund, the face behind Amused by Andalucia! I’ve been based in Andalucia, Spain for the last 10+ years, mainly in Seville and Costa del Sol while exploring the region extensively. Since 2022, I’ve slow-traveled in my van with my fiancee and dog, spending significant time in each place to truly get to know all the hidden corners of this exciting and diverse region. I’m here to help you uncover Andalucia too!
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Table of Contents
Things to do in Niebla, Huelva in one day
First of all, let’s have a look at what to do in Niebla, Huelva. Then, I’ll go through more useful info to plan your trip further down.
I start my Niebla itinerary in the most practical way for arriving by car, as I usually park right outside the castle.
But if you come by trail, you could rather start with Puerta del Buey, do the rest of the things listed below it, and then start at the top. This will become a perfect loop back to the train station.
Visit Nebla Castle
Niebla Castle, also known as Alcázar de los Guzmanes, is the main attraction in Niebla. It’s super cheap to enter at only 4,50€ per person and it’s dog friendly!
I’ve taken both my last dog Ayla and my current pup, Atlas and they both loved exploring.
You can walk on the castle walls, though the views aren’t spectacular (in my humble opinion, anyway.) But there are some interesting exhibitions explaining the history of the Guzmans and the castle and you can walk down to the dungeons.
There are also toilets inside. Altogether, I think this is one of the coolest castles in Andalucia and best of all, there are hardly any people there! Or maybe I’ve just been lucky when I’ve been?
Walk along the old city walls
The city walls of Niebla were built during the Moorish Almohad dynasty in the year 711. They protected one of the most important cities in Al-Andalús for a long time.
But also after the reconquest, they were reinforced and important in protecting the city. There are 5 fortified gates, whereof you’ll walk through some on this itinerary of Huelva, and 40 defensive towers!
Walk through Puerta del Socorro
Puerta del Socorro is, in my opinion, the most beautiful gate to the old town. It’s located right next to the castle and has taken its name from a fresco inside of the Virgen del Socorro (Our Lady of Succour.)
According to history, Alfonso X the Wise entered Puerta del Socorro when he seized Niebla Castle in the mid-13th century.
Explore the ruins of Iglesia de San Martin
The ruins of Iglesia de San Martin are probably my favorite site in Niebla. They’re simple but what’s left is still so impressive.
The church was built after the reconquest on the site of a former important mosque and has since then been both a Jewish Synagogue and a Christian church.
I especially love the Arab door in front of the church remains.
Stroll through Plaza Santa Maria
Plaza de Santa Maria is the main square in Niebla and is well-maintained with fountains and benches where you can sit down and people watch (if there are any people around at all, I’ve usually found Niebla to be quite an empty town.)
On the square, you also find the Casa de La Cultura, a former 14th-century hospital where pilgrims used to stay when they came to Niebla.
Step inside Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Granada
Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Granada is the main church in Niebla and holds a lot of history. It was built on top of a mosque after the reconquest and still holds a lot of Moorish features including the 11th-century minaret tower.
But my maybe the most surprising about this church, is that it even holds Roman columns!
I’ve found it closed every time I’ve been there except on my last visit. It’s very humble inside, and I’d say the small patio outside the entrance with Moorish features, fountains, and flowers, is a lot more beautiful than the interior of the church.
Walk through Puerta del Agua
Continue past Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Granada, and you’ll get to Puerta del Agua which takes you down to the river.
If you walk to the left after getting down from the gate, you’ll see the Torre de Oro. Walking to the right, you’ll pass the train station and get to Puerta del Buey.
Walk through Puerta del Buey
TIP! If you travel to Niebla by train, I suggest you start your itinerary here and continue with the castle after finishing the last stop on the itinerary so that you’ll end it with Puerta de Agua and return to the train station directly.
Puerta del Buey is located right above the train station and is also one of the prettiest gates in Niebla in my opinion. Maybe because of its surroundings, as it opens up to a cute little garden.
From there, walk through the streets of the old town to get past the castle again to continue up the road to the Roman Bridge.
Walk to the Roman Bridge and Rio Tinto
Just a few minutes walk from the town center, you get to a Roman bridge dating back to the Trajan period, around 100 years AD.
Unfortunately, the Spanish Civil War took its toll on the historical monument, and it was partially destroyed. The bridge was rebuilt in 1936 and now it’s one of the top attractions in Niebla.
It crosses the Rio Tinto which colors the river floor orange 55 kilometers further down from its origin in Minas de Riotinto where it’s completely red.
I honestly think going for a walk around the Roman Bridge down by the river is one of the best things to do in Niebla Spain.
How to get to Niebla Spain
Getting to Niebla is easy by train from Seville and Huelva. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Seville and 40 minutes from Huelva. There are also buses.
You can check bus and train times and prices here.
Driving to Niebla is also easy and takes 50 minutes from Seville and 25 minutes from Huelva. I’ve never had problems parking in Niebla. It’s free and I’ve always found plenty of spots right in front of the castle, which is on the main road through the village coming from the Roman Bridge.
If you need a rental car, make sure you book early to secure the best deals!
Best time to visit Niebla
Being an inland town, I recommend visiting outside the summer season to avoid the suffocating heat this part of Spain experiences in summer.
Mid-September to mid-June is perfect to visit Niebla. In the winter, it usually rains more, especially November-December, however, I’ve usually had plenty of rain in Niebla any time of year. I don’t think I’ve been very lucky!
It actually took me several visits before I could get decent pictures of the place without raindrops on the camera lens and Niebla translated into Fog.
But some research made me realize that my experience is not normal, I’ve checked the weather forecast there outside of my visits and it generally looks promising, so don’t worry too much.
Reflections on this Niebla itinerary
Summing up, Niebla is such a historic town with so much to explore. Even though it’s small, there are so many things to do in Niebla on a day trip that you won’t get bored.
There are also a few nice restaurants and bars around the castle where you can grab lunch during your visit.
Happy travels!