Isla Canela beach

This beach’s golden sand stretches for 7km. Far from the crowds; it’s never overcrowded, so you will have no problem finding a good spot. The transparent waters of the Atlantic are an invitation to bathe and for young and old alike to have fun.
The waves are never too big, so you can practise all kinds of water activities: windsurfing, sailing or canoeing, amongst others. You can hire all the necessary material on the beach itself, and make easy trips along the channels in the nearby marshes or along the coast.
The Hotel Riu Atlántico is set in a privileged position, at one end of the beach between the mouth of the river Carreras and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Ayamonte

Located on the edge of the river Guadiana, Ayamonte is a town that pleases both for the beauty of its buildings and the friendliness of the local people.

Walking around the steep streets of “La Villa”, the oldest part of town, you will come across several viewpoints offering privileged views of the river. The sunsets here are magical.
The houses have an austere kind of beauty, in clear contrast to the more refined constructions of the port zone, in the lower part of Ayamonte. It’s worth paying a visit to the Temple of San Francisco and the church of Nuestro Señor y Salvador), both in Mudejar style but with interesting Baroque and Renaissance influences.

In the lower part, the Plaza de la Laguna, adorned with mosaics and lined with bourgeois buildings, is a clear example of Andalusian distinction. We also recommend a stroll under the palm trees of the Paseo de la Ribera, with its beautiful constructions on the banks of the river.

The church of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias (16th century), around which the intense activity of the port takes place, is outstanding for its beautiful Renaissance and Rococo altarpieces.

Vila real do Santo Antonio (Portugal)

Strolling around this pleasant town with characteristic white houses and orangey roofs is a cure against stress. You’ll be surprised by the rectangular network of the streets in the historic town centre, which are reminiscent of the La Baixa district, in Lisbon.

One outstanding feature is the square of Marqués de Pombal, decorated with a peculiar black and white mosaic, and with a large obelisk in the centre. You can take a seat on one of the lively terraces and let time go by, in the shade of the orange trees and of the beautiful buildings that surround you. The same square houses the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação church (18th century), with beautiful altarpieces and six stained-glass windows that light up the interior with multi-coloured tones.

Before leaving, walk along the delightful seafront promenade. The pleasure boats moor alongside fishing vessels in a faithful reflection of today’s local economy.
This town on the Portuguese bank of the river Guadiana can be accessed both by car and by boat from Ayamonte.

Watersports

Canoeing: Canoeing trips are ideal for discovering the marshlands of Isla Cristina, formed by the mouths of the Guadiana and Carreras rivers. This fragile ecosystem is the habitat of a wide variety of birds and is well worth a visit.
Excursions along the coast are also very interesting. On them you will enjoy exceptional views of the inland and the dunes in this area.

Windsurfing and sailing: The beach of Isla Canela is perfect for these sports. If, like many, you have never tried them, don’t worry, as there are several schools that give lessons to beginners on the beach itself.

Dolphin sighting

Boat trips leave Isla Canela in search of these friendly cetaceans who will not hesitate to play alongside you. This is a unique experience for both young and old.

Discovering the river Guadiana: Trips upriver lead you to discover fantastic scenery full of birds and picturesque villages. The romantic sunsets over the Guadiana will entice you to use your camera.

Excursions: on foot, by bike or on horseback

The area around Isla Canela is very good for going on pleasant walks and discovering the natural charms of the district. Both the paths that run through the marshlands and those running parallel to the sea are easy and extremely beautiful:

Punta del Moral to Isla Canela along the beach: This is an easy walk running parallel to the beach that joins the two. There is an unspoilt stretch that runs through a beautiful area with dunes, lush vegetation and spectacular sea views.

Caños de la Cruz: This itinerary penetrates Caños de la Cruz: a waterway in the very heart of the marshland. From the observation towers you will be able to spot the numerous birds in the area: flamingos, storks, cormorants and herons, amongst others.

Ayamonte to Isla Cristina along the Green Route: This path runs along the former railway line that used to link Huelva to Ayamonte, bordering the marshland. Any one of the paths that enter the latter is an authentic ornithological spectacle.

Excursions to Doñana

Excursions in 4x4 vehicles leave from Ayamonte and Isla Cristina, both a short distance from the hotel, to discover this wonderful natural site. The itineraries run through marshes, living dunes and reserves that serve as a refuge for countless animal species: fallow deer, red deer, otters, genets, wild boar, migratory birds, Spanish imperial eagles and above all the extremely rare Iberian lynx, a species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula.

One of the highlights is the visit to the Dunes of El Asperillo. Formed by the action of the sea thousands of years ago and now inland, in some cases their heights reach over 100m above sea level. After climbing to the summit of one of them, you will enjoy unique views of the pine forests and coastal lagoons, as well as a large beach of white sand where you will be able to swim.

Another interesting part of the visit is the human-with-nature relationship that the park’s inhabitants have so well interpreted through the generations. The fishermen and ranchmen are an integral part of Doñana, and most of the times have a positive effect on the land and its natural balance, in what is a good example of sustainable development. Without a doubt this is one of the most notable aspects of the trip.

After a long day of walking, observing animals and bathing on the idyllic beaches, you will return to the hotel just in time for dinner, the ideal time to go through the photos and remember this fantastic excursion.

Golf

Club de Golf Costa Esuri: Desde sus amplias calles tendrá unas maravillosas vistas sobre la desembocadura del río Guadiana, Portugal y las marismas.

Campo de Golf Isla Canela: Campo de dificultad media, apto para principiantes pero que no aburrirá a los expertos. Los naranjos, olivos, eucaliptos y palmeras le dan una belleza especial al recorrido, además de poner a prueba su técnica.

Specialities

Fish and seafood: The region’s fishing tradition is reflected in its exquisite typical dishes: ray in paprika, tuna with onion and Portuguese-style tuna. The quality of the local lobsters and white prawns is acknowledged all over Andalusia.

Huelva ham: This delicious ham, for many the best in the world, is typical of several towns in the Sierra de Aracena (including the famous Jabugo), in the province of Huelva. Although the price is usually high, you must try it, as its flavour and quality are incomparable.

Shopping

The open-air “La Plaza” shopping centre in Ayamonte has plenty of shops located in streets and squares. This complex also has cinemas and restaurants.