Stay at the four star Vila Gale Isla Canela near Portugal, with guided walks in Doñana wetlands. Discover dunes, beaches, wildlife, rivers and birdlife.
Spain
Walking in Costa de la Luz
About this holiday
Looking for a walking holiday in Costa de la Luz?
Your holiday base is the 4* Vila Gale Isla Canela in Spain, located just over the Portuguese border. There are guided walks in the natural area of Doñana, one of Europe’s most beautiful and important wetlands. In just one day, you can see very different ecosystems: marshland, lagoons, pine groves, aloe veras, moving dunes, cliffs and 30 kilometres of unspoiled white beaches. It is a natural spectacle that is different each season, which lies between the Andalusian provinces of Huelva, Seville and Cadiz.
You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some of the most endangered species on the planet, such as the Spanish imperial eagle and the Iberian lynx. Doñana is also home to more than 230 species of birds and you will have the opportunity to witness scenes such as the “pink carpet” which is what the flamingo colonies create when they feed. In fact, the marshlands are a staging, breeding and wintering site for thousands of European and African birds. Among the varied landscapes, you’ll be amazed at natural phenomena like the mobile dunes (some over 30 metres high) which move from the beach and bury all the pine groves in their path.
On this trip, you will also have the chance to visit the Flecha del Rompido Nature Reserve, possibly the most spectacular beach on Huelva’s Costa de la Luz. This 8km-long sand bar along the mouth of the Río Piedras can be reached only by ferry, which keeps the crowds away. The waters on the inland side remain calm, while the south side faces the open sea. Part of the Río Piedras wetlands reserve, it’s a place of great ornithological and botanical interest.
There is also an included walk along the Guadiana River, an international river defining a long stretch of the Portugal/Spain border. In your free time, you can relax and enjoy the surroundings of your hotel, or take an optional excursion to Seville.
What’s included
Holiday Highlights
Seven nights half board at the four star Vila Galé Isla Canela in Huelva
Local knowledgeable walking guides
Three guided walks
Flights included from your local airport
Welcome drink
Transfers & Luggage included as standard
No single supplement for solo travellers
Optional excursion to the popular city of Seville
Day by day
Itinerary
On arrival in Faro you will be met and transferred to the Vila Gale Isla Canela Hotel for 7 nights half-board accommodation.
Depart the hotel by coach and drive to the beautiful countryside right on the north-eastern corner of the council of Ayamonte through Villablance (18 miles) to do a 2-kilometre walk around a fantastic birding spot which is home to shrikes larks bustards and storks. Then back on the coach for a 20-minute transfer to enjoy an extra 6-kilometre walk along the edge of the river Guadiana passing Mediterranean oaks and riparian forest on the way to Sanlucar de Guadiana the Spanish twin of the picturesque town of Alcoutim in Portugal. Once in Sanlucar you will take the little ferry to enjoy a deserved meal on the Portuguese side. Today's walk is 5 miles total and ascent/descent of approx. 100m.
Free day in resort.
Depart the hotel for the 30-mile transfer to the beginning of your walk. You will need your binoculars today if you have them. 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 in a special ecosystem: among others the Stone Curlew,Kentish Plover, Dartford Warbler and the European Chameleon. You will return to the hotel by coach.
Free day in resort or why not join an optional excursion to Seville.
Depart the hotel by coach to the start of your walk in the Natural Park area of the Donana (6.5 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 will then travel to the strange town of El Rocio (15 miles away) which seems like something out of the Tex-Mex West but is in fact a major pilgrimage site. Your walking guide will take those who wish on a short walk featuring the major sites of this fascinating town and there is free time for a late lunch here before returning to your hotel.
Free day in resort.
Free time until you depart for the airport for your flight home.
Where you stay
Accommodation
Vila Galé Isla Canela
With direct access to the beach and views of the Atlantic, Vila Galé Isla Canela is located in the heart of Huelva’s Costa de la Luz. The hotel’s Arabic-style design provides a charming setting to relax by the stunning coastline. It has 300 rooms with balconies, two swimming pools, two restaurants, Versátil and a Massa Fina pizzeria, and three bars, including one by the pool. Each of the Hotel Isla Canela’s modern, air-conditioned rooms has a balcony and contemporary décor. All rooms have a minibar, flat-screen satellite TV and a fully equipped bathroom with a hairdryer. The Chef Restaurant serves buffet cuisine and also has show-cooking. Guests can enjoy a poolside bar as well as a gastro bar, which offers an evening entertainment programme. The Centre has an indoor swimming pool with hot tubs. Treatments include massage and aromatherapy. A gym and a spinning room are also available in the hotel. Local activities at an additional cost include horse riding, golf and fishing at the nearby Guadiana River.
Hotel features
Air Conditioned
TV with Satellite Channels
Safety Deposit Box (additional charge)
Outdoor Swimming Pool
Free Wifi
Hairdryer
Indoor Swimming Pool
Fitness Centre
Beach Front
Coffee House on site
Restaurant
Bar
Snack Bar
Buffet Restaurant with show cooking
Hot Tub/Jacuzzi (additional charge)
Spa & Wellness Centre (additional charge)
Evening Entertainment
Reviews
average review score
“I enjoyed every minute of this holiday.”
Ann Steele
“Guides and walks were very good.”
Paul Davidson
“Great all round and have booked again.”
Lindsay A
“Joao was excellent. So well organised, very friendly and approachable.”
Phil W
“Joao was our tour leader and he worked tirelessly to make our holiday the best it could be.”
Anne T
Gallery
A look at the trip
Availability
Dates & Prices
DepartReturnPriceOfferSoloBooking
Depart29 Sep 2026 Return06 Oct 2026 PriceFrom £1549 No Single SupplementSold out
Depart15 Apr 2027 Return22 Apr 2027 PriceFrom £1599 No Single Supplement
Last Few Remaining
Depart28 Sep 2027 Return05 Oct 2027 PriceFrom £1749 No Single Supplement
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