Islantilla is a tourist enclave shared and jointly managed by the municipalities of Lepe and Isla Cristina, in the province of Huelva.
It stands out for its commitment to a sustainable tourism development model that respects the natural environment in which it is located, surrounded by two protected natural areas. It also features a 27-hole golf course, a seafront promenade, and an orderly urban layout with numerous green areas and public recreational spaces, including the ‘El Camaleón’ Park and the Parque de los Cabezos.
Islantilla also holds numerous quality and sustainability distinctions, including Blue Flag, EcoPlayas Flag, Q for Tourist Quality, S for Tourism Sustainability, Biosphere certification, and SICTED Destination status. It is also part of the Smart Tourist Destinations Network (DTI).
The enclave also offers two Blue Trails and a network of cycling routes in its surroundings.
There are six four-star hotels operating in Islantilla, which also has three shopping centers and two sailing schools, among other tourist facilities.
| Incorporation into the Smart Destinations Project |
Islantilla joined the Smart Tourism Destinations project through the preparation of a Diagnostic Report and Action Plan for its transformation into a Smart Tourism Destination, completed in December 2025. |
| Key initiatives |
- 2026: Islantilla hosts the III International Blue Flag Congress.
- 2026: Creation of a bike lane between La Antilla and Urbasur to improve sustainable mobility.
- 2026: New north-south pedestrian connections to enhance accessibility and mobility within the destination.
- 2025: ‘Islantilla sheds its skin’ project to renew the beach’s image: new wooden plaza and Central Lifeguard Station, along with other improvements for accessibility.
- 2025: Incorporation into the Fishing Tourism Network.
- 2025: Incorporation into the Smart Tourist Destinations Network (DTI).
- 2025: Islantilla joins the international CoastSnap project for citizen-based coastal monitoring.
- 2024: Islantilla obtains the Biosphere certification.
- 2024: Islantilla hosts the I Tourism Sustainability Meeting.
- 2024: Solidarity Book Markets for international cooperation.
- 2024: Installation of defibrillators in public buildings of the Islantilla Mancomunidad.
- 2024: Awarded the S for Tourism Sustainability.
- 2024: Tourism Sustainability Plan ‘Islantilla: Between Green and Blue’ for nature and nautical activity segments.
- 2024: Creation of the PR-A 131 ‘Costa de la Luz’ trail.
- 2023: Implementation of AI in the Digital Tourist Office.
- 2023: ‘El Camaleón’ Park receives the Blue Trail distinction.
- 2023: Islantilla hosts the Andalusian Blue Flag awards ceremony.
- 2023: Introduction of the Inclusive Assisted Bathing Service.
- 2023: Launch of the sports program ‘Islantilla en ruta’ to promote physical activity in natural and heritage areas.
- 2023: Public lighting efficiency improvement project: replacement of all streetlights with LED systems.
- 2022: Incorporation into the Smart Tourist Destinations Network (DTI).
- 2022: Expansion of the Digital Tourist Office: doubled space and introduction of interactive screens and CICERONE system.
- 2021: The Tourism Department of the Islantilla Mancomunidad obtains ISO 9001:2015 certification.
- 2021: Renovation of the photovoltaic plant to reduce the carbon footprint of public lighting.
- 2020: Islantilla becomes a Cycling Friendly destination.
- 2018: Reopening of the Islantilla Hospitality School.
- 2018: First Gala of Tourism Quality of the Western Coast of Huelva, to be held biennially in Islantilla. Creation of the Islantilla Tourism Awards.
- 2018: ‘We Are Tourism’ campaign: illustrations, TV programs, radio spots, and talks in schools about the importance of tourism for the local population.
- 2017: افتتاح of ‘El Camaleón’ Park with augmented reality spaces and nature classroom.
- 2017: Islantilla Innova and Vive Islantilla apps launched to provide tourist information services.
- 2017: Creation of the Fantasy Walk and the Selfie Points Route with Augmented Reality.
- 2026: Opening of the Technological Tourist Office.
- 2016: New brand image for Islantilla.
- 2016: Introduction of InfoTactile digital tourist information screens.
- 2016: Islantilla Innova project for integrating Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in destination promotion.
- 2015: The Islantilla Hospitality School joins the Network of Vocational Training Schools for Employment of the Andalusian Employment Service.
- 2015: Islantilla hosts the first meeting of the Odyssea Project on the Huelva coast.
- 2013: Blue Trail awarded to the Parque de los Cabezos route.
- 2012: Islantilla becomes the first Nordic Walking destination on the Huelva coast.
- 2012: Launch of a tourist information service via Skype.
- 2010: Islantilla participates in the European coastal monitoring program CoastWatch.
- 2009: EcoPlayas distinction obtained.
- 2007: Awarded the Q for Tourist Quality.
- 2007: Incorporation into the SICTED Project (Integrated System for Tourism Quality in Destinations).
- 2005: The Islantilla Occupational Center produces ‘Despierta’, the first short film entirely made by people with disabilities, presented at the San Sebastián Film Festival.
- 2000: Launch of the Islantilla International Unreleased Film Festival, integrating people with disabilities into its team.
- 1999: Adapturismo Project: opening of Andalusia’s first public cyber forum (within the European Smart Coast project). First videoconference in Andalusia. Early discussions on teleworking and work-life balance.
- 1998: First census of the common chameleon as an environmental volunteer initiative.
- 1997: Creation of the Islantilla Hospitality School.
- 1993: First Blue Flag award.
- 1992: Opening of Hotel Confortel Islantilla, the destination’s first hotel, belonging to Fundación ONCE. Accessible and inclusive workforce.
- 1991: Creation of Flisa, an industrial laundry by Fundación ONCE as a special employment center for people with disabilities.
- 1991: Launch of the Camaleón Project, later becoming the Occupational Center for Integration, currently managed by the Lepe Town Council.
- 1990: Creation of the Islantilla Mancomunidad.
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Technical data
VAT number:
P2100013H Address: Av. de Islantilla Postal code: 21430 Telephone: 959 48 63 19 Region: Andalucía Province:
Huelva Population:
Isla Cristina Country:
España Local entity type: Mancomunidad Date of membership:
20220228 Diagnosis: Sí Diagnosis date:
09/12/2025 Destination Type:
Urbano marítimo Population:
3,000 Area (km²):
304.00 Density (inhab/km²):
9.90
Level in the Network: Nivel 3
