# Palos de la Frontera

> municipality in Huelva, Spain

**Wikidata**: [Q622030](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q622030)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palos_de_la_Frontera)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/palos-de-la-frontera

## Summary
Palos de la Frontera is a municipality located in the Province of Huelva, Spain, within the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded in 1322, it serves as a significant coastal settlement on the Atlantic Ocean with a population of 12,938 as of 2025. The town is historically renowned for its role in maritime exploration and is administratively part of the Comarca Metropolitana de Huelva.

## Key Facts
*   **Official Name:** Palos de la Frontera
*   **Native Label:** Palos de la Frontera
*   **Classification:** Municipality of Spain, City
*   **Location:** Province of Huelva, Andalusia, Spain, Europe
*   **Coordinates:** 37.2277697° N, -6.8932258° W
*   **Elevation:** 23 metres above sea level
*   **Area:** 49.3 square kilometres
*   **Inception Date:** 1322
*   **Population (2025):** 12,938 (Preferred value)
*   **Population (2024):** 12,663
*   **Population (2023):** 12,537 (Male: 6,446; Female: 6,091)
*   **Population (2022):** 12,483
*   **Population (2021):** 12,001
*   **Population (2020):** 11,742
*   **Population (2019):** 11,289
*   **Population (2018):** 11,112
*   **Population (2017):** 10,885
*   **Population (2016):** 10,785
*   **Population (2015):** 10,365
*   **Population (2014):** 10,414
*   **Population (2013):** 10,196
*   **Population (2012):** 9,809
*   **Population (2011):** 9,377
*   **Population (2010):** 9,167
*   **Population (2009):** 9,043
*   **Population (2008):** 8,964
*   **Population (2007):** 8,529
*   **Population (2006):** 8,415
*   **Population (2005):** 8,181
*   **Population (2004):** 7,897
*   **Population (2003):** 7,895
*   **Population (2002):** 7,605
*   **Population (2001):** 7,337
*   **Timezone:** UTC+01:00 (Standard/Central European Time), UTC+02:00 (Daylight Saving/Central European Summer Time)
*   **Postal Code:** 21810
*   **License Plate Code:** H
*   **INE Code:** 21055
*   **UN/LOCODE:** ESPFT
*   **Demonyms:** Palensi (masculine plural), Palermo, Palerma
*   **Patron Saint:** Saint George
*   **Head of Government Office:** Mayor of Palos de la Frontera
*   **Borders:** Huelva, Moguer, Lucena del Puerto, Almonte
*   **Adjacent Water Body:** Atlantic Ocean
*   **Website:** http://www.palosfrontera.com/ (Spanish)
*   **Flag:** Flag of Palos de la Frontera
*   **Coat of Arms:** Escudo de Palos de la Frontera pergamino normal.svg
*   **Image:** Palos.jpg
*   **Locator Map:** Palos de la Frontera Loc.svg
*   **Page Banner:** Palos_de_la_Frontera_banner.jpg
*   **Commons Category:** Palos de la Frontera
*   **Wikipedia Title:** Palos_de_la_Frontera
*   **Wikipedia Languages:** an, ar, arz, ast, azb, br, ca, ce, ceb, commons, da, de, en, eo, es, eu, fa, fi, fr, gl, he, ht, hu, hy, ia, ie, it, ja, ka, kk, ko, lld, lmo, ms, nl, no, oc, pl, pt, ro, ru, sl, sv, tr, tt, uk, ur, uz, vec, vi, war, wuu, zh, zh_min_nan, zh_yue
*   **Aliases:** Villa de Palos, Palos, Puerto de Palos, Puerto de Palos de la Frontera, Ciudad de Palos de la Frontera, Palos de Moguer, パロス・デ・ラ・フロンテラ, 巴罗斯港
*   **Part Of:** Moguer Notary District, Comarca Metropolitana de Huelva, and various administrative districts (Q107553413, Q107553416, Q5991193, Q107553420)
*   **Twinned Administrative Bodies:** Latina, Soyaux, Baiona, Santa Fe (since 1982), Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Santoña, Cali, San Sebastián de La Gomera, Ōfunato (since 1992-08-12)
*   **Authority IDs:**
    *   GND: 4306035-3
    *   VIAF: 139697905
    *   ISNI: 0000000121698733
    *   LCCN: n93024462
    *   BNF: 16227620q
    *   NLI J9U: 987007531083305171
    *   WorldCat: E39PBJmDjQVG6DHRhrYgKrq4v3
    *   Freebase: /m/03185y
    *   GeoNames: 6358231
    *   OpenStreetMap Relation: 343183
    *   FactGrid: Friedrich Schütter
    *   Wikidata: Q107553413 (implied context)
    *   Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana: palos-de-la-frontera (former: 0048741)
    *   BNE: XX453351
    *   Inspire ID: ES.IGN.BDDAE.34012121055
    *   Archinform Location ID: 12294
    *   Who's on First: 101779475
    *   Comic Vine: 4020-61704
    *   Yale Lux ID: group/c0f87728-9008-430c-b6f8-f64a4e859e21
    *   SNARC ID: Basque Country (Note: Listed in source, though geographically inconsistent)
    *   IDREF: 123819768
*   **Described By Sources:** Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary, Yuzhakov Big Encyclopedia
*   **Categories:** Category:Palos de la Frontera, Category:Births in Palos de la Frontera, Category:People from Palos de la Frontera, Category:Deaths in Palos de la Frontera
*   **Sitelink Count:** 57

