Cartaya

Cartaya
Motto(s): 
Cartaya: pines and sea & Cartaya ahead
 Spain Cartaya: pinos y mar & Cartaya por delante
Cartaya
Location in Spain
Coordinates: 37°17′N 7°09′W / 37.283°N 7.150°W / 37.283; -7.150
Country Spain
Autonomous Community Andalusia
Province Huelva
ComarcaCosta Occidental de Huelva
Judicial districtAyamonte
MunicipalityCartaya
MancomunidadManc. Beturia
Foundation15th century
Boroughs
Government
  TypeMayor–council
  BodyCity Council of Cartaya
  MayorJuan Miguel Polo Plana (ICAR)
Area
  Total
2,264 km2 (874 sq mi)
Elevation
26 m (85 ft)
Population
 (2018)
  Total
19,433
  Density8.6/km2 (22/sq mi)
Demonym(s)cartayero (m), cartayera (f)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
  Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postcode
21450
Websitehttp://www.ayto-cartaya.es/

Cartaya is a Spanish locality and municipality in the Province of Huelva, (autonomous community of Andalusia). In 2010 it had 18,415 inhabitants. Its surface area is 226.4 km2 and has a density of 81.34 people per km2.

The present town of Cartaya was founded in the 15th century by the Marquis of Gibraleón, Don Pedro de Zúñiga. Its name comes from the Phoenician word "Carteia", meaning city, which implies that the site had been settled much earlier. Traces have been found dating from the late Roman Empire and there is evidence of farmsteads from the early medieval period.

The municipality's economy is mainly based on the primary sector. However, more recent development has been encouraged in the service sector focused on leisure and tourism. The per capita income is high in comparison to neighboring municipalities. The newer settlements of El Rompido and Nuevo Portil, along with other developments, have contributed to significant population growth over recent decades.

Among the area's noteworthy attractions are: the former Convent of the Blessed Trinity; the Parish Church; the Hermitage of Santa María de Consolación; the Castle of the Zuñiga; and 4 kilometers of beaches (El Rompido, San Miguel Beach, Nuevo Portil beach and the westernmost part of El Portil).