The World Words writers are a very well-travelled bunch. Our inteprid team explores new corners of our planet at every opportunity, thirsty to discover fresh cultures, unique people and unfamiliar experiences. This love of travel, combined with vast content writing experience, ensures the work we create is a cut above all of our competitors. On many occasions, our content is being created by writers who are currently experiencing their words first hand.
As our writers are so frequently on the road, we like sharing their experiences with our readers in the blog series Our Travels. This time, staff content writer Georgia shares her highlights of Isla Canela in Andalucía, Spain (it’s our second trip to the Iberian peninsula this year, after writer Sam’s voyage to Girona). Scroll down to read all about it.
Georgia and her son enjoying the southern Spanish sunshine on Isla Canela Beach.
Why I went to Isla Canela
Spanish holidaymakers descend on this beautiful island resort for its deep, golden-sand beaches, superb seafood and stone’s-throw distance from Ayamonte: a fishing town with a maze of narrow streets and a marina that buzzes with Andalucían charm. And while all of those things appeal, the main reason for this trip, my fourth to the island, was to catch up with my in-laws, who are fortunate enough to spend half the year living here.
My highlight of the trip
Despite being a fairly laid-back resort, Isla Canela is no stranger to a full-on street party, and by happy accident we’d timed this visit with a biggie: the Lady of Angustias festival. In true Spanish style, the annual fiesta lays on a week of live music, fireworks, pop-up bars and street food. Elaborate processions and traditional dress are central to the celebrations, but the main draw for the locals is a huge funfair just off Ayamonte’s high street. Cue a week of all-nighters. It’s all in aid of an iconic sculpture of Angustias that, so the local story goes, was fished from the sea by Spanish sailors in the 18th century and is still paraded through the streets as part of the festival today.
What else I love about Isla Canela
Eating out in Isla Canela is always a highlight. Chiringuitos serving net-fresh sea bass, fried anchovies and hearty stews of monkfish and local clams are dotted all the way along the island’s six kilometres of pristine beaches and wild sand dunes. The food scene is just as good across the river in the centre of Ayamonte, where alleyways lined with tapas bars jut off from sunny, café-lined squares. I love that you never know what you’ll find behind the unassuming doors, whether its tapas being served on enormous upturned barrels, thousands of wine bottles stacked floor to ceiling, or legs of Serrano ham strung up in every available space.
Isla Canela Beach was one of Georgia’s favourite discoveries during her stay.
Why you should go
Deep sandy beaches and authentic Andalucían cuisine are among Isla Canela’s biggest draws. And while it’s every inch a holiday resort, it’s Spanish families who make up the bulk of the tourists, making it a refreshingly off-the-radar destination for Brits. Another part of the town’s appeal is its close neighbours; Isla Canela is within day-tripping distance of both Seville and Jerez.
How you can visit
Isla Canela is 150 kilometres from Seville airport and reached on an easy, one-road journey along the A49. The closest airport isn’t actually in Spain at all, but in Portugal: Faro airport is just 50 kilometres over the international bridge that connects the two countries.
The World Worlds team often find themselves writing travel content about Spain – you can read some of our articles and guides on the country here. Keep up with our most recent adventures by following us on Twitter.
– Article written and photos supplied by Georgia Pierce.
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