What to do
A destination to unwind
Ayamonte is surrounded by sea, river and nature, which means endless plans for every taste. From beach days at Isla Canela to boat trips along the Guadiana estuary, getaways to the Portuguese Algarve, nature trails around Doñana or quiet afternoons exploring the old town. There are options for those seeking adventure and for those who prefer to relax, ideal for a getaway as a couple or with friends. Here are some of the best things to do in the area.
Beaches and surroundings
8 km away are the beaches of Isla Canela, miles of fine sand open to the Atlantic. Over the international bridge you can also reach the Portuguese beaches, the closest being Vila Real —wilder and surrounded by forest— and Monte Gordo, more urban and developed.
Visit the town
Ayamonte is a fishing town with centuries of history, of white streets, palm-lined squares with tiled benches, and a charming old town on the banks of the Guadiana. From the apartment you can explore it on foot along two lovely routes: one by the waterfront and fishing port, and another through the Barrio de la Villa, the oldest quarter. Tap “How to get there” to see both walks.
How to get there+
Along the waterfront and fishing port
Going around the building and down Calle Navarra, in 100 metres you reach the promenade that runs along the bank of the Guadiana. Walking beside the river you reach the fishing port, seeing the boats and, on the other bank, the silhouette of the Portuguese towns (such as Vila Real de Santo António).
You soon reach the ferry departure point to Vila Real and, a little further on, the Mercado de Abastos (food market): a perfect spot for a morning stroll. It is the hub of local gastronomy, with the freshest fish and seafood straight from the Atlantic, such as the famous local tiger prawn.
Heading into the old town you reach Plaza de la Laguna, the main square. Surrounded by palm trees and busy terraces, it stands out for its emblematic benches decorated with vivid tiles and the Monument to the Immaculate Conception. The Town Hall is also here. You can have a tapa at La Puerta Ancha.
Also in the old town you can see the Church of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias, an impressive 16th-century church with a colonial air, home to the town’s patron saint; and the Casa Grande, a majestic 18th-century mansion built by the Indies merchant Manuel Rivero, today a cultural centre with free art exhibitions.
Through the shopping streets you reach the Paseo de la Ribera, built under the influence of the renowned architect Aníbal González: a lovely pedestrian promenade full of palm trees and Sevillian tiled benches, the favourite meeting point of locals for a sunset stroll. Opposite is the marina, where you can have a tapa at Mercajamón.
This area has several restaurants worth visiting, listed under “Eat & drink”: Conventus, LPA, Cristina Moreau, Tierra y Mar, Margallo, El Paladar, La Coquina and Tabanco La Peñita.
Through the Barrio de la Villa
Leaving the apartment to the right, along Calle Islas Baleares, you enter straight into the Barrio de la Villa, the oldest and most characterful quarter of Ayamonte. It is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets with whitewashed houses and Andalusian patios full of flower pots. A real journey into the seafaring past.
Going up the first street on the left you reach the Church of El Salvador, at the highest point of the quarter: a beautiful 15th-century Mudéjar temple built on the foundations of an old mosque. From there you can carry on to the Parador (state-run hotel), with fantastic panoramic views of the river, the Guadiana International Bridge and Portuguese territory —very similar to those from the apartment terrace— with the added bonus of an aperitif.
Retracing your steps to Calle Islas Baleares, you can head down to the old town enjoying views of the river and the town, reaching Bar La Madrugá for a stop to enjoy a fantastic Iberian ham toast. Then you enter the centre, reaching Plaza de la Laguna, where you can continue the previous route.
Golf
Just minutes away you have golf courses facing the Guadiana and the Costa de la Luz, with over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. Isla Canela has two 18-hole courses: the Old Course, among the marshes, and the Links, with river views.
Water sports
The beaches and marshes of Isla Canela are ideal for kitesurfing, surfing or paddle surfing, as well as kayaking and guided routes on the water. There are schools and centres offering lessons and equipment rental for all levels.
Boat trips and rentals
Discover the Guadiana estuary and the Spain–Portugal border from the water: trips through the marshes, fishing outings or boat rental. They depart from the marinas of Punta del Moral and Marina Isla Canela, a stone’s throw from the house.
See a flamenco show
Experience live flamenco in the atmosphere of Ayamonte’s old town. At venues such as La Puerta Ancha, on Plaza de la Laguna, you can enjoy good food and art on a very Andalusian night.
A sunset boat trip
One of the loveliest plans: a sunset boat trip along the Guadiana river, with golden light over the water and both banks —Spain and Portugal— on either side. A magical hour you won’t forget.
Visit the Algarve
Across the river awaits the Portuguese Algarve, with its white towns, its beaches and its light. You can cross by ferry or by car over the International Bridge and discover corners with a special charm.
How to get there+
By ferry
A 7-minute walk from the apartment you take the ferry, which crosses the Guadiana and arrives directly in Vila Real de Santo António.
By car
Over the International Bridge, 3 km from the apartment, you reach the Algarve: Vila Real, Loulé, Albufeira, Monte Gordo, Castro Marim, the beaches of Fuseta or Tavira. All of them places with a special charm.
Explore the Algarve+
Loulé
Its famous traditional market with Moorish architecture and a lively old town.
More information ↗Albufeira
The Algarve’s biggest tourist destination, with its fishing port, beaches and atmosphere.
More information ↗Castro Marim
A town with an imposing castle and protected marshes, overlooking the Guadiana.
More information ↗Fuseta beach
A beautiful corner of the Ria Formosa, with sand, dunes and calm waters.
More information ↗Tavira
One of the loveliest towns in the Algarve, with its Moorish castle, churches and Roman bridge.
More information ↗Visit Seville and Huelva
Just over an hour by car, Seville awaits with its cathedral, the Giralda, the Real Alcázar, Plaza de España and the unmistakable atmosphere of its neighbourhoods. And much closer, the city of Huelva and its province: the Muelle de las Carabelas in La Rábida, with replicas of Columbus’s ships, and Doñana National Park, one of Europe’s greatest natural treasures. Perfect day trips from the house.
Cycling routes
The area around Ayamonte is perfect for cycling among marshes, riverside paths and trails to the beach. There are routes for all levels, from gentle rides to mountain bike trails.
