El Rocio

El Rocio is a village in Huelva Province in Andalucia.

This village has three unusual characteristics: its annual pilgrimage or rosario that takes place at Pentecost; its stunning position at the very edge of a large expanse of water (which is puny in the hottest part of summer) where there are many species of waterfowl together with marsh mares and cattle wading through the shallow water; and its streets covered in sand (replenished nightly). El Rocío has the aspect of a wild-west town, where the hoof-prints of horses seem more in keeping than the tyre marks.

The village is on the edge of Doñana National Park and makes an excellent base for accommodation.

Get in
A regular Damas bus runs to Sevilla from Matalascanas on the coast. Change at Almonte for Huelva.

Do
Unless you are seriously interested in the rosario, avoid El Rocio around Pentecost. In the improbable event of finding anywhere to stay, the cost rises to astronomical figures.

Twice-daily guided tours of Doñana National Park depart from a ranger station near the town centre. A small wetland reserve with a hiking trail and hides is located 10 minutes' walk south along the lake edge.

Eat
El Toruño restaurant is related to the hotel below but in a separate building.

Sleep
El Toruño - a 4* hotel right by the lake with fabulous views at the back.

Go next
Four hour tours from the El Acebuche park centre off the road to Matalascañas through the Doñana National Park in 4x4 minibuses.