In summer, the markets in the fishing villages, where fish and shellfish are auctioned daily, become a great showcase for maritime Andalusia. Prawns from Sanlúcar, white shrimp from Huelva, for many the “Iberian ham of the sea”; but also shrimps from Motril and red prawns from Garrucha, should be classified as “cardinal sin” however they are cooked.
If you had to choose just one place where the sea breeze and the summer evenings are truly like a dream, this would surely be the Costa de la Luz. In this labyrinth of marshes and sea inlets, from Ayamonte to Isla Cristina, the real star is the Huelva white prawn, which is fished in the sandy sea bottoms along the coast. Tasting the delicious white flesh, never frozen and with the whiskers intact, accompanied by the Atlantic breeze and a Condado de Huelva wine, is an unforgettable experience, especially if enjoyed together with the other attractions the area has to offer.
These include Punta del Moral, a fishermen's neighbourhood opposite the Isla Canela. It gives its name to the main fishing cooperative in the area, but it has not lost the family atmosphere that has characterised it for decades. The itinerary continues to the Port of Isla Cristina, which boasts 90% of the fresh white prawns consumed in Andalusia. A special seat is reserved in the fish market for visitors who wish to see an exciting auction. And the best is yet to come: the Port of Ayamonte, at the mouth of the Guadiana River.
It may seem simple, but the best recipe for making white shrimp is to season it with salt from the Costa de la Luz. Some companies still produce it traditionally, these include companies like Salinas del Alemán, Biomaris, which have updated to be able to offer magnesium and mud baths.
Langoustines from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, landscape and history
Before tourism was accessible to a wide spectrum of the population, Sanlúcar de Barrameda was already a point of reference. In the 19th century, aristocrats and the upcoming bourgeoisie made this ‘San Sebastián del Sur’ fashionable, for its beaches, for the panoramic view of the landscape, which today is the protected area of Doñana, for the spectacle offered by the mouth of the Guadalquivir River and as always for its gastronomy, with special mention for its manzanilla wine-cellars, its market gardens and its langoustines.
The Sanlúcar fleet in the warm waters of the Gulf of Cádiz consists of over 100 boats that fish this magnificent crustacean. They are also fished by the fleets from Rota and Chipiona, where the largest ones are known as “pablosromeros”.
The tour starts in the Port of Bonanza and the fish market. Another good place to visit is the 18th-century Plaza de Abastos. You will also enjoy the magnificent salt flats. The beauty of this landscape was captured by the painter Carmen Laffón.
There are many bars and restaurants on renowned beaches such as Bonanza, Bajo de Guía, La Calzada and Las Piletas, the setting in summer for the renowned horse races.
Shrimps from Motril: from popular tapas to haute cuisine
These are called “quisquillas” and never exceed five centimetres. On the Costa Tropical of Granada, they are known as the quisquilla from Motril, thanks to the freshwater contributions from the Sierra Nevada.
The San Agustín Market and the Ingenio de La Palma tell the story of Motril’s sugar heritage.
Red prawns, the gourmet attraction of Garrucha
In the town of Garrucha, the red prawn is the star attraction.
Known locally as “Garrucha gold”, it represents 11% of all catches.
The Town Hall and the Castle of Jesús Nazareno host the Nautarum Fishing and Marine Environment Visitor Centre.
