The beaches of Islantilla

Peace and space

Behind the dunes, a wide palm-lined boulevard runs along the entire beach. Here you will find excellent restaurants where you can sample Andalusian cuisine, especially fresh fish dishes. There is also a beachfront shopping centre dotted with establishments. Islantilla beach also has showers and footbaths at its entrances, and two lifeguard centres that ensure the safety of bathers during the summer months. Sun loungers and parasols can be rented on the plots. The beach has a very family-friendly atmosphere where children can have fun. With fine sand and a shallow entrance to the sea, nothing stands in the way of splashing around and cooling off in the water. For a bit more action, there are two water sports schools where you can learn windsurfing and sailing. On the border with La Antilla there are many small fishing boats on the sand, with stacks of colourful fishing baskets. In this rustic atmosphere you can still observe traditional fishing.

Islantilla beach is a popular destination for Spaniards in July and August. It is a long beach, over 1,400 metres long and 60 metres wide. It is distinguished by its golden sand and moderate waves, providing an ideal environment for bathers. The beach is known for its natural abundance of shells, making it an attractive place for collectors. Behind the beach there is vegetation, adding to the natural beauty of the surroundings. Islantilla has a balance between dynamic areas and quieter zones, making it suitable for those seeking both a vibrant atmosphere and a relaxed retreat. Even in the summer months, the beach is known for its charming atmosphere, with local fishermen preparing their boats for a day at sea. There is also a promenade along the beach, offering a scenic route for those who want to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sea. Accessibility to the beach is easy, with the nearest road being the HV-7005 La Antilla – Isla Cristina. For those with mobility issues, there are also disabled access facilities.

Quality certificates

Islantilla has been participating in the SICTED project (Comprehensive System for Tourist Quality in Destination) since 2007. It was selected as a pilot project because it has all the quality and prestige certificates in force in the tourism sector. The SICTED project consists of creating a common quality standard for all tourism companies, such as hotels, restaurants and leisure offers, operating in the area. The beaches of Islantilla, La Antilla and Isla Cristina are currently participating in this project, as well as the tourist offices of Islantilla, Lepe and Isla Cristina.

Islantilla was first awarded the Blue Flag in 1993 and has been renewed year after year, except for a brief interruption in 2012 due to coastal works. The Blue Flag is a European-wide environmental certificate that recognises:

• The quality of bathing water.
• The environmental information and education offered to tourists.
• Environmental management.
• The security, services and facilities of the destination.

Similarly, for some years now, Islantilla beach has had a certificate of excellence as prestigious as the Q for Tourism Quality, another environmental quality system issued by the Institute for Tourism Quality of Spain, which in addition to measuring the environmental quality levels of the beach, carries out a management and evaluation system based on the organization and optimization of resources.

The Q for Tourism Quality is a typical Spanish quality mark, endorsed by the Secretary of State for Tourism and the Autonomous Communities and guarantees:

• Prestige.
• Differentiation.
• Reliability.
• Rigor.
• Promotion.

Islantilla obtained the Q for Tourism Quality for the first time in 2007, being the first destination in Huelva to do so, and other beaches were subsequently added.

In 2009, Islantilla obtained the Ecoplayas flag for the first time.

This is a distinctive feature that, from a global technical perspective, looks at all aspects of the beach such as:

• Sand quality.
• Water quality.
• Equipment.
• Services.
• Erosion control.
• Accessibility.

Public administration and the private sector are working hard to maintain all these recognitions, and are currently emphasizing sustainability to meet as many facets of the 2030 Agenda as possible. A good idea to spend your holidays in this area where so much attention is paid to quality and where you can enjoy a natural environment without crowded beaches.