Situated in the province of Huelva, Ayamonte is a quintessential Spanish town surrounded by wetlands and just 7 kilometres from the beach. Its low-rise, whitewashed houses and cobbled streets are set against a picturesque marina and the expansive Guadiana estuary. Living in Ayamonte offers a blend of modern and traditional Spanish living, with Portugal just across the water.
Is Ayamonte a nice place to live?
With a population of around 20,000, Ayamonte provides residents with a warm Mediterranean climate. Here, on the Costa de la Luz, the winters are mild, and there are plenty of sunny days throughout the year.
The town's cheerful atmosphere and colourful history and culture make living in Ayamonte an appealing choice for those seeking an authentic Andalusian experience. Places to note include Plaza de la Coronación, a social hub flanked by palm trees and lined with bars and restaurants. Plaza de la Laguna is considered the heart of the town, a pretty square dotted with citrus fruit trees where the town hall stands.
Ayamonte is uniquely surrounded by water, including the Guadiana River, the Isla Cristina wetlands, and the ocean. Its proximity to Portugal also means residents can enjoy the best of both Spanish and Portuguese culture, cuisine, and scenery.
Beach access and things to do
Just 7 km away lies Isla Canela, known for its expansive, natural beaches and opportunities for water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing. These beaches are among the most popular on the Costa de la Luz thanks to their blue, crystalline waters.
For wildlife lovers, the Isla Cristina wetlands serve as an important bird refuge, offering bird-watching stations with viewpoints over the salt marshes. You’ll find Isla Canela Golf Course amid the nature preserve, and Costa Esuri Golf Club is located a little further inland on the riverbanks.
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of the town’s biggest annual events, recognised as one of Spain’s most beautiful Easter events. Ayamonte's colourful annual carnival is another event to put in the diary.
When it comes to enjoying the local cuisine, there are plenty of seafood restaurants, as well as traditional Spanish bars and a few late-night haunts to hang out in. Ayamonte also has a shopping centre and an indoor market with a greengrocer, fishmongers, bakery, and more. However, if you're seeking a location with more shopping and leisure options within easy reach, living in nearby Islantilla may suit you better.
Pros and cons of living in Ayamonte
Ayamonte presents a mix of benefits and challenges for potential residents looking to buy property here or relocate.
Living in this corner of Andalusia certainly has its benefits, including:
- Authentic Spanish living: the town retains a traditional, unspoiled feel that is not dominated by tourism.
- Cultural richness: with Portugal just a ferry ride away, cross-border exploration is easy and cheap.
- Coastal and riverine appeal: located by both the river and sea, Ayamonte offers a unique setting for outdoor activities.
However, there are drawbacks to living in Ayamonte:
- Public transport and accessibility: public accessibility to wider countryside areas could be improved, and infrastructure in certain areas may benefit from upgrading.
- Limited amenities: as a smaller town, Ayamonte may lack some of the amenities and services found in larger urban areas.
Ayamonte: property for sale and rentals
Whether looking to buy, rent, or lease short-term, there’s a wide selection of Ayamonte homes available in the historic centre and the surrounding areas. The real estate market caters to diverse needs, with options ranging from traditional terraced houses to large villas. Rent prices averaged €8.4 m2, or around €672 per month for an 80 m2 apartment, as of March 2025. However, these could change, as house prices in Ayamonte saw a significant increase during 2024.
Ayamonte Pueblo
This inland area of Ayamonte features a mix of traditional whitewashed houses for sale in the historic centre and stand-alone villas located slightly to the east of the town in Pozo del Camino. Ayamonte’s cheap properties tend to be found in the centre around the marina.
Isla Canela
If you prefer to have the beach on your doorstep, Isla Canela has long lets with sea views, plus holiday rentals that accommodate large groups. Properties for sale along this coastal stretch range from modern apartments in residential complexes known as urbanisations to luxury villas on the seafront.
Costa Esuri
This area is popular with the golf community thanks to its proximity to the golf course. It is located just north of Ayamonte's centre, along the river and is made up of large villas and flats in urbanisations. If you’re looking for a finca for sale in Ayamonte, this is most likely where you’ll find it.
Living as an expat in Ayamonte
Firstly, Ayamonte is a great place to call your base from which you head out to explore both Spain and Portugal. You also have the beach just down the road or on your doorstep, depending on where you choose to settle. Travelling across the Guadiana International Bridge or taking a ferry costing just €2.50 allows easy access to Portugal. Plus, Faro International Airport is less than an hour away, making travel within Europe hassle-free.
Ayamonte promises a welcoming environment for exapts with integration support. The Andalucian Council offers a teletranslation service for non-Spanish-speaking patients in the healthcare system. Nearby Huelva provides international and bilingual school options, and additional educational facilities can be found in Tavira, Portugal, just a half-hour drive away.
Ayamonte's international community is small, but the town retains its unspoiled, authentic Spanish character. This is why some foreigners, who like to feel like locals, choose to move to this part of Spain and integrate into the friendly community.