Must-See Attractions in Ayamonte, Spain: Explore This Charming Spanish Town! august 16, 2024 – Posted in: Spain, Travel – Tags: Andalusia, Archaeology, Attractions, Ayamonte, Hiking, History, Holiday, Spain, Vacation, Vila Real de Santo Antonio

Explore Ayamonte on Spain’s Costa de la Luz

Ayamonte is a small town located in the Huelva province at the far edge of Spain, right on the border with Portugal. The town welcomes visitors with a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. If you’re on a road trip through Andalusia or along the Algarve coast, be sure to stop by this beautiful town, as there is plenty to see and do.

We spent three months in Ayamonte during the winter of 2024. Seeking to escape the snow and cold, we found the perfect winter retreat. If you’ve been to Svendborg, where we usually live, you’ll be familiar with its size and pace. Here, life is lived the genuine Spanish way with equal parts festivity, coziness, and siesta.

Here, we share what to see on a trip to Ayamonte and what makes it such a delightful place. For even more inspiration on what to experience in Ayamonte, you can also check out: Información Turística Ayamonte, Cultura Ayamonte, Cultura Ayamonte, and InfoAyamonte.

8 Lovely Attractions in Ayamonte

1. The Old Town: History and Architecture

Ayamonte’s old town is like an open-air museum, where cobblestone streets and colorful houses reflect centuries of history. The oldest part of the town is situated on higher ground, as a safeguard against past sea and land battles. It’s worth putting on your walking shoes and starting the climb, as the view from here is nothing short of spectacular.

We had rented a small house, Flor de Sal, on Calle Oriente, and here you’ll find the most beautiful winding alleys that take you back in time. Here, at the highest point of the old town, there’s a splendid view over the salt flats and across to Portugal.

From here, it’s just a short walk down to the old bullring, Plaza de Toros de Ayamonte. Although the arena is no longer in use, you can enjoy the beautiful Moorish mosaics at the ticket office and the atmosphere of the small streets.

2. Castillo de Ayamonte: Historical Fortifications

From most squares in Ayamonte, you can get a good view of Castro Marim, the large castle on the Portuguese side. So, it’s not hard to imagine what the corresponding fortress might have looked like here in Ayamonte. But imagination is necessary, as there is not much left of the impressive structure, which you can see in old photographs.

If you walk from the bullring and continue up the hill, you’ll reach Hotel Parador de Ayamonte, where the Roman castle and medieval fortress once stood. Right next to the hotel, in La Rodadera, are the only remaining ruins of the castle, though they are privately owned and therefore not open to visitors. From the area around the El Salvador church, you can see the remnants of the old city wall. There isn’t much left, we know, and if you’re interested in history, we recommend a visit to Castro Marim instead! Read our guide here!

3. Plaza de la Laguna: Spanish City Life at Its Best!

From here, it’s just a short walk through the charming Calle Cristóbal Colón back to the town’s main square, Plaza de la Laguna. After the lovely walk, enjoy a coffee or a cold beer at one of the many delightful bars and cafés around Plaza de la Laguna. The square is lively all day with plenty of Spanish charm!

4. The Beaches: Miles of Gorgeous Sandy Shores

Ayamonte is a warm city during the summer months, and if you need to cool off, it’s good to know that the area offers some of the best bathing beaches. While Ayamonte itself is a bit inland, the nearby coastal towns of Isla Canela and Isla Cristina are easily reachable by bus, which runs all day. Here, you’ll find miles of white sandy beaches perfect for a swim.

5. Marismas de Isla Cristina Natural Park: The Treasure of the Ecosystem

After the sandy beaches, the magnificent nature is likely what attracts most tourists to Ayamonte. With its varied landscapes, Ayamonte offers all kinds of outdoor hobbies. You can sail, play golf, hike, mountain bike, rappel, fish, and birdwatch. There are several marked hiking trails around the city, and in fact, the city is just a stop along a vast trail system that takes you both up the river and around the coast.

For nature lovers, the Marismas de Isla Cristina Natural Park is especially a paradise. The large wetland at the Guadiana River delta attracts flamingos, storks, and countless migratory birds. The fascinating marshland features both saltwater lagoons and tricky waterholes, so stick to the trails.

6. Iglesia de las Angustias: A Gem of Andalusian Church Art

Back in the city, it’s time to visit the impressive church, Iglesia de las Angustias, which stands as a highlight of Andalusian Baroque architecture. The church, built in the 16th century, impresses with its detailed carvings, gilded ornaments, and paintings by local artist Francisco José de Goya.

7. Shopping in Ayamonte: Charming Shops and Local Delicacies

Of course, it’s not all about culture; there should also be time for some shopping! From the church, you’ll walk into a cozy network of small streets offering shops with clothing, shoes, and bags. Best of all is the city’s food market, Mercado de Abastos de Ayamonte, where you can find everything your heart desires in fruits and vegetables, meat, and fish. It is open every morning from 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM, except Sunday.

8. The Harbor: Promenade Walk and the Way to Portugal

End the day with the breathtakingly beautiful sunset from the promenade along the harbor. Here, you can meet the locals strolling along the water with an ice cream in hand, enjoying the cooling breeze from the Guadiana River.

It is also from here that the small ferry to Portugal departs, as seen in the picture above. Although Ayamonte is delightful, don’t miss a short trip to Portugal. Just across the brief ferry ride lies the charming tourist town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio and the impressive Castro Marim Castle within walking distance. You can read more about it here: Discover Vila Real de Santo Antonio: Top Sights, Shopping, Hiking and Restaurants

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.