Ayamonte

Ayamonte sits quietly where the Guadiana River meets the Atlantic, acting as a historical and geographical getaway to Spain directly facing the Portuguese Algarve. The town is a striking cluster of whitewashed houses that spills down the hill toward the sea, retaining the look and feel of a quintessential Andalucía fishing port.

Perched at the highest point, on the ruins of an ancient Roman fort, the view point offers a stunning, essential panorama of the wide river estuary and the coast beyond. Below, the narrow streets of the historic quarter are a museum of architecture, featuring everything from Mudejar churches to the grand "Nabob houses"-mansions built by wealthy merchants returning from Americas.

Its identity is also shaped by the surrounding nature: the extensive Marismas del Guadiana wetlands are a protected natural reserve. For a taste of history, the local cuisine highlights fresh seafood, with the menu subtly borrowing rich flavors and almond-based sweets from its neighbor across the water.