PLACES TO SEE

Ayamonte is the nearest town from Isla Canela.You can get a bus from the Island or a Taxi (cost 7 euros approx) or drive ( about ten minutes) The best bit about Ayamonte is you have to park on the outside and walk through the cobbled roads and winding streets full of shops (No multiples here). There are cafes Tapas bars and a fabulous indoor food market selling fresh meat, fish and fruit and veg..The area is famous for it's strawberries, and they are fantastic! as is all the food produce sold in this market. There are two squares where there always seems to be some sort of local activity going on either festive or religious. They are the main meeting place for locals and are surrounded by restaurants, cafe, shops and palm trees. There are some very trendy clothes shops for men and women and also great leather shops and a few exceptional shoe shops. There are also shops that sell lovely gits for you to bring back to your home in England.

The fishing port town of Ayamonte is located in the most western zone of Andalusia, on the mouth of the Guadiana river, that serves as a border with Portugal. Ayamonte has a population of more than 18,000 inhabitants, (which increases considerably during the vacation times) and is united by train with the capital of the province, Huelva; with the Andalusian capital, Seville and with Portugual.

Ayamonte unifies all distinctive features of a tourist city: excellent beaches , like those of Isla Canela and the Punta del Moral, splendid landscapes at the foot of the Guadiana an unbelievable artistic cultural asset with unique and privilege at the border to Portugal.

Nature is interesting in the area of Ayamonte. An absolute recommendation is the ascent as far as to the place Sanlúcar at the river Guadiana. An agreeable walk is the ascent at the Guadiana, with which one can enjoy the beauty of Spain and Portugal.

The swamps of the Isla Canela are populated by diverse birds. The seafaring quarter of the Punta del Moral has a quite particular charm.

The marina is adjacent to the village of Pinillos and is approached via a canal from the river. It is subject to some swell. There is an anchorage in the bay beyond the ferry terminal and fish quays, but landing is difficult from here.

Ayamonte stands high above the river Guadiana and appears to be gazing towards Portugal . It is a frontier town and an important fishing port. Its maritime character is further enhanced by its dockyards and other naval trappings. During the summer months the ferry which connects it to neighbouring Portugal sees a continual coming and going of travellers, and the town becomes especially lively. In Ayamonte, there are neatly whitewashed houses, Baroque churches and some traces of the Manueline style owing to the influence of its proximity to Portugal . There is also a beautiful promenade along the harbour which is lined with palm trees called the Paseo de la Ribera, as well as stepped streets and some aristocratic mansions and palaces. The nobleness and age of the town are evident from its monuments and ruins. The ruined castle has Roman foundations, an Arab tower and the remains of Baroque decoration.The Church of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias dates from the last few years of the 15th century. The Tower of San Francisco is 16th century, and both the nave and a side chapel are decorated with coffered ceilings, also in the Mudejar style. The Reredos is 17th century. San Francisco is the splendid setting for the Festival of Classical Music. At dusk the traveller can enjoy the climb to the "Costa de la Luz" Parador to contemplate the river, the lands of Portugal and the town at their feet as it shines under the setting sun. In Ayamonte even the terrace roofs are whitewashed. (Back to Top)

2. ISLA CRISTINA

Leaving Ayamonte on the N-431 road and after a drive of about 11km, there is a turn-off to the right leading to Isla Cristina, situated at the mouth of the river Carreras. This summer holiday resort and fishing port has more than 300 fishing boats, which supply fish and shellfish for the canning industry and for a large proportion of the Spanish markets, too. (Back to Top)

3. LA ANTILLA AND LEPE

Following the coastline we reach La Antilla, which consists of four or five rows of small holiday homes by a magnificent beach with a very nice wooden outdoor indoor shopping centre . It also has the best Ice Cream Parlour I have ever been to in Spain called "Los Angeles" well worth a visit ! La Antilla and El Terron -a small port on the river Piedras- belong to the township of Lepe , an agricultural town surrounded by fertile countryside where melons, watermelons, figs and the famous strawberries are grown, At Lepe -on the N-431 road- a visit should be made to the 15th century Mudejar Parish Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman, and the abattoir, located in an old 16th century hermitage. (Back to Top)

4. CARTAYA

The main road runs between orange, almond and fig trees as far as Cartaya. Here some of the most interesting monuments include the ruins of a former Roman castle, the Church of San Pedro which was altered to the Baroque style, and the 18th century Convent of Las Mercedes. Between Cartaya and the sea we pass through El Rompido, a fishing village on the estuary of the river Piedras. It is located on the coast and at low tide the clam beds are exposed and small boats are left lying high and dry on the mud. on the sea front the line of sand dunes extends for more than 10km, and is still expanding, though it continues to conserve its natural state and has not yet been developed. It is a beautiful place with its white houses, its boat pier and scenes of boats fishing the Ria and Launches sailing towards El Puntal (The Headland).

