Ayamonte information

The traditional Spanish town of Ayamonte is situated in the south west corner of Andalucia.   It is the last town before reaching the Portuguese Algarve.

Here you will find a wealth of activities to keep you busy, or a sun drenched beach to help you relax. This part of southern still retains the charm of yesteryear but also offers the visitor a dynamic and vibrant experience. New roads, transport links, shops and leisure facilities are all in and the area and it is beginning to get know out side Spain. The weather conditions are ideal for golf, not to hot in the summer, just look at other places in Spain this summer over 40 Celsius and not to cold in the winter. The Atlantic sea is clean and keeps the temperature in Ayamonte at approx. 30 Celsius in the summer that is really what we all like. Do not expect to find bars and restaurants with English breakfast signs and do not expect busloads of 2 weeks tourists arriving spoiling the peace. Ayamonte and area consists of private properties, houses and apartments. Golf Hotels yes as well as two beach hotels and a few town hotels. Ayamonte got plenty of excellent Spanish bars and restaurants, sea food is in plenty and most understand and speak English if needed. Ayamonte is one of the last chances for Spanish living and at the same time got the best climate in Europe. If you are keen to live close to other English then Costa Esuri just out side Ayamonte got new golf courses and a big selection of apartments and houses. To find a house or apartment in the center of Ayamonte for refurbishing is getting increasingly difficult but still possible. A few refurbished places can also be found.

Ayamonte is about one hour ten minutes drive from the beautiful Andalucian capital of Seville which has an international airport.   It is about forty five minutes drive from Faro airport international and the new airport in Lepe 15 minutes drive away will open soon.

 Ayamonte has a rich cultural history and throughout the year there are various exhibitions and concerts featuring local, national and international talent. There are various interesting old buildings and monuments dotted throughout the town.  The sports and leisure facilities are many and varied.  The local fiestas have to be experienced to be believed. Here are some of the dates that should not be missed:

Ayamonte 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.

End of February – Carnival. At the end of 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 center of Ayamonte, close to   “Plaza de la Laguna” ( Laguna Square).The church is a 16th. century baroque building which was built in honor of the “Virgen de las Angustias” (The Virgin Angustia).  The church is a 16th. century baroque building which was built in honor of the “Virgen 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 center 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 center where exhibitions and other cultural activities take place.  

Ayamonte Churches

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.

Places to visit

Ayamonte is in an excellent strategic position and is an ideal base.   You can easily get to many different, interesting places by car, ferry, bus or train.  When you feel like a change of country the ferry will take you the ten minute trip across the river Guadiana to the charming Portuguese town of Villa Real . The Spanish people cross the river to buy sheets, towels, Portugese wine (vinho verde, slightly sparkling white wine) and Port ( Oporto ).  There are several good restaurants in Villa Real serving local dishes such as “cataplana” (a tasty seafood and rice stew) or “frango piri piri” (spicy chicken).  The almond deserts and cakes are also delicious.

 

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