The Guadiana River & Western Andalucia

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8 Days from £779 | April, May, September 779

Your holiday base is the 4* Playamarina Hotel on Punta del Moral on Isla Canela in Spain, just over the Portuguese border. There are guided walks in the Natural Park area of the Donana, the Flecha del Rompido Nature Reserve and a walk and boat trip along the banks of the Rio Guadiana. In your free time you can relax and enjoy the surroundings of your hotel or take an optional excursion to the Rio Tinto mines.

Extend your holiday – extra week’s stay available in resort.

The Guadiana River & Western Andalucia

Past Customer Satisfaction Score for this holiday* - 89%
* as measured from holiday questionnaires - see FAQ for details

  • 7 nights hb in Isla Canela
  • Three varied walking excursions
  • Guadiana River boat trip

DAY ONE: Flight to Faro in Portugal and transfer to your hotel on Isla Canela in Spain for seven nights half board accommodation. The transfer takes around an hour, but you have to put your watches on an hour when you cross the Guadiana which is the border.

Coastal Western Andalucia is defined by its magnificent wetlands of marshes, shallow rivers and sand dunes. The largest is the Donana Natural Park formed in the delta of the Guadalquivir. Between here and the Portuguese border, smaller nature reserves surround the mouths of the Odiel and Piedras rivers near Huelva. On the border itself where your hotel is, the Rio Guadiana is the major influence on the ecosystem and feeds the marshes in both countries. Local flora and fauna is always a major attraction of any walk, and, given the abundance of birdlife in the area, one of the walks majors on the birdlife of the Rio Piedras.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: In resort with three included guided walks. There is plenty to do in your free time. The front of the hotel looks across to the thriving fishing village and marina of Punta del Moral. You can have a pleasant stroll around the harbour or take a little ferry ride across to Isla Cristina. There is also a short signed-posted walk near the hotel into the Isla Canela ‘Marismas’ (marshes). The rear of the hotel backs on to the promenade from where there are wooden boardwalks across the dunes to the beach and the sea which provide a heavenly environment for your morning constitutional. Walking past the inviting chiringuito (beach bar) might be difficult!

There is a frequent bus service which makes the 5-mile journey to Ayamonte on the Guadiana river. Ayamonte is a bustling ‘frontier’ town with a compact old centre, marina and port. The ‘frontier’ is the river and for under 3 euros you can get a return ferry across to the pretty town of Vila Real de San Antonio in Portugal. If you can find the time, a complimentary 1 ½ hour circuit of the hotel’s extensive spa facilities is included for you!

Walk 1: Alcoutim & the Guadiana River. We head across the river by coach to Portugal and north to Alcoutim (33 miles).The picturesque river town of Alcoutim has a Spanish twin right on the other side, Sanlucar de Guadiana. The circular walk goes along the river´s edge using the “Via Algarviana”, a trail that crosses the whole Algarve and then through reforested pine wood and Mediterranean oaks. 5.3 miles and ascent/ descent about 150m. You have time to visit the castle in Alcoutim and lunch before taking a lazy 3-hour boat cruise down the beautiful Guadiana river to Ayamonte.

Walk 2: The Rio Piedras and Flecha del Rompido Nature Reserve. 30-mile transfer to the beginning of your walk. You will need your binoculars today. You visit the marshes of El Rompido doing a level walk through the pinewood, the salt marsh and a fish farm. The area is full of birds and wildflowers and the headland where the lighthouse is located offers one of the most beautiful views of the estuary. This 5-mile walk ends in the attractive fishing village of El Rompido where there is plenty of free time for lunch. Or, bring a packed lunch and take a ferry trip on your own across to the 10-mile long sandspit and swim in the open sea. Several protected species live in the dunes of the singular sandspit in a special ecosystem: among others the Stone Curlew, Kentish Plover, Dartford Warbler and the European Chameleon. You return to the hotel by coach, arriving back at approx. 1630.

Walk 3: Donana & El Rocio. Travel east by coach past Huelva to the start of your walk in the Natural Park area of the Donana (67 miles). This walk is through pinewoods across the dunes to the sea – but dunes here aren’t quite what you think! They are ancient sand deposits rising to 100m offering great views of the sea and the pine forests behind. Just over 4 miles with ascent/descent of 75m. You then travel to the strange town of El Rocio (15 miles away), which seems like something out of the Tex-Mex West, with clapboard houses, sand covered squares and avenues and rails to tie your horse to! But this is no tourist movie set – in fact it is a major pilgrimage site. Your walking guide will take you on a short walk featuring the major sites of this fascinating town and there is free time for lunch here before returning to your hotel.

