Huelva

When you've had enough of Seville's urban bustle, nature awaits in Huelva. From the Parque Nacional de Doñana to the oak forests of the Sierra de Aracena, nothing in this area is much more than an hour's drive from Seville. If you prefer history, hop on the miners' train at Riotinto or visit Aracena's spectacular caves. Columbus's voyage to the New World was sparked near here, at the monastery of La Rábida and in Palos de la Frontera. The visitor center at La Rocina has Doñana information. The province is also something of a foodie destination, named Spain's Gastronomic Capital for 2017.

Once a thriving Roman port, the city of Huelva, an hour east of Faro, Portugal, was largely destroyed by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. As a result, it claims the dubious honor of being the least distinguished city in Andalusia—it's the attractions nearby that most merit a visit to this part of Spain. If you do end up visiting the city, Taberna el Condado, Bar la Estrella, or Restaurante Macha are the places to go for shellfish tapas and rice.