Getaway Travel
Marismas
coastal marshes along the Guadalquivir estuary in Andalusia, southern Spain. For centuries the region, noted for its birdlife, served as a hunting ground for the dukes of Medina-Sidonia. In 1963, at the suggestion of the World Wildlife Fund, it was established as a nature reserve, and in 1969 it became part of the Doñana National Park.
Algarve - History
Due to the importance of its position on the world map this province has been invaded and fought over by the Phoenicians, Romans and Moors. Closely associated with the sea throughout its history this was the base of the famous Henry the Navigator who, from the point at Sagres organized the successful 15th Century exploration of the New World.
The Algarve has been inhabited for thousands of years but the first developed society was probably the Phoenicians in 1.100 BC and then followed by the Tartessus tribe to about 600 BC. In the same century there is also evidence of a tribe by the name of "Conii" being found around the area of Vila Real de Santo António followed by another tribe named "Turduli" in the same area in 400 BC. In between these two tribes the whole area had been inhabited by a wave of Celts. Another tribe from this same period was the "Cynetes".
Somewhere around 235 BC the Romans moved up from their base in Cadiz to occupy the Algarve and were eventually removed by the invading Visigoths in about 410 AD. here they were to stay until 711 when the Umayyads from North Africa took possession of the southern Iberian Peninsular. The Moors were to stay in possession of the Algarve until 1185 when Sancho I and his Christian army briefly captured most towns with Silves holding out to 1189. However, by 1191 the Moors had these same towns back in their possession. Finally, King Sancho II and his Christian army helped by Crusaders retook the Algarve in 1236. The first time that the Algarve was referred to as a part of the Kingdom was when Afonso III was crowned in 1249 he took the title of "King of Portugal and all Algarve". However, it was not until 1272 that Afonso III eventually took Faro which was the last stronghold of the Moors in the Algarve.
The King of Castile did not at first accept Afonso III's claim to the Algarve and it was only in 1267 at the Treaty of Badajoz that this situation was temporarily resolved. The situation was again settled in 1297 at the Treaty of Alcañices when the actual boundaries between the two countries was agreed. The Algarve inhabitants remained for nearly 300 hundred years without any further change in their rulers but subject to raids from pirates. This situation changed when the throne of Portugal fell vacant in 1580 and the nearest relative in line was King Felipe II of Spain who soon crowned himself as King of Portugal.
Shortly after this the Algarve fell prone to attacks from passing English vessels. In 1596 the Earl of Essex invaded Faro and removed amongst other things the historic library belonging to the Bishop of Faro. Francis Drake who was harrying the ships that were preparing for the Armada failed in his attack on Lagos in 1597. He moved westward and landed in Sagres to destroy what he could find which included the supposed house in which Henry the Navigator had been living although he is recorded as residing in Lagos.
In 1640 the Portuguese decided to rid themselves of their disliked absent ruler and successfully reclaimed their Kingdom and placed João IV, (the House of "Duque de Bragança"), on their throne.
The Algarve nearly became a separate Kingdom when the ambitious prime minister of Carlos IV of Spain, Manuel Godoy, was involved in the Treaty of Fontainebleau in 1807. In the agreement created by the Emperor Napoleon and agreed by Carlos IV of Spain was that Portugal would be carved into areas to be governed by France and Spain - Manuel Godoy to assume the Algarve. However, the Wars that followed between Portugal that were supported by England and Spain resulted in the plans of Napoleon turning into a complete failure.
The Algarve was also to play a part in the problems once more caused by the claims to the throne of Portugal in 1822. Two royal brothers, Pedro and Miguel, warred against each other with liberal minded Pedro winning against the hardliner Miguel. The Algarve towns, as in most of the country, were at the time divided in their support. From the village of Estombar appeared a rebel Miguel supporter named "Remexido" with a strong band of followers. His support for Miguel was brutally applied to his enemies and extending especially to robbery. In 1833 Pedro had to send some 2.500 men to the Algarve to successfully capture this elusive and troublesome bandit.
The Algarve has been inhabited for thousands of years but the first developed society was probably the Phoenicians in 1.100 BC and then followed by the Tartessus tribe to about 600 BC. In the same century there is also evidence of a tribe by the name of "Conii" being found around the area of Vila Real de Santo António followed by another tribe named "Turduli" in the same area in 400 BC. In between these two tribes the whole area had been inhabited by a wave of Celts. Another tribe from this same period was the "Cynetes".
Somewhere around 235 BC the Romans moved up from their base in Cadiz to occupy the Algarve and were eventually removed by the invading Visigoths in about 410 AD. here they were to stay until 711 when the Umayyads from North Africa took possession of the southern Iberian Peninsular. The Moors were to stay in possession of the Algarve until 1185 when Sancho I and his Christian army briefly captured most towns with Silves holding out to 1189. However, by 1191 the Moors had these same towns back in their possession. Finally, King Sancho II and his Christian army helped by Crusaders retook the Algarve in 1236. The first time that the Algarve was referred to as a part of the Kingdom was when Afonso III was crowned in 1249 he took the title of "King of Portugal and all Algarve". However, it was not until 1272 that Afonso III eventually took Faro which was the last stronghold of the Moors in the Algarve.
