Georgia and her son enjoying the southern Spanish sunshine on Isla Canela Beach.<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n

Why I went to Isla Canela<\/strong>
\nSpanish holidaymakers descend on this beautiful island resort for its deep, golden-sand beaches, superb seafood and stone\u2019s-throw distance from Ayamonte: a fishing town with a maze of narrow streets and a marina that buzzes with Andaluc\u00edan 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.<\/p>\n

My highlight of the trip<\/strong>
\nDespite being a fairly laid-back resort, Isla Canela is no stranger to a full-on street party, and by happy accident we\u2019d 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\u2019s high street. Cue a week of all-nighters. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

What else I love about Isla Canela<\/strong>
\nEating 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\u2019s 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, caf\u00e9-lined squares. I love that you never know what you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n