A Day Trip to Ayamonte – Tips for Sights, Shopping, and Restaurants august 16, 2024 – Posted in: Spain, Travel – Tags: Algarve, Andalusia, Attractions, Ayamonte, Food, Hiking, History, Holiday, Portugal, Restaurants, Spain, Vacation

What Can You See on a Day Trip to Ayamonte?

Many visitors come to the small Spanish coastal town of Ayamonte while on holiday on the Costa de la Luz or the Algarve coast in Portugal. Ayamonte is located right on the border between the two countries, separated only by the beautiful Guadiana River. The small ferry quickly takes you from one country to the other – and out in the water, both time zones, food traditions, and cultures change.

Ayamonte is a cozy town definitely worth a visit! Not only for the unique salt marsh, which is home to both storks and flamingos, but also for the charming Spanish town life you can experience here. In Ayamonte, you can encounter a taste of real Spain, with flamenco, tapas, and leisurely siesta afternoons.

Here you can read about what to experience in Ayamonte, and also how to get to the small ferry that sails between Spain and Portugal.

Ayamonte – A Town with History

Ayamonte is a town with a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. Located in southwestern Spain near the border with Portugal, Ayamonte has been a strategic hub for trade and cultural exchange for centuries.

Founded by the Phoenicians in the 6th century BC, it had the original Iberians as neighbors, who had always lived in the area. Ayamonte gets its name from the Greek Anapote, which means “by the river.” Later, Ayamonte became an important Roman trading post and part of the Roman Empire. Beneath the town’s best hotel, Hotel Parador de Ayamonte, lie the remnants of the old Roman fortress, of which only a few traces remain today.

Ayamonte – a town with a history!

During the Moors’ rule in the Middle Ages, the town was part of Al-Andalus, and after the Christian reconquest of the area in the 13th century, Ayamonte became part of the Kingdom of Castile and later Spain.

Throughout history, Ayamonte has always been an important trading town, both as a border town and especially for its fish exports. Arriving by sea from Portugal, you can already see the old warehouses (pictured above), where fish were salted, packed, and sent on. Today, Ayamonte is also a popular tourist destination, with plenty of beautiful hotels right on the long sandy beaches.

Sights in Ayamonte

If you’re only on a day trip to the town, here are the main things you can see in a single day that are a must-visit! If you have more time, there are many other exciting attractions in the town, which you can read about here: Must-See Attractions in Ayamonte, Spain.

Start your day with a little stroll out to the tide mill in the beautiful salt marsh. The salt marsh is part of the Marismas de Isla Cristina Nature Park, a large wetland that attracts both flamingos, storks, and countless migratory birds. The fascinating marshland features both saltwater lagoons and tricky puddles, so stick to the paths. The small museum provides a good insight into the natural area surrounding Ayamonte. The museum is open in the mornings and admission is free.

Shopping in Ayamonte

Back in town, it’s time for some shopping in the beautiful old streets of the town center, perhaps with a visit to the local food market. Ayamonte’s old town is like an open-air museum, where cobbled streets and colorful houses testify to centuries of history. The oldest part of the town is situated at the highest point, and the climb up the steep hills is worth it for the fantastic view.

During our long-term stay, we rented a small house, Flor de Sal, on Calle Oriente, which is at the highest point in the old town, offering a splendid view over the salt marshes and across to the Castro Marim fortress in Portugal. From here, it’s only a short walk down to the old bullfighting arena, Plaza de Toros de Ayamonte. The arena is no longer in use, but enjoy the beautiful Moorish mosaics at the ticket office and the atmosphere in the small streets. Finally, conclude your tour of Ayamonte with a leisurely walk along the beautiful waterfront promenade.

Great Restaurants in Ayamonte

During your visit to the town, make sure to set aside time to explore the many wonderful cafés and restaurants. There is so much good food in Ayamonte that you’ll want to do as the locals do: settle into a lovely spot in the shade, peruse the menu, and order one delightful dish after another.

If you’re visiting at lunchtime, Meson La Serrania de Macías comes highly recommended. If you’re looking for a snack to satisfy a small hunger, Delicatessen Merkajamón, a combined wine bar and delicatessen, is the perfect choice for ham and a glass of chilled white wine. For dinner, you should definitely try the exciting dishes at Meraki Tapas.

If you’re looking for a delicious cake for your afternoon coffee, find a good spot on the beautiful Plaza de la Laguna, the town’s main square. Be sure to order a coca de Ayamonte with your coffee, a local cake filled with lemon zest. The best ice cream in town is right across from the impressive Iglesia de las Angustias. Read more about great restaurants in Ayamonte here: Best Restaurants in Ayamonte, Spain

Kilometers of Wide Sandy Beaches

Perhaps you’d prefer a swim at some of Spain’s best beaches. In Ayamonte, you’re close to the Atlantic Ocean, and there’s only a short bus ride to the beaches at Isla Canela and Punta del Moral. See the bus schedule here!