The King of Castile did not at first accept Afonso III's claim to the Algarve and it was only in 1267 at the Treaty of Badajoz that this situation was temporarily resolved. The situation was again settled in 1297 at the Treaty of Alcañices when the actual boundaries between the two countries was agreed. The Algarve inhabitants remained for nearly 300 hundred years without any further change in their rulers but subject to raids from pirates. This situation changed when the throne of Portugal fell vacant in 1580 and the nearest relative in line was King Felipe II of Spain who soon crowned himself as King of Portugal.
Shortly after this the Algarve fell prone to attacks from passing English vessels. In 1596 the Earl of Essex invaded Faro and removed amongst other things the historic library belonging to the Bishop of Faro. Francis Drake who was harrying the ships that were preparing for the Armada failed in his attack on Lagos in 1597. He moved westward and landed in Sagres to destroy what he could find which included the supposed house in which Henry the Navigator had been living although he is recorded as residing in Lagos.
In 1640 the Portuguese decided to rid themselves of their disliked absent ruler and successfully reclaimed their Kingdom and placed João IV, (the House of "Duque de Bragança"), on their throne.
The Algarve nearly became a separate Kingdom when the ambitious prime minister of Carlos IV of Spain, Manuel Godoy, was involved in the Treaty of Fontainebleau in 1807. In the agreement created by the Emperor Napoleon and agreed by Carlos IV of Spain was that Portugal would be carved into areas to be governed by France and Spain - Manuel Godoy to assume the Algarve. However, the Wars that followed between Portugal that were supported by England and Spain resulted in the plans of Napoleon turning into a complete failure.
The Algarve was also to play a part in the problems once more caused by the claims to the throne of Portugal in 1822. Two royal brothers, Pedro and Miguel, warred against each other with liberal minded Pedro winning against the hardliner Miguel. The Algarve towns, as in most of the country, were at the time divided in their support. From the village of Estombar appeared a rebel Miguel supporter named "Remexido" with a strong band of followers. His support for Miguel was brutally applied to his enemies and extending especially to robbery. In 1833 Pedro had to send some 2.500 men to the Algarve to successfully capture this elusive and troublesome bandit.
Marismas
The marshland nature reserve of the Marismas de Isla Cristina is situated between the northern edge of Isla Cristina village and the Carreras estuary to the east and Ayamonte and the Guadiana estuary to the west. Within its 2.1 sq km is a variety of habitats and an impressive range of birds.
The dunes and beaches have been somewhat spoilt by increasing tourist development at Isla Canela and the neighbouring Playa del Moral. Due to the large amount of visitors to these areas and Isla Cristina during the summer months, the dunes and beaches are best visited outside of this time, but the marismas are uncrowded all year round.
Access
The dunes, estuary and beaches at Isla Canela and Playa del Moral can be accessed from the coast road south of Ayamonte. East of Isla Canela is a stone tower, the Torre de Canela, which has fine views over the marshlands.
From the beach at Playa del Moral are good views across the estuary. North of Playa del Moral is a track that leads to a causeway to the marshlands, where you can view abandoned salt pans.
You can see the eastern part of the marismas from the H-412 road that crosses a creek and runs north of Isla Cristina towards Pozo del Camino and the A-49 motorway.
Flora and Fauna
The nature reserve is made up of salt marshes, creeks and disused salt pans. Around the shores of the marshes, which are colonized by glasswort, are sand dunes, covered by pine and juniper trees.
The marismas are full of a good variety of waders, terns and gulls all year round, although winter is the best time to see them. There are big flocks of spoonbills and Kentish plovers. Storks, spoonbills, flamingoes, black-winged stilts and marsh harriers are among the birds that can also be spotted. Breeding birds include Montagu's harriers, bee-eaters and hoopoes.
The beach at Playa del Moral is the best place to see gulls and terns near the beach, as well as seabirds out to sea.
Walks
Two kilometres north of Isla Cristina is a marked footpath and cycleway. This is the Sendero de Molino Mareal de Pozo del Camino, a so-called vía verde (green route), which follows the route of a disused railway line from Pozo del Camino to Ayamonte.
The dunes and beaches have been somewhat spoilt by increasing tourist development at Isla Canela and the neighbouring Playa del Moral. Due to the large amount of visitors to these areas and Isla Cristina during the summer months, the dunes and beaches are best visited outside of this time, but the marismas are uncrowded all year round.
Access
The dunes, estuary and beaches at Isla Canela and Playa del Moral can be accessed from the coast road south of Ayamonte. East of Isla Canela is a stone tower, the Torre de Canela, which has fine views over the marshlands.