## FAQs
**Where is Palos de la Frontera located and what is its administrative status?**
Palos de la Frontera is a municipality situated in the Province of Huelva within the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. It is geographically located in Europe, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, and is part of the Comarca Metropolitana de Huelva and the Moguer Notary District.

**What is the population history and current demographic breakdown of the town?**
The population has grown steadily from 7,337 in 2001 to a preferred 2025 estimate of 12,938. As of the 2023 census, the population consisted of 6,446 males and 6,091 females, with data collected annually via register office methods.

**Which international cities are twinned with Palos de la Frontera?**
The municipality maintains sister city relationships with Latina, Soyaux, Baiona, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Santoña, Cali, San Sebastián de La Gomera, and Ōfunato (since 1992). It also has a specific twinning agreement with Santa Fe that began in 1982.

**What are the key identifiers and codes used for Palos de la Frontera in official databases?**
Official identification includes the INE code 21055, UN/LOCODE ESPFT, and postal code 21810. It is assigned the license plate code H and holds unique identifiers such as GND 4306035-3, VIAF 139697905, and GeoNames 6358231.

**What are the geographical and temporal specifications of the municipality?**
The town covers an area of 49.3 square kilometres and sits at an elevation of 23 metres above sea level. It operates on Central European Time (UTC+01:00) during standard time and Central European Summer Time (UTC+02:00) during daylight saving time.

## Why It Matters
Palos de la Frontera holds profound historical significance as a pivotal departure point for major maritime expeditions, most notably the voyages that led to the discovery of the Americas. Its strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean and its status as a historic port (Puerto de Palos) made it a critical hub for navigation and trade during the Age of Discovery. Beyond its historical legacy, the municipality serves as a vital administrative and demographic center within the Province of Huelva, contributing to the economic and cultural fabric of the Comarca Metropolitana de Huelva. The town's continuous growth, evidenced by its rising population from the early 2000s to 2025, underscores its enduring relevance as a residential and commercial entity in southern Spain.

## Notable For
*   **Historical Maritime Role:** Recognized globally as the departure point for Christopher Columbus's first voyage, cementing its place in world history.
*   **Population Growth:** Demonstrated consistent demographic expansion, increasing from 7,337 residents in 2001 to 12,938 in 2025.
*   **International Sisterhood:** Maintains a diverse network of twinned administrative bodies across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, including Ōfunato, Japan, and Santa Fe, Argentina.
*   **Administrative Complexity:** Serves as a node in multiple overlapping administrative structures, including the Moguer Notary District and various comarcas.
*   **Cultural Patronage:** Dedicated to Saint George as its patron saint, reflecting specific local religious traditions.
*   **Multilingual Presence:** Maintains Wikipedia articles in over 50 languages, indicating significant global interest and documentation.
*   **Geographic Specificity:** Located precisely at 37.2277697° N, -6.8932258° W with a distinct elevation of 23 metres.

## Body

### Geographic and Administrative Profile
Palos de la Frontera is a municipality officially classified as a city within the Province of Huelva, Spain. It is situated in the continent of Europe and specifically borders the Atlantic Ocean. The municipality covers a total area of 49.3 square kilometres and sits at an elevation of 23 metres above sea level. Its precise geographic coordinates are 37.2277697° latitude and -6.8932258° longitude. Administratively, it is part of the Comarca Metropolitana de Huelva and falls under the jurisdiction of the Moguer Notary District. The town shares borders with the municipalities of Huelva, Moguer, Lucena del Puerto, and Almonte.

The local government is headed by the Mayor of Palos de la Frontera. The municipality utilizes the postal code 21810 and the license plate code H. For international logistics and trade, it is assigned the UN/LOCODE ESPFT. The official website is http://www.palosfrontera.com/, which is available in Spanish. The town operates on Central European Time (UTC+01:00) for standard time and switches to Central European Summer Time (UTC+02:00) during daylight saving periods.

### Demographics and Population Trends
The population of Palos de la Frontera has shown a consistent upward trend over the last two decades. In 2001, the population was recorded at 7,337. By 2010, it had risen to 9,167, and by 2020, it reached 11,742. The most recent preferred data for 2025 indicates a population of 12,938. Detailed census data from 2023 breaks this down into 6,446 males and 6,091 females. The determination method for these figures is primarily the register office, with specific census data available for 2023. The demonym for residents is "Palensi" (masculine plural), though "Palermo" and "Palerma" are also noted as variants.

