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Rio Tinto River, Spain

From series “Top 15 Most Fantastic Creations of Nature”
Lenght: 100 km.

Pictures of fantastic landscapes can be made in Spain. One of the most amazing natural attractions of the country is the Rio Tinto river. Unlike many other unique natural features that had been created by very nature, the river owes its current look to active human activity. For many years, minerals were mined on the banks of the river. So, water frequently gets a huge amount of bacteria and heavy metals that activate the processes of oxidation.

Rio Tinto River, Spain As a result of complex chemical processes that occur in the river, the water turns red. Its rich color attracts to these places a tremendous amount of tourists. Travelers from all over the world come here to take a picture of the Blood River. Scientists are attracted to these lands with a surprising similarity to Martian landscapes. The river is located in the southwestern part of the country. Its length is about 100 km. The first time, minerals in the upper side of the river has been extracted more than 3 000 years ago. Large deposits of copper and iron had been found there.

Of course, because of the high acidity of water, it has being prohibited to swim there for many years. All life forms are completely extinct in the water. For example, there is no fish in the river. One of the main inhabitants of red water is bacteria that can adapt to the most incredible environments. A really unexpected discovery happened at the river a few years ago. Scientists found a rare mineral jarosite that is the closest relative of the minerals that have been discovered on Mars. Next - Waiotapu Valley


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Rio Tinto River - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'Cajero automatico Caja Rural del Sur' located in 4.24 km ( check the route on the map).
Car rental office: 'Autos Mercedes S.A. Alquiler de Vehículos' is located in 4.68 km ( on the map).
Fuel station: 'Estación De Servicio Repsol' in 4.15 km
Supermarket: 'Mercadona Lugar Marisma Del Polvorín' in 1.62 km
Parking: 'Palos de la Frontera' in 1.61 km
Apotheek: 'Jaime Segui Moliz' in 1.62 km
Police station: 'Policía Local de Punta Umbría' in 4.41 km
Cafe/restaurant: 'Bar Restaurante Plus Ultra' in 0.75 km
Railway station: 'Huelva' in 4.7 km

Nearest airports:
 »  Jerez Airport XRY - in 93 km
 »  Faro Airport FAO - in 94 km
 »  San Fernando Airport CTC - in 105 km
 »  Moron Airport OZP - in 116 km
 »  Portimao Airport PRM - in 146 km
 Cities nearby

Best hotels near Rio Tinto River

Hotel Santa María

Located in 1 km from Rio Tinto River
Route on the map:
Rooms: 18
Rooms are decorated simply, and feature air conditioning, heating, and a TV. Each one has a private bathroom with free toiletries. The snack bar has … More: photo, rates and booking
Hotel La Pinta

Located in 3 km from Rio Tinto River
Route on the map:
Rooms: 30
Featuring tiled floors and rustic wooden furniture, rooms come with a work desk. They are also heated and have a private bathroom with a hairdryer … More: photo, rates and booking
Hotel Emilio

Located in 4 km from Rio Tinto River
Route on the map:
Rooms: 40
Cosy rooms have central heating, a fridge, safe and a private bathroom with hairdryer. Laundry facilities are available and each floor of the hotel … More: photo, rates and booking
Albergue Inturjoven Huelva

Located in 5 km from Rio Tinto River
Route on the map:
Rooms: 55
Rooms at the Inturjoven Huelva Youth Hostel are bright and functional. They are set around an attractive interior courtyard, built in a typical … More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

Donana National Park
48 km - Donana National Park
Doñana National Park is located in Andalusia. It is considered one of the most beautiful and interesting in the world today. It was organized in 1963. The territory of the reserve covers an area of about 75,800 hectares at present. The nature reserve is notable for …
Parque Nacional de Donana
56 km - Parque Nacional de Donana
In Spain there are worthy natural reserves too. Gorgeous Coto de Donana is among them. It is located in the southern part of the country and is known to ornithologists as a Paradise for Birds. It is the diversity of the feathered inhabitants that has made the reserve …
Catedral de Sevilla
85 km - Catedral de Sevilla
Seville Cathedral is the largest Gothic Cathedral in Europe. It is difficult to find its equal in beauty. Its construction began in 1401. It was fully completed in 1519. A huge building was built on the site of the destroyed old mosque. The cathedral building impresses …
Floral House in Cordoba
121 km - Floral House in Cordoba
From the series 'Unique Living Houses'

Those in love with live flowers should visit Cordoba. Every year, this Spanish city hosts the amazing festival called Patios de Cordoba. During the festival, city residents decorate their homes and the surrounding area with pots of fresh flowers. Only at this time, …
Benagil Beach
132 km - Benagil Beach
Those who like to relax at the picturesque beaches should definitely go to Portugal. Here, they’ll find one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Benagil, that can be called a natural wonder. The beach is very close to Algarve area, it’s situated in the …
Ubrique
145 km - Ubrique
Ubrique is a town located in the province of Cádiz, Spain. This town attracts people with its picturesque snow-white houses. The town is situated in a breathtaking hill area, nevertheless it’s population goes up to 17 000 people. Over the ages, locals have been …

Top destination around Rio Tinto River - Isla Canela

Perhaps, Obelisco Campo de Canela is the main landmark of the small tourist town in the south of Spain. Rising proudly above Estero de Canela, the obelisk is a beautiful landmark that never ceases to attract curious tourists. The vast majority of travelers also visit Torre de Isla Canela, an interesting historic landmark. In the past, the tower was very important for the region. It was built as a protective facility against pirate invasions (pirates were a big threat to Spain and Portugal in those days). King of Spain and Portugal Philip II order to build Torre de Isla Canela. In the past, it was located close to the coastline, but the landscape has changed greatly since that time. The coastal waters have become shallow in the last 200 years, and so the tower is at a distance from the coast nowadays.

Connoisseurs of sacral landmarks will definitely enjoy a visit to Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de las Angustias. The church has a gorgeous design that makes it a true architectural landmark. Inner premises are no less amazing and strike visitors with their beauty and grandeur. Many tourists mention that the church is incredibly spacious and has a calm and trouble-free atmosphere. It is particularly interesting to visit the church when the town celebrates the day of the patron saint. This holiday falls to September 8.
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