The water rises with the tide right up to the terraces of the houses, bringing with it a salty air which pervades the small church, the Plaza de las Sirenas and the dockyard. (Back to Top)

5. PUNTAL UMBRIA

Continuing along the coast, passing through Pinewood's (beautiful round topped "pinea"), and near to the lagoon of El Portil and the beach of La Bota we come to the tall buildings of Puntal Umbria, the main summer holiday resort in the Province, with everything this entails: bars, restaurants, discotheques, all of which help liven up the warm summer nights. Punta Umbria looks out onto the Ria, the sea, the navigation channel and the ocean, and El Puntal extends into a pier frequented by anglers.

The traveller can dispense with his car and use the boat service to reach Huelva during the months of July-September, or go back the way he has come as far as Aljaraque, and then reach the capital crossing the flood channels. (Back to Top)

6. HUELVA

The capital city of the region lies between two rivers, the Tinto and Odiel, and its history goes back to mythological times. It was known by some as the ancient "Erbi" before the Phoenician colonisation, and by others as Tartessos as quoted in the "Ora Maritima". The Phoenicians settled here and built a temple to the goddess Onus Baal; under the Romans its name was changed to Onuba, and the Arabs christened it Welbah and it became a small Moorish kingdom- known in Spain as "taifa". Alfonso "El Sabio" (The wise) reconquered it in 1257 and gave it as a present to his daughter Doña Beatriz de Guzman, the widowed Queen of Portugal, until it became part of the Spanish crown in the 15th century. The earthquakes that occurred in the 18th century completely destroyed the city and erased all trace of its historic past. Huelva , "the coast of the three caravels" as Manuel Machado called it, was reborn from its ashes into straightforward small squares -such as those of San Pedro or Las Monjas- green and white in colour as can be seen in the district of El Conquero, and a bustling port. A visit to the fishing and mining port is interesting, and one can see the original movable jetty, built by Bruce in 1873. it consists of two platforms; the upper one for loading ore and the lower one for merchandise.

The finest example of Religious architecture is to be found in the Church of the Convent of La Merced, today a cathedral. This 17th century work has a main doorway made up of differing styles. The interior consists of a nave and aisles with a a variety of decoration. Here the image of the Virgin of La Cinta, the patron saint of the city is kept. It is ascribed to Martinez Montanes. The Church of San Pedro was built over the former mosque in the 17th century; its elegant tower is decorated with glazed ceramic tiles.

At the end of the Paseo del Conquero stands the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Cinta with its white simplicity, graceful bell-gable and horseshoe arched door which shows its Mudejar origins. A wall painting depicts the Virgin and a tile painting by Zuloaga commemorates a visit made to the shrine by Christopher Columbus on his return from the Indies . The scene of sea, rivers, the city and countryside, with the outline of the Sierra Morena in the background, is magnificent.

The Avenida de Montenegro joins the C-442 local road which continues along the Huelva Coast, leaving behind the industrial area, and passes near to Punta del Sebo, where we find a monument - the work of the sculptress Whitney in 1929- depicting Columbus wearing a sailors cloak and looking out over the ocean across which he ventured in 1492.

Mazagon is 18km away and is a good place for those interested in fishing, sailing, sunbathing and long walks along the beach. Here we can also find the "Cristobal Colon" Parador. From this point onwards the road passes through areas of sand dunes, pinewood's and mud flats, the only town being Matalascañas. Its great number of hotels can cater for the many tourists who come here to spend their holidays, take part in the festivities at the Shrine of the Virgin of El Rocio or come to visit the Doñana National Park which is located here. (Back to Top)

7. DONÃNA NATIONAL PARK

In 1964 the Doñana Biological Research Centre came into being and five years later the National Park was created to promote the conservation of Doñana and the marshes of the river Guadalquivir . The area became progressively bigger and now covers some 76,000 ha of National Park plus some surrounding parks. This makes it the most interesting bird and wildlife sanctuary in Europe . Its great natural wealth is due to its privileged climatic conditions and its geographical location. As a consequence it has become one of the most important migratory routes for birds. Other important factors include its shifting and dunes, mud flats and enclosed pastures.

Within the park there is an Information Centre, a Reception and Observation Centre, and an organised nature trail around the area. Doñana is the breeding ground of 8 species of fish, 9 species of amphibians, 17 species of reptiles, 125 species of birds and 28 species of mammals, and it is a stopping-off and wintering place for more than 150 species of birds, totalling many millions. Huge colonies breed in the cork oaks at the edge of the marshes, creating the famous nesting trees.

Have a look at the link www.andalucia.com/environment/protect/donana.htm  

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8. SEVILLE

One of Spain's most captivating cities and capital of Andalusia, home of the Alcázar (Moorish palace rich in decorative tiles and carved ceilings) and La Giralda (98m high mosque minaret, now the bell tower of Seville's cathedral). Near the Cathedral, the Juderia's maze of white-walled alleys evokes the atmosphere of the Moorish city. Famous for flamenco, bullfighting, its horse fair and the Holy Week processions of hooded penitents. Have a look at www.sevilla.org

Seville's immense cathedral, one of the biggest in the world, was built on the site of Muslim Seville's main mosque between 1401 and 1507. One highlight of the cathedral's lavish interior is Christopher Columbus' supposed tomb inside the south door.

