Activities
For those of you who would like to explore further than the golf course or the beach, there are numerous places to visit and other attractions within easy access of Nuevo Portil.
Huelva is the closest city to Nuevo Portil and can be reached by road in around 20 minutes. It is a large, sprawling, industrial city with a population of 141,000. The city centre is pleasant with excellent shopping facilities including two large hypermarkets. Huelva claims to be a “Flamenco Capital” and many of the buildings and monuments dating back to the 15th century still remain. It is also a mecca for those interested in Christopher Columbus and there are several tourist attractions in Huelva dedicated to the famous explorer.
Just east of Huelva is the local town of Matalascañas which is packed with local restauraunts and a 15km drive from El Rocio from where you can enter the Coto Donana national park.
Donana is also well-known for it's exceptional variety of birds. Some are permanent and others winter visitors from the colder regions of Europe. You can observe numerous species of geese and colonies of flamingo in the park,some of which have come from Africa as summer visitors. Also found in the park are buzzards and lynx amongst the beautiful scenery which includes marshlands, pine forests, sand dunes and freshwater lakes.
It is possible to take a half-day trip around the park with an official guide or explore the area on foot. The trips start at 0830 and 1700 daily (except Sundays) from 1 June to 15 December and at 0830 and 1500 daily (except Mondays) throughout the rest of the year. Full day trips can be organised for groups. The visitors centre “El Rocina” is situated close to El Rocio. Here there is an audio visual tour and a nature trail. It is recommended that you book your visit as entrance to the park is strictly controlled. For more information call the visitors centre on +34 959 430432.
Across the Odiel estury from Huelva you can reach the Marismas del Odiel, a wetland reserve which stretches 72 sq km. The marshes are unspoilt and have an abundant variety of birdlife. They can be spotted from a road that runs 20km along the length of the marshes. In the winter months there are up to 1000 greater flamingos and 400 pairs of spoonbill which are said to be around one third of the entire European population. Heron, Grey Heron and Osprey can also be observed here. The winter months of November, December and January are a good time to see the birdlife and wildfowl as the autumn rain will have brought the marshlands back to life. Throughout the year the area is also an ideal breeding ground for waders and terns.
Along the northern border of Huelva province are the Sierra de Aracena which boast pine-covered mountains and low populated valley. Deer, wild boar and eagles can be seen here.
A further 40 minute drive from Huelva brings you to the historic, vibrant city of Seville. Seville lies of the banks of the Guadalquivir river and is one of the largest historical centres in Europe. Included in the impressive historic treasures of Seville are the minaret of La Girlada, the cathedral (one of the largest in Christendom), the Alcazar Palace, Casa de Pilatos, the Town Hall, Archive of the Indies (this is where the historical records of the American Continent are housed), and many other convents churches and palaces. Don't miss the Santa Cruz quarter with its cramped streets, flowered balconies and richly decorated facades. In the old city you will find the Casa de Pilatos where you can see Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance styles blending harmoniously amidst magnificent gardens. If you cross the Triana bridge over the Guadalquivar River you will come to the lively and poplular quarter of Triana which houses traditional ceramic factories amongst its narrow streets around the church of Santa Ana.
The city of Seville is credited with the invention of tapas. Here there are more than a thousand bars where the choice of food is virtually unlimited: seafood, fish, cheeses,vegetables, sausage, ham and other meats. It is a tradition to make a meal of the tapas - moving from bar to bar trying out a different dish in each one! Washed down with an excellent local wine this can make an inexpensive but satisfying lunch or dinner.
As well as all its important monuments and fascinating history, Seville is also known for its vitality and Sevillians are well known for their wit and sparkle.
Closer to home, there is a water park and go-karting track a 10-minute drive from Nuevo Portil which are open during the summer months (June to September). From there the small fishing village of El Rompido can be reached. Here you can find some very good restaurants as well as some beach bars with excellent, good value local cuisine and fresh fish. Sit on the terrace outside and watch the fishermen come and go. This is a particularly lovely setting to spend a long, lazy lunch-time!
To the west of Nuevo Portil (around a 40-minute drive) lies the town of Ayamonte, the border town between Spain and Portugal. An impressive bridge across the Guardiana river links the two countries or you can take a short ferry ride into Portugal. The town of Ayamonte typifies the ambience and architecture of this region of Spain. It is full of the classic whitewashed houses and picturesque streets we associate with the “real Spain”. With it's winding, narrow streets and large impressive squares,
Ayamonte has an excellent array of shops and restaurants. It is a short distance from Isla Canela (as featured in the golf and beach section).
Across the border you can visit the most beautiful section of the Portuguese Algarve. The lovely town of Tavira is a short trip away.
Home Page › Activities
Home Page | House | Golf | Beaches | Activities | More Information
Dining Out | Directions | Prices | Links© Guy and Jo Hirst 2005-2011 ::: jojohirst@googlemail.com (+44) (0)7774 138322