During your stay in Isla Canela there is also an optional excursion to the Rio Tinto Mines. There has been mining in the hills 80 miles north-east of Isla Canela for over 5000 years. In the museum in the town of Rio Tinto there is an excellent re-creation of the Roman mine. There is British influence in many parts of Spain but nowhere as pronounced than in this remote corner of Andalucia. The pinnacle of mining in the area began in 1873 with the arrival of the British Rio Tinto Mining Company Ltd who paid £3.68 million for the rights to exploit the disused copper mines. The company employed up to 20,000 men, laid 300km of rail track, built houses for employees and management, a Protestant church and a Social Club which had a cricket team and introduced football to Spain. The museum is housed in the company’s hospital and its offices are now the town hall. Highlight of the tour is the rail journey through the open cast mines where you’ll see an amazing ‘Martian’ landscape with the red (bright red!) Rio Tinto river running through it.

DAY EIGHT: Transfer back to Faro Airport for your flight home. You can put your watch back an hour after crossing the river.

Extend your holiday – extra week’s stay available in resort.

If you have friends who are not walkers interested in this itinerary, we also offer it with a touring programme.

 

The Guadiana River & Western Andalucia

Past Customer Satisfaction Score for this holiday* - 89%
* as measured from holiday questionnaires - see FAQ for details

HOTEL PLAYAMARINA SPA ****, Punta del Moral, Isla Canela (seven nights)
An excellent hotel in a quiet position located between the beach and the marina on Punta del Moral. The hotel has a buffet restaurant with show cooking, indoor and outdoor pool. There is also a spa (a free 1 ½ circuit is included for you), bar and entertainment on most evenings. Rooms have bath with shower over and separate shower and wc, hairdryer, LCD tv, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and safe (chargeable), terrace or balcony. Free Wi-Fi in reception (30 mins) – chargeable in room. (http://www.playasenator.com/en/hotels/playamarina-spa-hotel/)
Past Customer Satisfaction Score for this hotel* - 87%
*as measured from holiday questionnaires - see FAQ for details
Walking Holiday - The Guadiana River & Western Andalucia
Holiday code: 7WGR
Supplements per person:
Single Room: £140
Sea View Twin/Double Room: £50
Extra week: £270
Supplements on some holidays vary by departure date - the applicable price will be shown when booking.

Fly FromDateDaysAirlineDep.Rtn.AvailabilityPriceFly ToSingle

AberdeenTue 30/04/20198Ryanair11551130On request839Faro140 (on request)20ABZ17WGRF1

Belfast IntlTue 30/04/20198Easyjet10351710On request779Faro140 (on request)20BFS17WGRF1

Belfast IntlThu 09/05/20198Easyjet10351710Places Available789Faro14024BFS17WGRF2

Belfast IntlThu 16/05/20198Easyjet10351710Places Available799Faro14025BFS17WGRF3

Belfast IntlThu 12/09/20198Easyjet10351710Places Available829Faro14031BFS17WGRF4

Belfast IntlThu 19/09/20198Easyjet10351710Places Available809Faro14040BFS17WGRF5

Belfast IntlThu 26/09/20198Easyjet10351710Places Available779Faro14048BFS17WGRF6

BirminghamTue 30/04/20198Ryanair10551030On request779Faro140 (on request)20BHX17WGRF1

BirminghamThu 09/05/20198Jet208151500Places Available829Faro14024BHX17WGRF2

BirminghamThu 16/05/20198Jet208151500Places Available839Faro14025BHX17WGRF3

BirminghamThu 12/09/20198Jet208151500Places Available869Faro14031BHX17WGRF4

BirminghamThu 19/09/20198Jet208151500Places Available849Faro14040BHX17WGRF5

BirminghamThu 26/09/20198Jet208151500Places Available819Faro14048BHX17WGRF6

BristolTue 30/04/20198Easyjet06501240On request779Faro140 (on request)20BRS17WGRF1

