Costa de la Luz, Andalucia 
Costa de la Luz - Overview:
The Atlantic coast of Andalucia stretches from the Portuguese border in the west to Tarifa in the south and includes the Donana National Park and the estuary of the mighty Guadalquivir River. Winding roads thread the coastal villages together and give you glimpses of miles of wide, open beaches.
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Costa de la Luz - Getting there:
The Costa de la Luz is well served by airports and transport links, with numerous flights from the UK to Malaga. Scheduled services also operate via Madrid to Jerez and directly from the UK to Seville, Gibraltar and Jerez.
The journey from Jerez by car only takes about 3/4 of an hour, Seville and Gibraltar about an hour and a half. Malaga airport (the most popular choice for those travelling from the UK with a vast selection of flights) is reached in just over 2 hours easy driving, with new motorways passing Estepona and Marbella, running parallel to the beautiful Atlantic coast.
Costa de la Luz - History:
The area is rich in history. Cadiz, founded by the Phoenicians, is one of the
oldest inhabited places in Spain. The area was an important trading centre for
the Romans and Arabs and it is here that Columbus started his voyages of discovery.
The conflicts between the Moors and Christians in the Middle Ages are reflected
in many old fortress towns like Arcos and Vejer. The rich culture of past civilisations
has left a marvellous legacy of flamenco song and dance familiar to this region.
The celebrations of tradition and folklore are inherent in the many festivals
taking place throughout the year from spring to autumn. Seville is less than 2
hours away.
Costa de la Luz - Gastronomy:
Much of the Costa de la Luz has remained faithful to its culinary heritage and there is no chance of finding a fish and chip shop anywhere in the area - unless of course you are looking for freshly caught fish, which is found in most restaurants. This region specialises in excellent tapas, which the Spanish eat at lunchtime accompanied by a glass of chilled fino or in the evening with a drink before their dinner.
The Costa de la Luz is famed for the quality and variety of its seafood. Here you can enjoy luscious langostines from Sanlucar, eat shellfish sitting by the river bank at El Puerto de Santa Maria and sea-bass, bream, swordfish and tuna served in the famous seaside restaurants of Conil, Zahara and Tarifa. In little bars along the coast you will find wonderful tapas of whitebait, squid and sardines. Inland you will find quails, partridge, rabbit and venison on the menu served with fresh vegetables and salads.
Throughout the Costa de la Luz you can sample all the varieties of sherry from Fino to Oloroso in the great Bodegas of Jerez, El Puerto and Sanlucar. The local white wine is ideal served as an accompaniment to the region's delicious seafood.
Costa de la Luz - Nature and rural countryside:
The rolling hills of the countryside are covered with fields of sunflowers and corn, and meadows where beautiful Andalucian horses and herds of fighting bulls graze. In the spring hundreds of varieties of wild flowers add colour to the pastoral scene.
The Costa de la Luz is home to a vast array of wonderful parks such as La Brena-pine woods, which are inland from the beach and sit along the cliffs. This is a Natural Park full of pine trees and is great for walking and cycling. Close by is the "Marismas" Natural Park, which is smaller and a home to many migrating birds. The Barbate river runs through it and again, there are many small trails for walking or cycling. Further on from Medina Sedonia is the Grazalema Park and the Donana national Park is close to Cadiz, both are within easy reach by car. These are well worth visiting if you enjoy nature and beautiful scenery.
Bird watching is another popular pastime on the Costa de la Luz. The natural parks and wetlands near Vejer provide an ideal home for migrating birds and a haven for ornithologists. It is possible to see groups of Griffon Vultures circling high above Vejer on most days, Spanish Imperial Eagles, Henharrier and Kestrels are also a regular sight. Around Roche, Cadiz and Montenmedio it is possible to see Storks nesting on top of the telegraph poles and the wetlands leading up to Cadiz are host to flamingos and other migrating birds.
Costa de la Luz - Beaches:
On the Costa de la Luz you can laze on some of the biggest sandy beaches in Europe. We offer a selection of individual properties and hotels a short distance from these beautiful beaches in small coastal towns where you can enjoy a holiday with a distinctly authentic Spanish atmosphere.
Costa de la Luz - Activities:
The Costa de la Luz has a host of activities for all ages and you will not have a problem finding things for the children to do - if you can get them off the beach that is!
