Calañas in the province of Huelva is full of stories. Stories you walk through. Routes for hikers, history fans, and anyone who just wants some peace in nature. No queues. No tickets. Just go. Lace up your boots. Grab your backpack. Calañas is ready.

Molino de Viento

The windmill on the hill is a modern reconstruction. It’s inspired by a traditional mill that once stood in this spot. In the past, windmills were common around Calañas. Calle Murillo was even called Puerto de Aspa back then, named after a nearby mill. A map from 1811 also shows the Molino del Escribano on the slope of El Peñasquillo. Today, the new mill stands tall over the town and is visible from almost everywhere.

Mercado de Abastos

You can’t miss this market hall. It’s perched on a ridge and has a striking modernist look. In 1926, Calañas commissioned architect José María Pérez Carasa to design a new food market. It opened on 15 August 1929. The original facade is still mostly intact, though the fencing and front have changed. In the 1960s, the wooden stalls were replaced by tiled stone counters. The market is now closed, but the building still draws attention.

Ermita Nuestra Señora de la Coronada

This chapel is linked to a legendary appearance of the Virgin Mary in 1520. Locals believe her image was hidden here in 720 during the Moorish invasion. It wasn’t found until 800 years later by a shepherd. The altar still shows the exact place where she’s said to have reappeared.

Puente de San Rafael

Just before the entrance to Sotiel Coronada, you’ll find this eighteenth-century bridge. It was built by Ambrosio Figueroa and paid for by the town. It used to be the main crossing point in the area. Although a modern bridge now handles most of the traffic, the original one still stands proudly.

Iglesia Parroquial Santa María de Gracia

The parish church has roots going back to at least 1500. It blends Gothic and Mudéjar styles, but traces of older buildings have also been found. There’s even mention of a former Visigoth structure or mosque. In the late 1600s, the church was rebuilt with a cross-shaped floor plan and a bell tower. Inside are nine altars and three separate entrances.

La Torerera

Once a mining village, now a ghost town. But the layout is still clear. You can see the manager’s house, the casino, chapel, school and workers’ homes. The site once had 97 houses in two sections: old town uphill, newer homes below. Since 1986, the area has been public property. A future visitor centre near the reservoir is in the works.

Ruta de los Molinos del Río Odiel

This trail starts at the bridge near Villar and ends at the Ermita de la Coronada. Along the way: ancient watermills, 19th-century stone bridges and mining remains. The path follows the Odiel River, known for its deep bends and colourful rock formations. Highlight: the anticlinal de Migollas, a unique geological fold. Rare plants like Erica andevalensis also grow here.

Ruta urbana por Calañas

Begin at Plaza de España and take a walk through history. Calañas has deep roots, from Tartessians to Romans, thanks to local gold, silver, and copper. This route takes you past churches, historic buildings and scenic viewpoints. A printable guide is available for easy navigation.

Ruta Turística: "La Torerera"

This route shows the rise and fall of the mining town of La Torerera. You’ll pass the casino, chapel, houses and the company store. Fun fact: the original name was “La Torera”, but after a local festival with a mock bullfight, someone added an extra “-era” by mistake. And it stuck.

Ruta Turística por Sotiel Coronada

This trail winds through Sotiel Coronada, a mining settlement with a story that starts in the Bronze Age. Expect Roman ruins, historic bridges and small chapels. Nature is just as present here, with the Odiel River running through wild, untouched terrain.

Ruta del agua por Calañas y Sotiel Coronada

Water is a running theme in this trail. You’ll pass fountains, springs, reservoirs and washhouses – each with its own history.

• Fuente León: A 17th-century fountain expanded in 1886, complete with steps and benches.

• Fuente García: A spring with a natural basin, still in use.

• Charca El Lavadero: Former cattle market with an old washing site.

• Pilar by the Fragua: A stone trough next to the village blacksmith.

• Fuente del Escamocho: A quiet hillside spring with a panoramic view.

• Dique El Calabazar: Reservoir built in 1905 for mining, now popular with anglers and hunters.

• Río Odiel: The red-toned river meanders through wild valleys and features in many local routes.

In Calañas, every trail leads to a story.

(c) photo and source: www.calanas.org