The tower which adjoins the Cathedral is La Giralda. It was the mosque's minaret and dates from the 12th century; climb up for great views. Use the same ticket as for the Cathedral.

On the banks of the River Guadalquivir stands the Torre de Oro which today represents one of Seville 's major landmarks.  It was originally built by the Moors as a way to close access to the harbour by attaching a chain to it and to the opposite bank of the river.   (Back to Top)

PORTUGAL

1. OUT AND ABOUT IN THE ALGARVE

The Algarve comprises some 5,411 km2 with over 350,000 permanent inhabitants … a figure which increases to over one million at the height of the summer. The Algarve has a colourful history, having been fought over by the Phoenicians, Romans and Moors, and having suffered a huge earthquake in 1755 destroying many towns and the vast majority of historical buildings. The influences though are still there for all to see.

Take Albufeira, once a thriving seaport with its own castle and now a major holiday resort since the 1960's. Here you'll find a small museum of 15th and 17th century Ming ceramics, together with a plentiful collection of bars, restaurants and clubs that tend to spill over into the narrow streets on the warmer evenings. A stroll through the ‘Old Town' in the evening will lead you back in time to some interesting spots. (Back to Top)

2. THE EASTERN ALGARVE

Close to the Spanish border in the eastern Algarve, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the River Guadiana, you'll find Portugal's second most important and largest nature reserve with its many rare species of flora and fauna ..

It is the ideal location for your favourite sporting activity. Beside golf, you have the choice of swimming, horse riding, football, jogging, mountain biking, tennis, fishing, hunting, shooting, and a variety of water sports ... and some of the finest beaches in Europe with golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see.

Getting to the eastern Algarve is easy ... a short drive from Ayamonte over the new bridge.
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3 SAGRES

Close to the most south west point of Europe, known as Cape St Vincent, is Sagres. The surrounding cliffs make an impressive sight with their towering height constantly beaten by the strength of the Ocean. The local restaurants are renowned for their fish by the variety and freshness … and it is not unusual to see local fishermen wedged in dramatic positions on the cliff face with the sea thundering beneath … a vision not for the feint hearted! (Back to Top)

4. CARVOEIRO

5. VILAMOURA

Arguably the most dynamic location is Vilamoura, a name given to an area rather than just the actual town. It is one of the largest, single tourist complexes in Europe surrounded by pine forests and open, recovered marshland. The company that owns this complex, like most others in the Algarve, is extremely environmentally aware … every effort is made to protect nature within its continued planned development.
Among the many facilities here are four golf courses, a luxurious yacht marina, tennis centre, shooting club, riding school, casino and private airstrip. In contrast with all this modern finery, and within the centre, is a preserved Roman site and Museum of Cerro da Vila. (Back to Top)

6. ALMANCIL

Almancil too has grown in size, in order to meet the needs of the nearby holiday and residential developments of ‘the Golden Triangle', encompassing the world renowned Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo resorts. In keeping with the area, there's a good selection of restaurants offering many different forms of cuisine. The church here is well worth a visit, as is the São Lourenço Cultural Centre. (Back to Top)

7. ALVOR

Another ancient village is Alvor, fast becoming a popular tourist location, although the one-ended narrow streets have restricted development somewhat. What you will find however is a cluster of bars and restaurants, many with live music, attracting locals and holidaymakers alike. (Back to Top)

8.PORTIMAO

Portimão, the main shopping town in the Algarve in the 1970's and 80's, is essentially commercially orientated. A superb marina has since been added adjoining the Praia da Rocha, bringing with it a further choice of restaurants and bars … a firm favourite with the sailing fraternity. (Back to Top)

9. SILVES

Once the capital of the Algarve, Silves has strong links to the past. So much history is attached to it that only a book would do it justice! Although the earthquake destroyed most of the town, the remains of the castle dating back to the Moors are still evident. There is also an underground water reservoir still used today by the inhabitants of the city. (Back to Top)

10. AL GHARB
Restored red limestone walls of the castle dominate the Moorish capital of Al-Gharb ('The West'), surrounded by orange and lemon trees. Holds the annual beer festival! (Back to Top)

11. TAVIRA

Tavira along with Lagos are two of the most architecturally attractive towns in the region. Dating back to around 2,000 BC, Tavira has been rebuilt with many fine 18th century buildings and 37 churches. A Roman bridge links the two parts of the town across the river Gilão. The surrounding countryside is currently being developed to meet the demands of the tourist industry and the new golf courses in the nearby vicinity. Tavira - Well worth a visit to this beautiful place. The town is situated on the mouth of the river Gilão and the two sides are linked by a Roman Bridge . It's full of great Portuguese architecture and alternative restaurants (half an hour away in the car).  
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12. MONTE GORDO

A lot of people visit here on package deals from the U.K. I have to admit at being occasionally attracted to the curry houses and pubs! The beach is good. (Back to Top)

13. MERTO

Roman/Moorish castle and old town overlooking the Guadiana river. A great place to lunch and visit the surrounding natural park and waterfall. (Back to Top)

14. CACELA VELHA

Small village with a great view of the Ria Formosa (lagoon system) and beaches. Take a short boat trip to the white sands. (Back to Top)