The sandy beaches of the small coastal towns are gems along the Spanish Costa de la Luz. The beaches offer soft, golden sand and calm waters, ideal for relaxation and laid-back days. If you feel like taking a walk, you can stroll all the way from Punta del Moral along the beach to Isla Canela. All three towns also offer opportunities for long hikes in the unique nature. You can read more about this here: Top Travel Tips to Your Vacation in Isla Canela, Isla Cristina & Punta del Moral

How to Get to Ayamonte

If you’ve rented a car, getting to Ayamonte is easy. From Seville, there’s a motorway all the way, and the same in Portugal, where you finally cross the beautiful Punte Internacional bridge. If you’re traveling by bus, train, or ferry from Portugal, read on!

Traveling from Faro and the Algarve Coast?

On the Algarve coast, there’s a train running approximately once an hour from Faro to Vila Real de Santo Antonio. You can see a timetable here! Tickets can be purchased both at the station and on the train. However, you can only pay in cash on the train. The fare is 6 euros (2024) from Faro to Vila Real de Santo Antonio. The train station is a bit north of the town, and there are both toilets and a small café.

From there, you’ll need to take the small ferry. Note that it doesn’t operate in the evening, so you’ll need to take a taxi to cross the bridge instead.

Take the Ferry from Portugal to Spain

If you’re on foot, there’s an easy way to get to Spain: the small ferry! It’s a lovely 15-minute boat ride where you can enjoy the view up the Guadiana River and across to both towns. Note that there’s a one-hour time difference between the two countries, and the time zone changes right in the middle of the river. When checking the ferry schedule, be aware of whether the departure time is listed in Spanish or Portuguese time.

On the Portuguese side, you can buy a ticket at the small ferry office right by the motorhome parking area. Payment is only in cash. On the Spanish side, the ticket office is right across the road from the ferry dock, and you can pay with both card and cash. The fare is 2.50 euros. Tickets can be purchased from about 15 minutes before departure on both sides.

Traveling from Seville or Huelva?

Buses run several times a day from Seville and Huelva. The fast bus from Seville to Ayamonte takes three hours and stops only in Huelva and Ayamonte. The bus between Huelva and Ayamonte takes an hour and a half and stops in Huelva as well as all the small towns on the way, including Corrales, Lepe, and Isla Cristina. Check the bus times here with the bus company Damas. You can purchase tickets on both buses, but only in cash.

Important: If you’re traveling from Seville to Ayamonte by bus, you can buy tickets at the station in Seville. Note that tickets may be sold out for the departure you want, so buy your ticket well in advance. Generally, it’s a good idea to arrive early for the bus. People line up continuously, and if there aren’t enough seats, you won’t get on the bus if you’re at the end of the line. There are no standing places.

Where to Stay in Ayamonte?

Ayamonte, with its charming city life and scenic surroundings, is a true Andalusian gem just waiting for you to visit. Our extended stay in the city provided us with a lifetime experience, and we will definitely return another time. Ayamonte is there, tempting with its charm. It’s easy to book a few nights on the way to Portugal – or just because.

The city boasts a range of lovely hotels, and if you wish to vacation in Ayamonte, there are several options for a comfortable stay. Most tourists opt to stay near the beautiful beaches, particularly in Isla Canela, which also features a popular golf course. Along the beach, you’ll find plenty of delightful beach hotels, which you can explore by clicking the link here: Beach Hotels in Isla Canela.

If you prefer to stay in the city, the best hotel in town, Hotel Parador de Ayamonte, offers the most splendid view of the river and over to Portugal. For a more budget-friendly option in Ayamonte, the hotel apartments in the old monastery, Posada El Convento Mercedario (pictured), are highly recommended. Here, you stay close to the center in fully equipped apartments with views of the city and the sunset from the rooftop bar.

You can see all other hotels in Ayamonte by clicking here. You can also perform your own search for hotels in Ayamonte right here:

Booking.com

Where We Stayed During Our Long Stay Holiday in Andalusia!

For us, it has always been a dream to travel south as winter approached in Denmark. Pack the suitcase, lock the door, and just head off to the light and warmth. In Ayamonte, we found the perfect town house that became the setting for our three-month workation.

The charming blue and white town house, Flor de Sal, is located right at the top of the town, overlooking the salt flats. From the top terrace, you can also see the large Guadiana River and across to Portugal, and south all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Inside, the charming decor was in the same blue and white color scheme, and it had everything we needed, including a workspace with a desk. In short, the house was everything we had been looking for: authentic, cozy, and with a private courtyard where we spent many hours grilling and just lounging in the afternoon sun. Read more about renting Flor de Sal by clicking on the pictures and links.