ayamonte
By Saskia Mier
Coronation Square, Ayamonte
Ayamonte is situated on the estuary of theGuadiana River, second longest river in Europe. Ayamonte's development has been inextricably linked to its position on the border with Portugal and has more foreign tourists than other locations on theCosta de la Luz, partly due to its proximity to the Algarve and its position far west on the Andalusian coast. It has about 19,600 inhabitants.
HISTORY
Several settlements have populated Ayamonte including Iberians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs. There are a few possible suggestions as to the origin of the name however it is mainly believed to have come from the mound on which Iberians settled called"Aya"('mound' in Ibero), to which the Romans later called itMount AyaorAya Montis.
In 1239,King Sancho II of Portugalreconquered Ayamonte, giving protection and privileges to theOrder of Santiagoand the village passed from one crown to the other due to its geographical proximity to the border and politics at the time.
In 1335, Ayamonte passes to Castillian hands, under the reign ofAlfonso XI of Castille, creating theMarquis of Ayamonte, which until then belonged to theCount of Niebla.
Like other nearby villages, Ayamonte actively collaborated in the discovery and colonization of the American continent andChristopher Columbusreceived enormous welcome and support from marine expert,Rodrigo de Jerez, a local from Ayamonte.
In 1664,King Felipe IVgranted Ayamonte city title, due both to its border with Portugal, and its participation in the discovery of America.
In the nineteenth century, the shortage of agricultural and livestock products, led to locals having to turn to fishing as source of income.
In 1991, an impressive new suspension bridge was opened two kilometres north of Ayamonte that took away the town's cross-border traffic on what is now a motorway linking the Algarve with Huelva and Seville. The journey from Ayamonte to Faro on the Algarve now takes a mere 45 minutes.
Hotels in Ayamonte
Book Hotels in Ayamonte
Located in the centre of Ayamonte, 100 metres from the Guadiana River, Hotel Luz de Guadiana offers free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Featuring marble floors and wooden furniture, the rooms at Hotel Luz de Guadiana have a TV and work desk. They are also heated.
Hotel Riavela is located in one of the oldest parts of Ayamonte. It offers bright, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, a TV, minibar and a private bathroom.
Breakfast is served at the Riavela and there is a snack bar where guests can enjoy light refreshments and sandwiches 24 hours a day.
The Parador de Ayamonte enjoys superb views of the river Guadiana and the Algarve. It has a seasonal swimming pool and a restaurant. Rooms have views over the river, the garden or the swimming pool. All are spacious and have air conditioning. The large windows let in plenty of light. WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
The Hotel Ayamonte Center is located in central Ayamonte, Huelva, next to the park and near the picturesque Guadiana River, as well as being close to the Portuguese border and numerous leisure activities.
Holiday Apartments to rent in Ayamonte
Book Holiday Apartments in Ayamonte
Featuring a garden, an outdoor pool and pool views, Apartamento Jardines del Guadiana is set in Ayamonte. The property is 39 km from El Rompido and free private parking is featured.
Situated in Ayamonte, Atico Guadiana features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The property is 39 km from El Rompido and free private parking is available.
Two-Bedroom Apartment in Ayamonte
Set in Ayamonte in the AndalucÃa region, Two-Bedroom Apartment in Ayamonte features a terrace. The air-conditioned accommodation is 39 km from El Rompido, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
Esuri Coast, Albatross Golf 1 Ayamonte
Featuring accommodation with a private pool, river view and a balcony, Costa Esuri, Albatros Golf 1 Ayamonte is located in Ayamonte. The air-conditioned accommodation is 40 km from El Rompido, and guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking available on site.
Located in Ayamonte, Costa Esuri, Ayamonte offers an outdoor pool and a restaurant. The property is 4.7 km from Isla Canela Golf Course.
Set in Ayamonte, this air-conditioned apartment is 41 km from Huelva. Guests benefit from terrace and an outdoor pool.
THINGS TO SEE
Village life in Ayamonte
Temple of Our Lady of Mercy
The temple once formed part of a large convent founded byDon Pedro PÃĐrez Masterin 1640. The original convent was calledConvent and Church of the Holy Trinity of Discalced Religious of Our Lady of Mercy and Redemption of Captives. Located on Calle Jovellanos.
Church of Our Lady of Sorrows
The church was built in the fifteenth century over the remains of a small chapel. It has undergone several restorations, especially after the Lisbon earthquake in 1755. Located on Calle Angustias.
