Portugal
Villa Real de Santo Antonio and Castro Marim - two towns you can see across the river from Ayamonte in the Spanish Algarve. Villa Real is a Portuguese version of Ayamonte, but with far more British tourists visiting from the neighboring resort of Monte Gordo. Castro Marim has two castles, one of which has been well restored and holds a very atmospheric medieval festival at the end of August.
Tavira - This truly is 'The Real Algarve' where Portuguese traditions are still maintained. A quiet coastal town which is relatively unspoiled by modern day demands.
Faro - Predominately known as the airport town, Faro offers the best shopping on the Algarve, together with wonderful restaurants and a beautiful beach.
Quinta Do Lago - One of the most exclusive areas of the Algarve, set in the Ria Formosa National Park. Much sought after villas and 5-star leisure resorts are scattered amongst the pine forest. Most certainly the place to go for peace, tranquility and excellent service. Golf, tennis and water sports to be found within Quinta do Lago.
Vale Do Lobo - An extremely popular coastal resort with apartments, townhouses and villas built on the beach and throughout the two golf courses. An excellent supermarket is situated at the entrance to Vale do Lobo and there are restaurants in the praca on the beach and near the famous Tennis Centre. Horse riding and water sports can be found nearby.
Vilamoura - Built on a site of Roman ruins, Vilamoura nowadays is more famous for its exclusive marina and selection of golf courses. There are lots of sporting activities including tennis, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, water sports and big game fishing. The promenade around the marina is lined with shops and restaurants and more are to be found throughout the town.
Carvoeiro - An extremely popular one time fishing village surrounding a picturesque sandy cove. Quaint narrow streets offer many varied restaurants. One of the Algarve's main self-catering holiday districts.
Alvor - Low whitewashed houses in a maze of narrow streets, surrounded on the outskirts by high quality hotels and holiday complexes, thus maintaining the atmosphere of the original fishing village. A daily fish auction can be found on the waterfront. There are a variety of good local restaurants and for those who look for a little nightlife, Praia de Rocha is less than 10 minutes drive away.
Lagos - Steeped in history, the ancient town walls of Lagos can still be found in areas. Also look out for the Slave Market opposite the quay where now the boats bring in the fresh fish for barbeques; the church of Santa Antonio with its stunning interior of caved and glided woodwork and hand painted tile panels, and the archaeological museum next door.
Spain
Ayamonte - take a walk around the old town, look at the yachts in the marina and dream, visit the morning market, have a coffee in one of the Plazas, climb to the viewpoint at sunset, try the wine, and be adventurous with the tapas. Try the same 'Portuguese style' by jumping on the ferry and crossing the River Guadiana to Vila Real de Santo Antonio (only a 10 minute crossing).
Seville - Take a drive to Seville (an hour or so from Ayamonte), one of Spain's most captivating cities and the capital of Andalucía, home of the Alcázar (Moorish palace rich in decorative tiles and carved ceilings) and La Giralda (98m high mosque minaret, now the bell tower of Seville's cathedral). Near the Cathedral, the Juderia's maze of white-walled alleys evokes the atmosphere of the Moorish city. Famous for tapas, flamenco, bullfighting, its horse fair and the Holy Week processions of hooded penitents.
Huelva - closest city to Ayamonte and the province's likeable capital. A big port with all the associated industries, good shopping and some great Spanish architecture.
La Rábida - Columbus set sail from here. On the outskirts of Huelva there is a visitor centre and replicas of his ships. Also well worth a guided tour around the monastery up the hill.
Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park - about three hours drive from Ayamonte and maybe an overnight stop (needs a holiday of its own really!) It's very mountainous, green and dotted with attractive white villages. Fine walking country and one of Andalucía's most beautiful areas.
Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche - a smaller version of Grazalema, but much, much closer! A favourite spot with many marked tracks for both walking and mountain biking.
River Guadiana - the river forms the southern part of the border between Spain and Portugal, take a trip on it and/or visit the villages and countryside by it. Take a fast boat trip up the river, or out to sea from Punta del Moral. They have a high powered rigid inflatable boat that takes a maximum of 12 people for a 90 minute spin. There are also bigger boat cruises up river with a stopover for lunch if you prefer a more sedate pace.
Doñana National Park - under an hour away and a must. If you want to do a guided trip in the heart of the reserve in a big 4x4 you have to book well in advance. There are, however, many great places to visit in the 'pre park' that are perhaps just as good and you don't need a guide.
Mines at Rio Tinto - the largest open cast mine in Europe. A big hole with lots of Tonka toys and a train ride!