Ayamonte is a fishing port
located in the far west of Andalusia, situated on the estuary
of the Río Guadiana, the second longest river in Europe
which forms the border with Portugal. Ayamonte is about 25 miles
west of Huelva. 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 city and Seville.
The attractive fishing port and resort
of Ayamonte is remniscent of towns in neighbouring Portugal with
tiled plazas lined with trees, restaurants and bars. There are
neatly whitewashed houses, pleasant squares and Baroque churches.
There is also a beautiful promenade along the harbour which is
lined with palm trees called the Paseo de la Ribera, as well
as stepped streets that are very steep, and some aristocratic
mansions and palaces. In the old town is the 15th century Iglesia
de San Salvador, from its tower are superb views across to Portugal.
Ayamonte is surrounded by protected areas teeming with wildlife.
The Marismas del Guadiana, the marshes of the Guadiana estuary,
are rich in birdlife, including herons, storks and flamingos.
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