Things to do:  

Here are just a few suggestions for you........We thought we would just keep adding ideas as and when we do them ourselves...... and, as and when we get round to writing something about them!  Don't forget to have a good look at the guide books too.

In Spain

Ayamonte - take a walk around the old town, ogle the boats in the marina and dream, visit the morning market, have a coffee in one of the Plazas, climb to the viewpoint at sunset, try the wine, be adventurous with the tapas.  You could always do some of the above 'Portuguese style' by Jumping on the ferry and crossing the River Guadiana to Vila Real de Santo Antonio (only a 10 minute crossing).

Seville - One of Spain's most captivating cities and capital of Andalucía, home of the Alcázar (Moorish palace rich in decorative tiles and carved ceilings) and La Giralda (98m high mosque minaret, now the bell tower of Seville's cathedral).  Near the Cathedral, the Juderia's maze of white-walled alleys evokes the atmosphere of the Moorish city.  Famous for flamenco, bullfighting, its horse fair and the Holy Week processions of hooded penitents.  Have a look at http://www.sevilla.org/

Huelva - closest city to Ayamonte and the province's (Huelva) likeable capital.  A big port with all the associated industries, good shopping and some great Spanish architecture.

La Rábida - Columbus set sail from where!?  On the outskirts of Huelva there is a visitor centre and replicas of his ships.  Also well worth a guided tour around the monastery up the hill.

Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park - about three hours drive from here and maybe an overnight stop (needs a holiday of its own to be honest!).  It's very mountainous, green and dotted with attractive white villages........... fine walking country and one of Andalucía's most beautiful areas.

Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche - a smaller version of Grazalema, but much, much closer!  A favorite spot for us with many marked tracks for both walking and mountain biking.

River Guadiana - the river forms the southern part of the border between Spain and Portugal, take a trip on it and/or visit the villages and countryside by it.

We can recommend a fast boat trip up the river, or out to sea with Waterproof Adventures.  They set off from Punta del Moral (at the end of the island) and have a high powered rigid inflatable boat that takes a maximum of 12 people for a 90 minute spin (Tel: +34 650 493 002).

There are also bigger boat cruises up river with a stopover for lunch....if you prefer a more sedate pace!?!

Donãna National Park - under an hour away and a must.  If you want to do a guided trip in the heart of the reserve in big 4x4s you have to book well in advance (weeks), so let us know before your holidays and we can do it for you.  There are, however,  many great places to visit in the 'pre park' that are perhaps just as good and you don't need a guide.

Mines at Rio Tinto - the largest open cast mine in Europe I've been told.  Well, it's a big big hole with lots of Tonka toys and a train ride!

In Portugal

Silves - Restored red limestone walls of the castle dominate the Moorish capital of Al-Gharb ('The West'), surrounded by orange and lemon trees.  Holds the annual beer festival!

Mértola - Roman/Moorish castle and old town overlooking the Guadiana river.  A great place to lunch and visit the surrounding natural park and waterfall.

Tavira - Well worth a visit to this beautiful place.  The town is situated on the mouth of the river Gilão and the two sides are linked by a Roman Bridge.  It's full of great Portuguese architecture and alternative restaurants (half an hour away in the car).  

Cacela Velha - small village with a great view of the Ria Formosa (lagoon system) and beaches.  Take a short boat trip to the white sands.

Vila Real de Santo Antonio and Castro Marim - the two towns you can see across the river from Ayamonte.  Vila Real is a Portuguese version of Ayamonte, but with far more British tourists visiting from the neighboring resort of Monte Gordo.  Castro Marim has two castles, one of which has been well restored and holds a very atmospheric medieval festival at the end of August (highly rated by me!).

Monte Gordo - alot of people visit here on package deals from the U.K.  I have to admit at being occasionally attracted to the curry houses and pubs!  The beach is good.

The reservoir at Odeleite - take a break from the beach and go swimming in fresh water!  A couple of good local restaurants to be found.

BIRDS & BIRDING - have a look at our notes and see the trip reports for southern Spain and Portugal at http://www.birdtours.co.uk/

WILD FLOWERS - Spring flowers are out as early as February and well worth visiting just to see them........it's a different place in the summer!

MOUNTAIN BIKING & WALKING - This is what we get up to most weekends!  Spoilt for choice with all sorts of places to explore both for the experienced and not so.  We'd be happy to make suggestions and could even arrange to drop you off and/or pick you up.  Bike hire is about 12 euros per day.

FISHING - A number of boats go from both Isla Christina and Vila Real.  Some of the boats are even British owned and seem to be very popular.  Ask if you want us to find out more.

GOLF -Spoilt for choice with the closest course being 5mins away on Isla Canela....and then there's the whole of the Algarve.  Ask if you want us to find out more.

BEACHES - Endless!

WINDSURFING, KITE SURFING, SAILING, CANOEING & SURFING - Kite surfing and windsurfing are very popular here.  The area often gets strong SW winds.  There is a sailing school nearby which is open in the summer months and runs  reasonably priced courses (windsurfing - 10 hours for 90€; catamaran sailing - 10 hours for 130€; kite surfing - 8 hours for 180€...all prices as of 2002) as well as renting out a variety of equipment (including canoes).  When the wind blows from the SE (Levant) the surf gets bigger........but not big enough here for surfing professionals unfortunately!

TENNIS - There is a friendly tennis club just outside Ayamonte.  Courts are roughly £4 per hour.

FESTIVALS, FAIRS AND MARKETS - Oodles!  I'm still trying to get a list of the most popular ones.......