What brings visitors to Isla Cristina?

The sea brings people to Isla Cristina. Spaniards in particular love vacationing in Isla Cristina, and you'll find that this is one of the few resort areas along the Spanish coast that is more popular with the Spanish than with expats. Once an island, Isla Cristina is now connected to the mainland due to land reclamation efforts.

Isla Cristina, before the tourism boom, was one of the most important fishing ports in Spain. It still is today, as Isla Cristina's fish market is the second-largest in the country by tons of fish processed daily. The Marismas de Isla Cristina, marshy nature preserves that are home to local bird populations and pine trees, sit just to the west of town. Finally, we can't ignore the beautiful sunsets that you will witness here. Countless Spanish poets have written about these sunsets; who knows, you might write a sonnet or two yourself!

What are the outdoor activities to do in Isla Cristina?

Boat tours are particularly popular, as they showcase not only the protected marine and animal life close to the city, but they also allow the local boat tour companies to showcase Isla Cristina's first love: the sea. There is also a camping ground to the east of the city for those who like to connect with nature. The El Carmen fairgrounds between the center of town and the beach is open year-round for festivals, concerts, and the May feria.

What are the beaches like in Isla Cristina?

Over four miles of coastline are divided up into five distinct beaches. From west to east at the mouth of the Rio Carreras are Playa de la Gaviota, Playa Central, Playa de la Casita Azul, Playa de la Redondela, and Playa Islantilla. An ecological park separates the city from the first two beaches, and only Playa Central has a commercial district right at the edge of the sands. The beaches to the east of Playa de la Casita Azul are more secluded and also feature hiking trails between the beach and the A-5054 motorway. All five beaches are wonderful; it all depends on what you want out of your beach.

What are the nightlife offerings in Isla Cristina?

Options in Isla Cristina are a tad limited, with the area near the Puente Rio Carreras and the streets to the south and west of Plaza de las Flores being your best bets for bars and nightclubs. Last call tends to be at 3 a.m. during the week, and 4 a.m. at weekends.

What can I do with kids in Isla Cristina? What are some of the alternative attractions to enjoy such as museums, theaters, etc.?

Kids will enjoy some of the museums on offer in addition to the beaches and boat tours described above. There are three museums in Isla Cristina, with the art museum and the archaeology museum with its dinosaur exhibit sure to excite the kids. The third museum is the Museo del Carnaval, which tells the story of the carnival tradition in Isla Cristina. (Going back to 1832, it is one of the oldest carnivals in Spain!) Performing arts presentations such as concerts are held at the Teatro Municipal Horacio Noguera.

What is the culture and lifestyle (traditions, festivals) like in Isla Cristina?

Hands-down the most important festival in Isla Cristina is Carnaval. Held every February, it dates back nearly 200 years, and is not just one of the oldest carnivals in Spain, but one of the largest. Other fun festivals in Isla Cristina include the tuna festival, held each September, and the Flamenco Festival, also held in September. Isla Cristina's patron saint is Our Lady of the Rosary, whose feast day falls on October 7.