What to do on your school leaving trip to Doñana

Many studies highlight the benefits of teaching and learning outside the classroom, in an outdoor setting and experiencing ‘the reality’ of what is being taught. Non-formal education, such as a school trip, can help pupils absorb and understand what they learn more effectively. That is why we want to share 10 things to do on your school leaving trip to Doñana so that the group has fun while never stopping learning.

Doñana and its surroundings offer an experience for school pupils of all ages. In its enclaves we can learn about History, Geography, Natural Sciences, Biology and much more. This is a very varied region with countless points of interest, from the villages of the Sierra de Aracena to the beaches of the Doñana National Park, not forgetting the outstanding quality of its gastronomic produce, its Atlantic coastline full of sweeping, unspoilt beaches and its lively atmosphere throughout the year.

A visit to El Rocío and its famous Hermitage

When visiting Doñana you cannot miss the village of El Rocío. The first thing that catches the eye are its unpaved streets, which give it a Western, timeless feel in spite of the heavy tourist footfall. The visit to the Hermitage is also essential. Its image is probably the most recognisable symbol of Huelva, and this hermitage, set in the whitewashed village of El Rocío, is where the Romería pilgrimage is held every year. This festival centred on the Virgin is celebrated on the weekend of Whit Sunday and draws more than a million people annually.

A sunset at the Mirador de las Marismas

While visiting El Rocío, do not miss the long promenade that runs through the entire village and skirts the marshes. Along it you can spot the area’s famous flamingos and other migratory birds, whatever the season. And of course, do not forget to stay for the stunning sunset — truly unforgettable — reflected in the marshes and framed by the peaceful silence of the area. If your visit to the area falls on a spring Sunday, you may well see the villagers taking their beautiful horses for a ride through the village. A perfect photo opportunity for your visit to the region!

Discovering Doñana’s mobile dunes in a 4×4

The mobile dunes of the Doñana National and Natural Park are the undisputed stars of this school leaving trip. Forming spectacular landscapes unique in Europe, these dunes hold a million secrets. If we choose to book the 4×4 tour, the guides will take us step by step through everything about their formation, surroundings and wildlife. Although dunes are a constant feature along the Huelva and Cádiz coastline, the most impressive stretch lies between the town of Matalascañas and the mouth of the Guadalquivir river.

Visit to the Palacio de Acebrón

This palace serves as the welcome visit to the Doñana park. Located in the Protected Zone of the Arroyo de La Rocina, and functioning as a Visitor Centre, it holds a wealth of information about the famous park and its surroundings. It is a beautiful, historic country house that was built in the early twentieth century by Luis Espinosa Fondevilla and was originally used at weekends by Alfonso XIII for hunting in the Coto de Doñana.

Lunch in the fishing village of El Rompido

El Rompido is a small fishing village, full of shops and restaurants where you can sample the typical tapas of the region: Iberian ham, tollos con tomate, cuttlefish, marinated dogfish, salt cod, prawns with garlic, broad beans, sea anemones, prawn tortillas and more. Situated on the banks of the Río Piedras and separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a sandy spit known as «la Flecha del Rompido», it boasts unspoilt beaches (one of which is accessible only by boat), as well as excellent restaurants where you can try regional specialities just metres from the sea — such as La Casa el Palo, right on the seafront promenade.

Guide to organising your school leaving trip to Doñana

If you are thinking of organising your school leaving trip to Doñana, you have come to the right place, because this guide brings you all the information you need before and during the trip: accommodation, gastronomy, transport, possible itineraries, excursions…

Plan your school trip to Doñana with Natuaventura — we offer you as many possibilities as you can imagine, and a team of activity leaders with more than 15 years of experience in school leaving trips. Do not miss a single detail!

For more information about the possibilities for your school leaving trip to Doñana, or any other destination, you can contact us at info@natuaventura.com or by calling 91 714 06 36.