Isla Canela Links

Isla Canela Links sits on the left bank of the Guadiana river, right where Spain meets Portugal, inside the protected Costa Esuri nature reserve near Ayamonte. Designed by José Canales and originally opened in 2007, the course was bought by Isla Canela in 2019 and fully relaunched that November, with new Bermuda greens and a rebuilt clubhouse, giving it a genuinely fresh foundation under new ownership.

It's a riverside parkland layout with real links character, doglegs and water hazards on close to half the holes, and some lovely, slightly elevated tees that open onto the water. The back nine along the river is the highlight, with views across to Portugal that few courses on this coast can match. Reviewers who've played both this and the older Isla Canela course tend to rate this one as the more varied and enjoyable test.

With a driving range, practice facilities and a clubhouse restaurant on-site, it's well set up for a full day out. Given the relaunch is still relatively recent, conditioning has had its ups and downs according to recent players, but the trajectory under the new ownership has been a positive one. For a genuinely scenic riverside round with real character, this is worth booking.