Ayamonte Information: Enjoy the Spanish Costa de la Luz

 

Ayamonte, Costa de la Luz

Ayamonte a traditional border town that is a delight to visit for shopping and eating in the many tapas bars and restaurants set around beautiful plazas, with the Portuguese Algarve a short drive across the Guadiana River. There is also a central market with fresh local fruit, vegetables and fish. With a lovely small harbour and a regular ferry to Portugal, it is Spain's gateway to Portugal and the Algarve.

This beautiful area has been Spain's best kept secret. Ayamonte is certainly one of the hidden gems of the costa de la luz ,once a small fishing village now a thriving border town. This traditional Spanish town with tapas bars, cafes, restaurants and shops that cater for every whim. it is a town with real atmosphere. Do not expect to experience the atmosphere of the Costa's further East, Ayamonte is real Spain. Two plazas, a marina ,port and winding streets lined by white washed buildings oozing history are just some of the delights Ayamonte has to offer.

Isla Canela The settlement of this island dates from Roman times. Indeed the island possesses a mausoleum from the 4th century, which is preserved and, at the moment, located at the side of the road that connects Ayamonte with Punta del Moral. As a historic monument it is also necessary to mention the Almenara Tower, constructed with military characteristics it was used for the defence of the coast to repel invasions by pirates .

The development of Isla Canela into a holiday destination has involved rigorous planning and has resulted in a wonderful harmonization between nature conservation and development. Over 60% of the island is designated as "Paraje Natural" which means it is a protected area. With its 7 kilometres of golden sand the Punta del Moral beach extends around to the West where it connects to Isla Canela beach. . A family resort with friendly climate Isla Canela is a beautiful natural 'island' on the very Spanish Costa de la Luz (coast of light) with spectacular beaches, marina, golf course, promenade, cycle paths, leisure facilities, bars & restaurants, all in a well-tendered environment with much of the island designated a conservation area.

The Marina is a modern fully equipped leisure marina with all the facilities for yachting, with shops, bars and restaurants, including the superb fish restaurants at Punta Moral, all within a 5 minutes stroll, as is the beautiful beach with over 7 km of golden sand. It is connected, by road bridge, to the delightful Andalucian town of Ayamonte.

Costa de la Luz, the Coast of Light, the name comes from the long hours of sunlight & beautiful sunsets over the south facing coastline. It is a unique and beautiful area of Spain. The area is largely untouched and has been spared the mass tourist exploitation that many other coasts of Spain have suffered. Here the original culture and heritage of the local people is still very much present and the land holds large national parks. Discover a warm and friendly countryside next to the glittering Atlantic, bathed in the light of the Spanish sun. On average 3000 hours of sunshine per annum and average temperature of 30°C.

The Costa de la Luz gets its name not just from the average 3,000 hours of sunshine it enjoys every year, but also from the amazing bright light that brings home the beauty of the neatness of the streets, the whitewash of the walls, the golden sand dunes and the silvery sea.

Inland, a great variety of different sceneries awaits the traveller. The countryside boasts wild mountain ranges, fertile farmlands and pasturelands, vineyards and secluded towns. Pine woods and Cork forests are punctuated by the beautiful whitewashed hill-top villages (pueblos blancos). Springtime is particularly special in and around Huelva, with an explosion of flowers, popular festivals and festivities. Wintertime is cool and sunny and attracts millions of birds to the area .

Local Fiestas

January - Procession of the three Kings. The 5th of January is the night when the three Kings visit the children to bring their Christmas presents. The Kings parade through the streets throwing sweets to the delighted and beaming children.

February - Carnival. In February the "Ayamontinos" dress up in their carnival costumes and parade through the streets to the delight of the thousands of onlookers. Tractors, carts and other vehicles are drawn into the carnival to act as floats to transport the various groups of carnival participants as they make their way through the town.

March/April - Holy week. Holy week is a solemn but spectacular event in Ayamonte. Crosses and images are brought out of the churches and paraded through the streets. The silence of the onlookers is only broken by the sound of the beating drums. Holy week in Ayamonte goes back 500 years and is now considered to be an outstanding national fiesta.

May - "Romeria". The Spanish dress up in their traditional dress and celebrate. The "romerias" are a festival of colour and tradition with young and old alike attired in long Spanish dresses or suits. The "romerias" are a celebration of the local patrons and throughout the month of May in Ayamonte and surrounding districts you can join in with the locals and sing, dance, eat and drink the weekend away.

Beginning of September - "Las Anguistias" fiesta. The fiesta for "Our lady of Angustias" has its main day on the 8 th of September but on the days leading up to this date, and the days after, the fiesta continues. "Our lady of Anguistias" is paraded through the streets of Ayamonte and people come from far and wide to watch the spectacular procession. During the fiesta there are; sporting activities, painting and photography exhibitions and concerts by well know Spanish singers.

13th. November - Saint Diego Fiesta. Diego is the Patron Saint of Ayamonte and he is paraded through the streets on this date. It is traditional to eat "roscas de San Diego " - a simply made cake similar to bread, in remembrance of the work that Saint Diego did for the sick and needy in Ayamonte.

Places of interest in Ayamonte:

Ayamonte is a small town with a population of around 18,000. The best way to see the town is on foot. The delightful narrow streets can become a problem when driving but a pleasure when walking. Some of the interesting places to visit include: Our Lady of Angustias Church (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las Angustias) is situated in the centre of Ayamonte, close to "Plaza de la Laguna" ( Laguna Square). The church is a 16th. century baroque building which was built in honour of the "Virgin de las Angustias" (The Virgin Angustia). The church is a 16th. century baroque building which was built in honour of the "Virgin de las Angustias" (The Virgin Angustia).

The Saint Sebastian Church (La Ermita de San Sebastian), situated in Calle San Sebastian, has been declared a National Historical Monument . The church was closed for many years and in 2000 it was re-opened and is now a nature study centre but still retains the character of the old Church.

The Saint Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco), situated in "Plaza de San Francisco" (Francisco Square) is an old convent which was founded in the 16th. Century and has been declared a National Historical Monument .

The Merced Church (Iglesia de la Merced), situated in Calle Jovellanos, was built in the 17th century. At the moment it is closed and is being restored.

The Big House (La casa grande), situated in Calle Huelva was built around 1750. It has recently been renovated and is now a cultural centre where exhibitions and other cultural activities take place.

Marquis of Ayamonte Palace (Palacio del Marques de Ayamonte) in Calle Capilla del Monte was built at the beginning of the 17th. century for the Marquis of Ayamonte. It is currently used by the painter Florencio Aguilera as his studio.

The Bull Ring in Calle Martes is an impressive building where bullfights are held only a few times a year, during the "Angustias" fiesta at the beginning of September.

Ayamonte is an excellent strategic position and is an ideal base. You can easily get to many different and interesting places by car, ferry, bus or train.

When you feel like a change of country the ferry will take you on the ten minute trip across the Guadiana river to the charming Portuguese town of Villa Real. There are several good restaurants in Vila Real serving local dishes such as cataplana a tasty seafood rice stew.