The Environment | General Area description & introduction
Matalascañas is situated in the meridian part of Southwest Spain, in the county of Huelva, one of the eight Andalucian provinces. This privileged locality is bathed on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, with its fine sandy and transparent water. On the east, west and north is being surrounded by the Doñana National Park, which it makes the ideal place for those who want to rest and visit the Nature, in this amazing paradise.
This environment has an all-year-round mild climate, capable of satisfying the needs of any visitor that would want to enjoy its 3,200 hours of sun a year, or even choose it as a place of residency. The latest discovery for a total relax and enjoyment.
Strategic situated between the Costa del Sol (Marbella) and the Portuguese Algarve (Villamaura), this bit of paradise offers us a tidy and respectful pacification with the environment, to safeguard its nature qualities.
Big green spaces of infinite pines trees and a wide scale of blue colours tonalities are impregnated day after day in this privileged land where the Sun lives.
The development growth in the area of Huelva, it is characterised with respect to this unique environment, fleeing of the massive constructions that would be impossible to enjoy these fantastic paradise.
Come to visit this area which combines a sustained and protected climate with a high life quality for visitors and residents. Enjoy a privileged climate, our Mediterranean gastronomy, and a ride of possibilities for leisure as cultural excursions, park visits, golf, ridding, fishing, bikes, and many, many more...
This region is part of Andalucia, a bridge between two continents, Africa and Europe, and a meeting place between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
More than 18% of the region´s territory is protected by a vast network of Natural Sites, Parks and Reserves (more than 80), which puts Andalucia at the head of all of the autonomous communities of Spain in the defence of its environmental heritage.
The greater part of this area is taken up by Natural Parks, to which must be added the emblematic Doñana National Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The Natural Parks (22), range from mountainous, wooded terrain to coastal areas.
The variety of festivals and celebrations in Andalusia is as ample as its region geography. The Andalucian calendar reads like a veritable encyclopaedia of the arts and customs of its people.
The springtime festivals, harvest festivals, patron saint´ days, fairs, wine harvests and pilgrimages are characterized by the most elaborate displays of craftsmanship, cuisine, music and religious beliefs imaginable.
Some of the more famous products made by Andalusian artisans are ceramic tiles, pottery, metalwork, jewellery, leatherwork (which includes shoes and equestrian outfitting), weaving and embroidery, as well as other artistic textile products. They have also demonstrated their abilities in such fields as furniture, vegetable fibbers, book binding, stone and marble work, and musical instruments, among others.
Enjoy the local festivals, where everyone dances and sings to the sound of Spanish guitars. Flamenco is the most authentic expression of Andalusian folklore. The song festivals provide a full schedule of performances to suit all tastes.
As part of the Andalusian folklore, pilgrimages are pious, though festive, processions which are staged in natural settings and whose roots can be traced back to ancient fertility rites.
Regarding the Andalusian gastronomy, this region is a privileged place in this aspect. Its climate being the number one factor, long hours of sunshine and a close proximity to the sea give this province of Spain a determined and distinguished edge over all the rest. Olive oil, a traditional aid in all-Mediterranean cooking is the basis of our kitchen cuisine and is incorporated in most if not all recipes.
The local marinas in this area boast an extensive variety of seafood that gives international reputation and fame to this cooking. Also the traditional andalusians specialities are easily prepared on each restaurant as: the gazpacho soup, tortilla de patatas, ajo blanco, salmorejo, pescaito frito, mojama, pinchos, and many other tapas... Examples of this are the white prawn of Huelva, whose exquisiteness and authentic delicatessen flavour is valued through out the whole world. As well as the prawn and the shrimp, a great variety of freshly caught fish can be sampled during the year. Examples of these are the golden bream, sea bass and tuna fish. A special mention and also worthy of attention is the exquisite flavour of the Huelva clams (coquinas) and the typical deep fried cuttlefish (chocos Fritos) which also have their gastronomic fame in this area.
Besides the large selection of fish and shellfish Huelva also has a secret and hidden delight, the Iberian pigs, these can be found in the mountains of Aracena. The highly valued Parma ham (black leg) is the best and most delicious cut in the line of meat products made from the Iberian pork. Meat the ember such as Iberian sirloins, pray of palette, sausages and puddings are highland delicacies all of which are just waiting for you taste.
To accompany these local delicacies Andalusia also produces many different fine wines: fruity young wines as Vinos del Condado in Huelva, or the Sherry in Jerez, or the sweet Vinos de Málaga or dry Vinos de Montilla which are added to the more traditional beverages available across Spain.
In Andalusia, distracting oneself, learning, exercising, enjoying nature, resting or just passing the time agreeably in a peaceful environment are options that are within the reach of any visitor.