If you have already explored the beaches and Moorish antiquities of Andalucia why not go inland and rural.

In the west of Andalucia in the province of Huelva is the area of the Minas de Rio Tinto - lunar geography, deserted old railway-line walks, dolmens and Roman remains: great walking territory.

We would particularly recommend the walks along the Rio Tinto and Rio Odiel, full of archaeological interest and natural beauty.

Best of all stay in a village such as Zalamea La Real, friendly, pretty and hardly a tourist in sight. We have stayed for three years in a Casa Rural, el Cortijo Zalamea, in fact the fully modernised barns of an old farm with orange groves. It is run by Marta and Mario who speak good English and are very helpful.

Furthermore, National Parks (Las Marismas in the South and Aracena in the North) are within easy driving distance. Buy a locally cured Jamon at El Villar before returning home.

El Cortijo Zalamea
Zalamea La Real 21640
Huelva

e-mail lopesigual@erasmas.net www.cortijozalamea.com

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Don't follow the crowds. Come instead to idyllic Isla Canela on the Portuguese border, 90km from Seville. 7km of uncrowded golden sands, terrific range of bars and restaurants, attractive marina. An exclusive resort set amongst natural spaces and in easy distance of delightful Andalucian villages, chief of which is the little Andalucian pueblo of Ayamonte, with palm fringed squares, cobbled streets, tapas bars and historic buildings. An hour from Donana National Park, teeming with indigenous wildlife. Less than 40 minute drive to 6 top-flight golf courses.

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The smart alternative to Tarifa! Isla Canela is at the far western end of the Costa de la Luz, and hasn't been hyped as much as Tarifa et al.

But it's on the Atlantic coast, so has good dependable winds and great beaches, making it the perfect spot for the expert and the novice alike. There are schools during the peak months, but the winter months attract the experienced who find this a good year-round venue. Lots of windsurfing and sailing opportunities as well, and superb golf courses if you fancy a change!

www.andaluciarentals.co.uk/Andalucia%20Watersports.htm

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A picturesque fishing port on the border of Spain and Portugal, at the far western end of the Costa de la Luz. Great for seafood, golf, bowling, kitesurfing, sailing ... phew!

Nearby Isla Canela is where the Spaniards go for THEIR holidays, but the rest of Europe seems to have missed it!

www.ayamonte.to/

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