Hermitage of San Antonio
The chapel was founded in the sixteenth century by the guild of sailors whose income was financed, so it is believed that the wood used in the chapel may be from a tropical tree as the species could not be found. Located on Calle San Antonio.
Church of Our Lady of the Savior
The Mudejar church was built in 1400 substituting a primitive temple. It has undergone several restorations, especially after the Lisbon earthquake in 1755. Located in Plaza del Salvador.
San Francisco Temple
The temple belonged to a Franscican convent founded in 1417. It housed theSacred Relic of the Holy Shroudtaken there byDon Francisco de GuzmÃĄn, Marquis of Ayamontein 1578. Located on Calle San Francisco.
Parish of San Vicente de Paul
The chapel was built in the twentieth century to accommodate the increasing population that lived in this part of the city. Located on Calle Benavente.
Our Lady of El Socorro Chapel
The chapel belonged to the children's hospital of Ayamonte and theVirginwas taken here after her original chapel had been destroyed. Calle Galdames.
Blessed Santa Angela de la Cruz Parish
Inaugurated on 27 October 1985, the chapel was built by locals from a warehouse. Located on Calle Sor EloÃsa.
Convent of the Sisters of the Cross
The convent was built in 1639 and in 1878 came to the convent that was previously known asConvent of Santa Clara de AsÃs. Located Santa Clara.
City hall
The town hall has two parts; one from the eighteenth century and the other from 1950-1960. The interior is decorated with tiles from Seville. Located in Plaza de La Laguna.
Bullring
The bullring was built in 1852 and remodelled in 1952. Located on Calle Marte.
Bus station
The bus station is built in the early twentieth century where the previous train station was located. Located on Avenida Cayetano Feu.
Food Market
The covered market was built specifically for commercial use. The ground floor has food stalls and the first floor has private shops and services. Located on Calle Prudencio G PallarÃĐs.
The Pillar of the Villa
A large twentieth century water fountain originally used by local livestock. Located on Calle Gualdames.
Cardenio Theater
The theatre was built in 1950 and was used as a cinema until it became too expensive and currently only acts as a theatre for cultural acts. Located on Calle MÃĐdico Rey GarcÃa.
Customs Building
The building was built as a customs house in 1940. Currently it is home to the local television station. Located on Calle Muelle de Portugal.
Big house
The house was built in 1745 byDon Manuel Rivero. Decorated with true Andalusia style, the house has three floors and hold many rooms including auditorium and library. Located on Calle Huelva.
Opening Times:
Monday-Friday, 09:00-14:00hrs and 16:00-20:30hrs (Winter)
Saturday, 10:00-14:00hrs (Winter)
Monday-Friday, 10:00-14:00hrs and 19:00-21:00hrs (Summer)
Saturday, 10:00-14:00hrs (Summer)
Price:Free Entrance
Tel:959 47 06 25
Email: [emailprotected]
Jovellanos Building
The building is used for municipal information, courses and art exhibitions etc. It also has a museum calledBrotherhood Museum. Located on Calle Jovellanos.
Opening Times:
Monday-Friday, 10:00-12:30hrs and 18:30-20:30hrs
Price:Free Entrance
Tel:959 32 21 51
Museum of the Brotherhood of the Holy Burial of Christ and Holy Mary in her Solitude
The religious museum is situated within theSan Francisco Temple. Located on Calle San Francisco.
Opening Times:
Monday-Friday, 10:30-13:30hrs and 17:30-20:30hrs
Price:1.50 euros
Tel:633 58 94 15
Dolls Museum
The museum displays a huge variety of dolls. Located on Calle San Pedro.
Opening Times:
Monday-Sunday, 11:00-13:30hrs and 18:00-20:00hrs (Easter)
Monday-Sunday, 11:00-13:30hrs and 19:30-21:30hrs (July and August)
Saturday, 11:00-13:00hrs (Rest of the year, Saturdays)
Price:Adult, 2.00 euros, Children, 1.00 euro
Tel:696 81 33 24/646 14 12 83
Email:[emailprotected]
Zoological Park
A small zoo located in Ayamonte's central botanical gardens on Avenida Alcalde Narciso MartÃn Navarro. The small zoo had economic problems and has taken the decision to close. By April 2019 some of the animals had been relocated and the zoo will only remain open until all the animals are relocated.