From the beach at Playa del Moral are good views across the estuary. North of Playa del Moral is a track that leads to a causeway to the marshlands, where you can view abandoned salt pans.
You can see the eastern part of the marismas from the H-412 road that crosses a creek and runs north of Isla Cristina towards Pozo del Camino and the A-49 motorway.
Flora and Fauna
The nature reserve is made up of salt marshes, creeks and disused salt pans. Around the shores of the marshes, which are colonized by glasswort, are sand dunes, covered by pine and juniper trees.
The marismas are full of a good variety of waders, terns and gulls all year round, although winter is the best time to see them. There are big flocks of spoonbills and Kentish plovers. Storks, spoonbills, flamingoes, black-winged stilts and marsh harriers are among the birds that can also be spotted. Breeding birds include Montagu's harriers, bee-eaters and hoopoes.
The beach at Playa del Moral is the best place to see gulls and terns near the beach, as well as seabirds out to sea.
Walks
Two kilometres north of Isla Cristina is a marked footpath and cycleway. This is the Sendero de Molino Mareal de Pozo del Camino, a so-called vía verde (green route), which follows the route of a disused railway line from Pozo del Camino to Ayamonte.
Isla Cristina the family home
Isla Cristina is a city and municipality located in the province of Huelva, Spain. According to the 2006 census, the city has a population of 19,875 inhabitants.
Isla Cristina remains one of the most important fishing ports in Huelva province, its catch being highly prized throughout Spain.
It is a popular summer holiday resort, particularly with the Spaniards themselves. Sevillianos flock to the area in July and August, much of the attraction being the kilometers of 'Blue Flag' standard beaches.
Isla Cristina remains one of the most important fishing ports in Huelva province, its catch being highly prized throughout Spain.
It is a popular summer holiday resort, particularly with the Spaniards themselves. Sevillianos flock to the area in July and August, much of the attraction being the kilometers of 'Blue Flag' standard beaches.
Something Different
TERRA EXOTICA - CROCODILE PARK
is located on Exit 122 - Isla Cristina of Highway E-1
is located on Exit 122 - Isla Cristina of Highway E-1
TERRA EXOTICA
TERRA EXOTICA” is a reptile breeding farm and sanctuary. In large, nature like outdoor exhibits Europe´s largest (Over 2000 reptiles) collection of Crocodiles, aquatic turtles and landtortoises, snakes and lizards are kept in breeding projects. Future off- spring will go to zoo´s, parks and collections.
This parks allows you an interesting inside view how such a farm works and operates.
WHAT TO SEE
- Caimans, (dwarf-) crocodiles, alligators and their off – spring.
- Europe´s only breeding group of African giant tortoises, (Geochelone sulcata) and their babies.
- Unique collection of aquatic turtles and tortoises from all parts of the world.
- Iguana´s (Spanish endemic) chamaleons, blue tongue lizards, in their free outdoor exhibits.
- Breeding groups of Boa´s, Python, Anaconda and other interesting snakes.
POINTS OF INTEREST:
Daily crocodile feedings at 12:00 and 18:00 hours. Feed your own giant tortoise.
Touch a crocodile, feel a real live snake, hold an iguana.
Lots of rare photo and video opportunities.
Have yourself photographed with a snake or iguana. Free of charge!!!
This parks allows you an interesting inside view how such a farm works and operates.
WHAT TO SEE
- Caimans, (dwarf-) crocodiles, alligators and their off – spring.
- Europe´s only breeding group of African giant tortoises, (Geochelone sulcata) and their babies.
- Unique collection of aquatic turtles and tortoises from all parts of the world.
- Iguana´s (Spanish endemic) chamaleons, blue tongue lizards, in their free outdoor exhibits.
- Breeding groups of Boa´s, Python, Anaconda and other interesting snakes.
POINTS OF INTEREST:
Daily crocodile feedings at 12:00 and 18:00 hours. Feed your own giant tortoise.
Touch a crocodile, feel a real live snake, hold an iguana.
Lots of rare photo and video opportunities.
Have yourself photographed with a snake or iguana. Free of charge!!!
Living and Working in Southern Spain and Portugal
This Summer we will be exploring some of the more out of the way and hidden sides of the South. In former years that has lead me to the Tuna Matanzas, El Rocio, and the Portugese National Parks.unfortunately the spread of the concrete jungle or should I say Tourism has spoilt some of these areas, but there are areas still unspoilt. areas where you can marvel at the eagles playing in the sky talon to talon or get the fright of your life from a low flying eagle owl
This Summer we will be exploring some of the more out of the way and hidden sides of the South. In former years that has lead me to the Tuna Matanzas, El Rocio, and the Portugese National Parks.unfortunately the spread of the concrete jungle or should I say Tourism has spoilt some of these areas, but there are areas still unspoilt. areas where you can marvel at the eagles playing in the sky talon to talon or get the fright of your life from a low flying eagle owl