BristolThu 09/05/20198Easyjet06501240Places Available789Faro14024BRS17WGRF2

BristolThu 16/05/20198Easyjet06501240Places Available799Faro14025BRS17WGRF3

BristolThu 12/09/20198Easyjet06501240Places Available829Faro14031BRS17WGRF4

BristolThu 19/09/20198Easyjet06501240Places Available809Faro14040BRS17WGRF5

CardiffTue 30/04/20198Flybe13551950On request839Faro140 (on request)20CWL17WGRF1

CardiffThu 09/05/20198Thomson06051205Places Available829Faro14024CWL17WGRF2

CardiffThu 16/05/20198Thomson06051205Places Available839Faro14025CWL17WGRF3

CardiffThu 12/09/20198Thomson06051205Places Available869Faro14031CWL17WGRF4

CardiffThu 19/09/20198Thomson06051205Places Available849Faro14040CWL17WGRF5

CardiffThu 26/09/20198Thomson06051205Places Available819Faro14048CWL17WGRF6

Doncaster ShefThu 09/05/20198Flybe16002245Places Available829Faro14024DSA17WGRF2

Doncaster ShefThu 16/05/20198Flybe16002245Places Available859Faro14025DSA17WGRF3

Doncaster ShefThu 12/09/20198Flybe16002245Places Available889Faro14031DSA17WGRF4

Doncaster ShefThu 19/09/20198Flybe16002245Places Available869Faro14040DSA17WGRF5

Doncaster ShefThu 26/09/20198Flybe16002245Places Available839Faro14048DSA17WGRF6

DublinTue 30/04/20198Ryanair09301545On request779Faro140 (on request)20DUB17WGRF1

DublinThu 09/05/20198Ryanair09301545Places Available789Faro14024DUB17WGRF2

DublinThu 16/05/20198Ryanair09301545Places Available799Faro14025DUB17WGRF3

DublinThu 12/09/20198Ryanair09301545Places Available829Faro14031DUB17WGRF4

DublinThu 19/09/20198Ryanair09301545Places Available809Faro14040DUB17WGRF5

DublinThu 26/09/20198Ryanair09301545Places Available779Faro14048DUB17WGRF6

East MidlandsTue 30/04/20198Ryanair15502200On request779Faro140 (on request)20EMA17WGRF1

East MidlandsThu 09/05/20198Ryanair15502200Places Available789Faro14024EMA17WGRF2

East MidlandsThu 16/05/20198Ryanair15502200Places Available799Faro14025EMA17WGRF3

East MidlandsThu 12/09/20198Ryanair15502200Places Available829Faro14031EMA17WGRF4

East MidlandsThu 19/09/20198Ryanair15502200Places Available809Faro14040EMA17WGRF5

East MidlandsThu 26/09/20198Ryanair15502200Places Available779Faro14048EMA17WGRF6

EdinburghTue 30/04/20198Jet209551420On request819Faro140 (on request)20EDI17WGRF1

EdinburghThu 09/05/20198Jet206451420Places Available829Faro14024EDI17WGRF2

EdinburghThu 16/05/20198Jet206451420Places Available839Faro14025EDI17WGRF3

EdinburghThu 12/09/20198Jet206451420Places Available869Faro14031EDI17WGRF4

EdinburghThu 19/09/20198Jet206451420Places Available849Faro14040EDI17WGRF5

EdinburghThu 26/09/20198Jet206451420Places Available819Faro14048EDI17WGRF6

ExeterThu 09/05/20198Thomson07301335Places Available829Faro14024EXT17WGRF2

ExeterThu 16/05/20198Thomson07301205Places Available839Faro14025EXT17WGRF3

ExeterThu 12/09/20198Thomson07301335Places Available869Faro14031EXT17WGRF4

ExeterThu 19/09/20198Thomson07301335Places Available849Faro14040EXT17WGRF5

ExeterThu 26/09/20198Thomson07301335Places Available819Faro14048EXT17WGRF6

GlasgowTue 30/04/20198Easyjet13402050On request779Faro140 (on request)20GLA17WGRF1