Opening Times:
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00-20:00hrs
Price:Free Entrance
Tel:959 32 07 37
Plazas
The centre is a good place to take a leisurely stroll, as many of its narrow streets are pedestrianised. These link small, pretty plazas (squares), which are tucked away but full of busy pavement cafÃĐs and bars serving great seafood characteristic of theHuelva Costa de la Luz. Visit the elegantLagoon Square, for a good choice of eating places with outdoor seating. From theBastion Squareyou can see thedefensive wall, a defensive wall built to protect the church. Ayamonte has many squares worth visiting for each one's uniqueness and originality.
THINGS TO SEE OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel
The chapel was built for worship and education in the twentieth century for those who lived far away from the centre of the Ayamonte.
Amador Jimenez Municipal Auditorium
Was previously the local slaughterhouse and dates to the beginning of the twentieth century. It was later restored to accommodate cultural events. Located on Pista de Valdivia.
Ferry to Portugal
Ferries still go toReal Villagein Portugal with the boat companyTransport of the Guadiana, which runs regular boats from themuelle de portugalin the centre of Ayamonte. FromReal Villagethere are frequent buses to the Algarve. In the winter one ferry boat makes about 12 crossings a day each way from 09:30-19:00 hrs and departing on the hour from Ayamonte and on the half hour from Vila Real. In the summer two boats make about 25 crossings each way a day from 09:30-21:00 on the hour and on the half hour.
NATURAL AREAS
Ayamonte is surrounded by protected areas teeming with wildlife. TheGuadiana marshes, the marshes of theGuadianaestuary, are rich in birdlife, including herons, storks and flamingos.
BEACHES
Ayamonte has two beaches nearby:Cinnamon IslandandPoint of Morale.More >
GASTRONOMY
Ayamonte has a specific gastronomy very much influenced by the proximity to neighbouring Portugal such asCod Portuguese(Portuguese cod) andrice with chestnuts(chestnut rice). Due to its location, fish and seafood is a must, includingtuna mojama(tuna),grilled sardines or in "solipÃĐ"(sardines),dried tuna roe(tuna roe),anchovies in vinegar(anchovies in vinegar) androll with tomatoes(dogfish in tomato). As for sweet treats, there is a huge variety to choose from, all mainly elaborated with almonds which is very typical from Portugal.
HANDICRAFTS
Ayamonte is most known for its hand-carved picture frames, the making of carpets and other fabrics, as well as pottery. One must not forget the tradition of the homemade pies and cakes, seen in"Belgian Pastry".
FESTIVALS
Carmen festivities
Celebrated on the 16 July in the fishing neighbourhood ofCanela slum.
Festivities in Honor of San Antonio de Padua
Celebarted during the first two weeks of June inPunta del Moral neighborhood.
Festivities in honor of Maria Auxiliadora
Celebrated during the last two weeks of June inPozo del Camino neighborhood.
Festivities in Honor of Our Lord and Savior
Celebrated during the first week of August inLa Villa neighborhood.
Festivities in honor of Our Lady La Virgen de las Angustias
Celebrated the first week of September.
Festivity of San Diego de AlcalÃĄ is Patron and Lawyer of Ayamonte
Celebrated on the 13 November.
LOCATION
Ayamonte is located 51km from Huelva. To get there, take the A-497 west leaving Huelva and onto the A-492. Join onto the A-49 west towards Portugal. Take Exit 125 onto the A-499 and join the N-431 until you reach Ayamonte.
Hover the cursor over Ayamonte to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page.
FAQs
Ayamonte | andalucia.com? âš
Whether you're searching for the countryside, beach, river, marshes or a slice of the city life, Ayamonte has it all. Although the town is most famously known for its beautifully vast beaches with large expanses of sand and sea, there is so much more to discover here.
Is Ayamonte Spain worth visiting? âšWhether you're searching for the countryside, beach, river, marshes or a slice of the city life, Ayamonte has it all. Although the town is most famously known for its beautifully vast beaches with large expanses of sand and sea, there is so much more to discover here.
Is Ayamonte safe? âšIs it Safe to Travel to Ayamonte? Our best data indicates this area is generally safe.
Is Ayamonte in Spain or Portugal? âšAyamonte (Spanish pronunciation: [aĘaËmonte]; Portuguese: Aiamonte) is a town and municipality of Spain belonging to the province of Huelva, Andalusia. It is located near the border with Portugal on the mouth of the Guadiana River.
How far is Ayamonte from the beach? âšPlaya Isla Canela
Isla Canela is the nearerst beach resort, just five minutes' drive away from the centre of Ayamonte.