### Historical Context and Inception
The municipality traces its official inception back to the year 1322. This historical foundation is supported by references from the Catalan Wikipedia and other historical archives. The town is described in major encyclopedic sources, including the Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary and the Yuzhakov Big Encyclopedia. Its historical significance is further highlighted by its aliases, which include "Villa de Palos," "Puerto de Palos," and "Ciudad de Palos de la Frontera," reflecting its evolution from a village to a city and port.

### Cultural and Symbolic Identity
The cultural identity of Palos de la Frontera is represented by its flag, the "Flag of Palos de la Frontera," and its coat of arms, known as "Escudo de Palos de la Frontera pergamino normal.svg." The patron saint of the municipality is Saint George. Visual documentation includes the main image "Palos.jpg," a locator map titled "Palos de la Frontera Loc.svg," and a page banner "Palos_de_la_Frontera_banner.jpg." The town is categorized under "Category:Palos de la Frontera" on Wikimedia Commons, with specific sub-categories for births, deaths, and people associated with the town.

### International Relations and Partnerships
Palos de la Frontera maintains active diplomatic and cultural ties with several international cities. These twinned administrative bodies include Latina, Soyaux, and Baiona in Europe. In the Americas, it is twinned with Santa Fe (since 1982), Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Santoña, and Cali. In Asia, it has a partnership with Ōfunato, established on August 12, 1992. Additionally, it is twinned with San Sebastián de La Gomera. These relationships underscore the town's role in international cultural exchange.

### Digital and Bibliographic Identifiers
The entity is cataloged across numerous global authority databases. It holds the GND ID 4306035-3, VIAF ID 139697905, and ISNI 0000000121698733. Library authorities include the Library of Congress (LCCN: n93024462), the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BNF: 16227620q), and the National Library of Israel (J9U: 987007531083305171). Other unique identifiers include the Freebase ID /m/03185y, GeoNames ID 6358231, and the OpenStreetMap relation ID 343183. It is also listed in the Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana (ID: palos-de-la-frontera) and the Spanish National Library (BNE: XX453351). The town has a presence on Wikivoyage and is referenced in the Archinform location database (ID: 12294).

### Linguistic and Media Presence
The topic of Palos de la Frontera is covered in Wikipedia in a vast array of languages, including but not limited to Spanish (es), English (en), French (fr), German (de), Japanese (ja), Chinese (zh), and Arabic (ar). The total sitelink count across all Wikimedia projects is 57. The town is also featured in the Comic Vine database and has a dedicated category for people born and deceased there. The native label remains "Palos de la Frontera," and it is recognized in various regional and international encyclopedias.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.santafe.es/data/ficherosadjuntos_contenidosweb/contenidos_664_418_20120413115519.pdf)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [2020](https://andalucia.notariado.org/liferay/c/document_library/get_file?=11510482&folderId=15173850&name=DLFE-1486391.pdf)
4. Register of Local Entities
5. [Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Andalucía. 2003](http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/boja/boletines/2003/59/d/updf/d1.pdf)
6. OpenStreetMap
7. [Source](https://www.worlddata.info/europe/spain/timezones.php)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Municipal Register of Spain 2013
10. Municipal Register of Spain 2012
11. Municipal Register of Spain 2011
12. Municipal Register of Spain 2010
13. Municipal Register of Spain 2009
14. Municipal Register of Spain 2008
15. Municipal Register of Spain 2007
16. Municipal Register of Spain 2006
17. Municipal Register of Spain 2005
18. Municipal Register of Spain 2004
19. Municipal Register of Spain 2003
20. Municipal Register of Spain 2002
21. Municipal Register of Spain 2001
22. Municipal Register of Spain 2014
23. Municipal Register of Spain 2015
24. Municipal Register of Spain 2016
25. Municipal Register of Spain 2017
26. Municipal Register of Spain 2018
27. [Cifras oficiales de población resultantes de la revisión del Padrón municipal a 1 de enero. National Statistics Institute](http://www.ine.es/dynt3/inebase/index.htm?padre=525)
28. Municipal Register of Spain 2019
29. Municipal Register of Spain 2020
30. Municipal Register of Spain of 2021
31. Municipal Register of Spain of 2022
32. Municipal Register of Spain of 2023
33. Municipal Register of Spain of 2024
34. Municipal Register of Spain of 2025
35. List of Municipalities and their Codes by Provinces as of January 1, 2019
36. [Source](https://www.ine.es/jaxiT3/Datos.htm?t=2874)
37. GeoNames
38. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/es.htm)
39. Límites municipales, provinciales y autonómicos
40. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
41. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File