GlasgowThu 09/05/20198Jet206501440Places Available829Faro14024GLA17WGRF2

GlasgowThu 16/05/20198Jet206501440Places Available839Faro14025GLA17WGRF3

GlasgowThu 12/09/20198Jet206501440Places Available869Faro14031GLA17WGRF4

GlasgowThu 19/09/20198Jet206501440Places Available849Faro14040GLA17WGRF5

GlasgowThu 26/09/20198Jet206501440Places Available819Faro14048GLA17WGRF6

Leeds-BradfordTue 30/04/20198Jet208151535On request819Faro140 (on request)20LBA17WGRF1

Leeds-BradfordThu 09/05/20198Jet208151535Places Available829Faro14024LBA17WGRF2

Leeds-BradfordThu 16/05/20198Jet208151535Places Available839Faro14025LBA17WGRF3

Leeds-BradfordThu 12/09/20198Jet208151535Places Available869Faro14031LBA17WGRF4

Leeds-BradfordThu 19/09/20198Jet208151535Places Available849Faro14040LBA17WGRF5

Leeds-BradfordThu 26/09/20198Jet208151535Places Available819Faro14048LBA17WGRF6

LiverpoolTue 30/04/20198Ryanair19351910On request779Faro140 (on request)20LPL17WGRF1

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LiverpoolThu 12/09/20198Easyjet07001315Places Available829Faro14031LPL17WGRF4

LiverpoolThu 19/09/20198Easyjet07001315Places Available809Faro14040LPL17WGRF5

LiverpoolThu 26/09/20198Easyjet07001315Places Available779Faro14048LPL17WGRF6

London GatwickTue 30/04/20198Easyjet11501810On request779Faro140 (on request)20LGW17WGRF1

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London GatwickThu 16/05/20198Easyjet08051410Places Available799Faro14025LGW17WGRF3

London GatwickThu 12/09/20198Easyjet08051410Places Available829Faro14031LGW17WGRF4

London GatwickThu 19/09/20198Easyjet08051410Places Available809Faro14040LGW17WGRF5

London GatwickThu 26/09/20198Easyjet16302255Places Available779Faro14048LGW17WGRF6

LutonTue 30/04/20198Easyjet06351255On request779Faro140 (on request)20LTN17WGRF1

LutonThu 09/05/20198Easyjet06351255Places Available789Faro14024LTN17WGRF2

LutonThu 16/05/20198Easyjet06351255Places Available799Faro14025LTN17WGRF3

LutonThu 12/09/20198Easyjet06351255Places Available829Faro14031LTN17WGRF4

LutonThu 19/09/20198Easyjet06351255Places Available809Faro14040LTN17WGRF5

LutonThu 26/09/20198Easyjet06351255Places Available779Faro14048LTN17WGRF6

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ManchesterThu 16/05/20198Ryanair12302000Places Available799Faro14025MAN17WGRF3

ManchesterThu 12/09/20198Ryanair12302000Places Available829Faro14031MAN17WGRF4

ManchesterThu 19/09/20198Ryanair12302000Places Available809Faro14040MAN17WGRF5

ManchesterThu 26/09/20198Ryanair12302000Places Available779Faro14048MAN17WGRF6

NewcastleMon 29/04/20198Jet207101410On request779Faro140 (on request)20NCL17WGRF1

NewcastleThu 09/05/20198Easyjet06001245Places Available789Faro14024NCL17WGRF2

NewcastleThu 16/05/20198Easyjet06001245Places Available799Faro14025NCL17WGRF3

NewcastleThu 12/09/20198Easyjet06001245Places Available829Faro14031NCL17WGRF4

NewcastleThu 19/09/20198Easyjet06001245Places Available809Faro14040NCL17WGRF5

NewcastleThu 26/09/20198Easyjet06001245Places Available779Faro14048NCL17WGRF6

NewquayTue 30/04/20198Ryanair20502025On request779Faro140 (on request)20NQY17WGRF1

SouthendTue 30/04/20198Easyjet06301255On request779Faro140 (on request)20SEN17WGRF1

SouthendThu 09/05/20198Easyjet06301255Places Available789Faro14024SEN17WGRF2

SouthendThu 16/05/20198Easyjet06301255Places Available799Faro14025SEN17WGRF3

SouthendThu 12/09/20198Easyjet06301255Places Available829Faro14031SEN17WGRF4

SouthendThu 19/09/20198Easyjet06301255Places Available809Faro14040SEN17WGRF5

SouthendThu 26/09/20198Easyjet06301255Places Available779Faro14048SEN17WGRF6

StanstedTue 30/04/20198Ryanair06551320On request779Faro140 (on request)20STN17WGRF1

