Isla Canela, Spain.

We visited Isla Canela in SW Spain for our family summer holiday this time...was a little bit of an adventure as we flew into Faro, Portugal and drove across the Spanish border; which was actually really quite an easy trip in the end.

Approaching Ayamonte Bridge (a suspension bridge finished in 1991) the Spanish border. One hour ahead of Portugal.

<--Our hotel terrace-------------------->

plenty of room for footy practise!

Hotel beach bar, a short walk from the hotel grounds. El Cano.

View of Playa de Muro beach, from our room.

Quirky furnishings at the beach bar...really lovely atmosphere.

I lay all afternoon watching the swallows skimming around the hotel.

View from the shower!

Interesting towel sculpture!

Daughter's sand sculpture.

What I could see from my lounger...not a cloud in the sky!

Sea holly type plant.

Lovely marina within walking distance of the hotel.

Lots of wonderful restaurants at the marina...Monkfish and Tiger prawn kebab.

La Sonrisa beach bar and restaurant...wonderful food and great service.

Live band at La Sonrisa: The T Bags.

Say what you want, these crisps are the best in the world!

Cake by the pool served everyday by the chef...well there's always a sarong...

Star friends..."Mini mini mini.... club club club!!!"

Pool, shadow, dolphin.

Dune grass.

Water spurt.

In the church at Alcantarilha, Portugal.

I lit some candles...electronic, much safer I suppose.

Tiny chapel made using human bones and skulls at the side of the church.

I loved the way the shadow fell on the white church wall.

Golden Gazanias.

Derelict doorway.

Silent Sandman at Carvoeiro.

You might just be able to make out the huge owl being chased by the seagulls...think maybe it had been trying to steal eggs or chicks from their nests...they saw it off!

Sunset at Carvoeiro.

View of Ayamonte Bridge from the quayside.

I loved the patterns on this disused quayside building.

Roadside kiosk selling handmade crisps.

1 Euro a cone, they were delicious!

Weeing boy fountain!

Ayamonte town square area.

Iberian cuts!

Iberian Cuts...salami, ham, cheese.

Iberian ham croquettes..really yummy.

Iberian ham pate.

Huelva prawns.

Sea bass steak.

A nice drop of splosh.

Beautiful, Adalucian tiling.

A bit of a long wait for a table...but the food was awesome and it was full of locals which is always a good sign. Service was a bit Spanish...in a take it or leave it we don't speak English and don't want to even try fashion! It was the last day and by this time my basic Spanish had become much more fluent..not sure the waiter got my accent though!