Huelva and Aracena

In this episode, Michael is in Huelva on the border with Portugal. Lesser known to the Brits, Huelva attracts holidaying Spaniards in their droves, coming to enjoy its quieter beaches and reputation for quality food.

Michael starts in the town of Isla Cristina, home to the busiest fishing port in Andalucía and famous for its sought-after white prawns. Here he gets a lesson in the ancient art of net mending and tours the bustling market with Ramon, on the hunt for fish for his restaurant and Michael's lunch.

Next he stops off in Huelva city, where he follows in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus visiting the monastery where Columbus lived as he prepared for his journey to the Americas. Michael continues his journey heading inland to the spectacular mines of the Rio Tinto and discovers the strange the Bella Vista estate. Built by the British mining company in the 19th century, it brings a touch of Victorian Surrey to Spain.

Continuing into the province Michael arrives in the town of Aracena and then underground to the stunning Grutas de Marbellas. He learns how these spectacular caves, formed millions of years ago, lay undiscovered for centuries despite having the town built on top.

After a night in a converted convent Michael ends his trip discovering the secrets of Jamon Iberico, the region's famous aged ham. With brothers Domingo and Manolo, Michael encounters the wild pigs that hunt for the acorns that give them their incredible taste, and travels through the aging cellars surrounded by thousands of ham legs, before getting a lesson from a professional ham carver.