StanstedThu 09/05/20198Ryanair07101320Places Available789Faro14024STN17WGRF2

StanstedThu 16/05/20198Ryanair07101320Places Available799Faro14025STN17WGRF3

StanstedThu 12/09/20198Ryanair07101320Places Available829Faro14031STN17WGRF4

StanstedThu 19/09/20198Ryanair07101320Places Available809Faro14040STN17WGRF5

StanstedThu 26/09/20198Ryanair07101320Places Available779Faro14048STN17WGRF6

Prices shown include carriage of one piece of hold luggage per person (maximum size and weights vary). Prices include return transfers between airport and hotel and are based on the shared occupancy of twin/double standard rooms. Please refer to 'Accommodation' for details of any room supplements (including single rooms) and extended stay costs that apply to this holiday. All flight details are provisional and subject to confirmation when known. All holidays are subject to minimum numbers and are subject to availability. Further details in our FAQ.

Data as at 22/04/2019 at 5:47:06

Great holiday! We were met at the airport and escorted efficiently to the resort. The meeting was ok and we knew what was what and what options we had. We were pleased with the hotel, it is a good Spanish hotel with good Spanish food, and the room was good and the staff lovely. It was great to visit a less ‘Britified’ part of Spain. The walks were the right length and difficulty for us and the tie in with the tourists worked well. The guides were great, clearly enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Tour Director was lovely she was most attentive and couldn’t do enough for us. We have both walking/non-walking friends that we will be recommending Preferred Travel Services too. Thanks for a great holiday. I am sure we will be travelling with you again,

Mr & Mrs W, Dumbartonshire

Thank you for another lovely walking holiday – our third with Preferred Travel Services. On each occasion we found the booking and travel arrangements including hotel transfers have been efficient and completely trouble free. The hotels have all been very satisfactory and in pleasant resorts, and the walks themselves have been ideal for us – just hard enough to give a sense of achievement without ever feeling we were struggling. The walking guides have all been superb – efficient, helpful and friendly. Last year we learned so much about the history, flora and fauna of Portugal, and this year our guide had such knowledge and enthusiasm for birds that we all became avid twitchers. We always try to fit in as many optional excursions as possible, and these too have been most informative and enjoyable. We would certainly recommend Preferred Travel Services to our friends, and hope we’ll be able to take more walking holidays before too long.

Mr & Mrs W, Perth

Thank you for another excellent holiday. (This time The Guadiana,) congratulations to all those who conceived, researched and implemented this holiday. As for marks, I would give 5 (Full marks) across the board – except Concha who deserves 5+ for conducting the whole thing so effectively and amicably. On paper the walks looked somewhat tame but my wife and I found them quite testing and were pleased that we managed them. This was because of the extreme heat and the underfoot conditions – especially in the dunes. In the light of experience the (superb) guide had tweaked and stretched the walks a little. The optional excursions were very interesting too. Our next dilemma is to decide where to go next. Keep up the good work.

Mr and Mrs J, Manchester

Very enjoyable holiday with quality hotels and excellent representation and guides. I would recommend your tours to anyone. Many Thanks!

Mr H, North Yorkshire

My Friend and I were fortunate to go on the Guadiana River & Western Andalucia holiday in May this year I simply wanted to say what a fabulous, fabulous, guide we had. His enthusiasm for all things fauna and flora was stupendous, he was an absolute joy and we felt very priviledged to share his zeal.

Mrs N, W Yorkshire

We recently enjoyed a group holiday at Isla Canela. This is the third time we have been on a Preferred Travel Services walking holiday and once again we were rewarded with a wonderful experience. Right from the start at the airport and the bus from Faro to the hotel, everything went smoothly. Our rooms at the hotel were of a very high standard, the variety and quality of food was good and the staff were friendly and efficient. A mark of all three holidays has been the quality of the walk leaders. Once again our group were impressed with the knowledge and sensitivity of the guides. We would have no hesitation in recommending Preferred Travel Services Walking holiday to other groups.

Mr B, Caerphilly

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The Guadiana River & Western Andalucia