Cycling along the Islantilla coast

Much of the coast has been declared a Natural Site or Protected Nature Reserve. The result is unspoiled beaches, serene dunes and access to the sea and rivers. In this area you will find beautiful walking routes and spectacular cycling routes. They are not very difficult because there are no mountains in this area.

The marshes of the Paraje Natural Marismas de Isla Cristina were created by sediment deposits from the Guadiana River, the border river between Portugal and Spain. The area you will cycle through is made up of reedy marshes and canals with countless water birds and flamingos. You can cross the rivers with your bike by boat or ferry, thus continuing your journey. The pine forests and dunes behind the beaches are also part of the natural area. Sometimes you suddenly cycle through strawberry fields: the best sun-ripened strawberries in Spain come from Huelva.

Routes at a glance

There are several options for cycling, both on and off road. We have listed them. You can also download them from the website. The brochure with all the routes is available at the Islantilla Tourist Office.

Road cycling routes

Islantilla – Piedras River Reservoir 70.7 km – Elevation difference 443 m
Route from Islantilla towards the Río Piedras Reservoir. It was built in 1968 and has a capacity of 60 hm3 of water. The watershed has a surface area of 800 hectares and supplies water to the entire western coast of Huelva.

Islantilla – El Portil – Aljaraque 73.9 km – Elevation difference 568 m
Route that starts in Islantilla and runs along flat paths between pine forests and stretches of road parallel to the sea, passing through Cartaya and El Portil to Aljaraque.

Islantilla – Sanlúcar 115.5 km – Elevation difference 1022 m
Route from Islantilla with spectacular views. This route requires experience on the slopes. From Sanlúcar you can enjoy beautiful views over the river to the Portuguese town of Alcoutim.

Islantilla – Isla Cristina Marshes 62.3 km – Elevation difference 218 m
Route that starts in Islantilla and runs through the impressive area of marshes and swamps of the Paraje Natural Marismas de Isla Cristina.

MTB cycling routes

Islantilla – Isla Cristina 43.4 km – Elevation difference 195 m
Route from Islantilla through the dunes to Isla Cristina along the Chameleon Route and back through the salt extraction areas and La Redondela.

Islantilla – San Silvestre 67.7 km – Elevation difference 568 m
The route from Islantilla passes through various places such as La Redondela and Villablanca, and leads to San Silvestre de Guzmán.

Islantilla – Río Piedras 70.7 km – Elevation difference 444 m
Route from Islantilla along various paths to the large water basin of the Piedras River. The route is a little more difficult than the others due to several descents and ascents.

Islantilla – Coastal Trail – Lepe 24.2 km – Elevation difference 128 m
Easy route that starts in Islantilla and arrives in Lepe through the marshy area of the Paraje Natural Marismas del Río Piedras.

Islantilla – El Rompido (MTB) 77.6 km – Elevation difference 424 m
Route that leaves Islantilla and arrives at El Rompido passing through El Terrón, Lepe and Cartaya.

Islantilla – Greenway- Ayamonte 18.5 km – Elevation difference 39 m
Route that starts in the Islantilla Community and heads to Ayamonte through an area rich in birds and marshes.

Discover the authentic Andalusia

Islantilla is home to everything you would expect from Spain. Dance and music, flamenco, wine, villages and old towns with beautiful architecture. It's all there. The sun, which lights up the white spots in the landscape, the beaches with azure water and the
delicious restaurants serving fresh seafood. Of course, enjoying the local cuisine is also part of a cycling holiday.

Practical tips

You can organize the tours yourself and do them with your own bike or with a rental bike. Many hotels are bike-friendly. You can also rent good bikes at most hotels. It is advisable to book in advance. In the Islantilla Active Centre (3) On Avenida de Riofrío there is a well-equipped bicycle station where you can store, wash, maintain or repair your bike. Tel: +34 959 646 028