Villablanca
General Information
Villablanca is, as the name suggests, a typical picturesque white washed Spanish village. Misleadingly, the name of the village does not originate from its' appearance. This pueblo blanco is situated 10km from Ayamonte to the north, and 15km from nearest beaches.
Villablanca had a population of 2,300 in the 2005 census but has seen rapid growth in the last few years, the population is now thought to be 2,700. The village has become more popular with property buyers because it offers a cheaper option than Ayamonte town and the other coastal resorts. The number of residential developments in the village have been increasing steadily.
The area has all the amenities necessary in a local rural community. Education facillities, medical care, banks, local shops and a selection of traditional cafes, bars and restaurants are all close at hand. Yet it is only a 10 minute drive from Ayamonte town and 15-20 minutes from the beaches at Islantilla, Isla Cristina and Isla Canela.
Village life in the cobbled streets is encapsulated around the main square the Plaza de la Constitucion. This is also where you will find the Town Hall and Iglesia (church) de San Sebastian. This church with baroque features dates back to the seventeenth century.
The village was named Villa de la Puebla de Santa Maria la Blanca in 1531 by the Marques of Ayamonte when he gave the town its charter. The chapel of Ermita de Nuestra Senora de la Blanca situated one kilometre out of the village is worth visiting. It dates back to the fifteenth century and it is the site where a local pastor witnessed the appearance of an effigy of the Virgin Maria.
The pastor from Lepe was said to have seen a white dove in an olive tree. He caught the dove and took it home with him but it disappeared. This happened on two occasions and each time reappeared in the olive tree. On the third occasion it reappeared as an effigy of the Virgen Maria, la Virgen de la Blanca.
The economy of the village has traditionally been based around agriculture and livestock farming. It is still a significant factor in the village economy today although now many of the residents commute to larger towns for employment. Tourism is beginning to increase and
Hotel Accomodation
is available in the area.
To reach the village from Ayamonte head north out of town along Avenida de la Constitucion. When you reach the motorway E1/A49 roundabout turn right to join the motorway in the direction of Huelva/Sevilla. At the second junction, signposted Villablanca, exit the motorway and follow the signs. The village is just a few kilometres away.
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