There is an Aquapark in Cadiz, which is open in the summer and Jerez has its own zoo. The beach at Barossa has a small funpark during the summer and at the time of fiesta it is usual to have a fair in town. There is a go-karting circuit in El Colorado and a circus often visits the area throughout the summer season too.
For those seeking more nature activities, then whale and dolphin watching is available nearby in Tarifa.
Horse riding is a popular pastime on the Costa de la Luz. Dehesa Montenmedio holds annual events for serious eventers, but for riding on beaches or in the surrounding hillside there are smaller, equestrian centres in Zahora and Vejer.
The parks and surrounding hillside provide a great challenge for cyclists. Challenging routes wind up any the roads that lead to Vejer, and at the top of the hill you will be rewarded with a fabulous view. It is possible, however, to take a more gentle bicycle ride through La Brena or explore some of the other wonderful parks in the area.
Costa de la Luz - Watersports:
Situated on the Atlantic coast, the Costa de la Luz is perfect for watersports. There are opportunities for windsurfing, surfing, kitesurfing, paragliding and kiting in the La Janda region. often referred to as the "European capital for windsports" many serious surfers spend their summers on fabulous Costa de la Luz's beaches. For younger holidaymakers, the surf is ideal for bodyboarding. There are also canoeing and SCUBA diving clubs in Barbate and this area is great for swimming and snorkelling.
If you are interested in learning to sail, the sailing club in Barbate can offer course of 15 hours for all ages from 8 years upwards. Students learn in the safety of the local port and there is an English speaking instructor on hand for those needing help with the language!
Costa de la Luz - Golf:
There are several excellent golf courses along the Costa de la Luz including Dehesa Montenmedio Golf and Country club near to Vejer (18 holes, Par: 72), Benalup Golf & Country Club(18 holes, Par: 73), Club de Golf Campano in Chiclana (9 holes, Par: 70) and of course Golf Novo Sancti Petri (36 holes, Par: 72).
Costa de la Luz - Historic sightseeing:
The Costa de la Luz is steeped in a rich history and there are many castles in the area, including the Castillo de Arcos, Castillo de San Sebastian, Alcazar de Jerez and the Castillo De San Marcos. The Castillo de Vejer, whose perimeter walls date back to the 15th century, covers an area of 4 hectares with four city gates, which are still preserved today.
Historic Vejer has some wonderful architecture and it is an amazing place in which to walk and explore the labyrinth of small cobblestone streets whilst soaking in the Spanish atmosphere and taking in the fabulous views. About 20 minutes away from Vejer is Medina Sedonia and a further 30 minutes from that, Arcos De la Frontera. These are both beautiful pueblos blancos (white villages) steeped in history with fantastic architecture.
Cadiz is a unique coastal city full of history and culture. Being one of Spain's oldest cities, it has many wonderful old buildings, museums and sites of interest including the Cathedral, two castles, a Roman theatre and many beautiful churches.
Jerez is famous for both its sherry and its horses. There are numerous bodegas where it is possible to taste great sherry and of course there is also the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art, Jerez' most famous symbol. Jerez is also home to many churches, a cathedral a fortress and various other sites of interest including its own zoo.
Archaeological sites such as the caves of Tajo in Benalup with its Neothilic paintings and the Roman Town next to Bolonia Beach are also worth visiting. Close to Vejer is Santa Lucia with its Roman aqueduct, which feeds the valley below.
Costa de la Luz - Out and about:
You can take a day trip from Tarifa across the Atlantic to Morocco (about 45 minutes away) or watch the whales and dolphins at play in their natural habitat. Close to Canos De Meca is Trafalgar Bay where the famous Battle of Trafalgar was fought. It is worth seeing the lighthouse situated at Cape Trafalger but be careful as there are strong currents around the Cape and swimming in nearby Canos de Meca is preferable.
| Flights to the Costa de la Luz: | ||||
| UK Airport: | Jerez (Approx driving time to Costa de la Luz 45 mins) |
Seville (Approx driving time to Costa de la Luz 90 mins) |
Gibraltar (Approx driving time to Costa de la Luz 90 mins) |
Malaga (Approx driving time to Costa de la Luz135 mins) |
| Stansted | Ryanair twice daily | Ryanair twice daily | n/a | Various airlines daily including low-cost flights |
| Heathrow | n/a | British Airways daily | British Airways twice daily | Various airlines daily including low-cost flights |
| Gatwick | n/a | British Airways daily | British Airways twice daily | Various airlines daily including low-cost flights |
| Luton | n/a | n/a | Monarch daily | Various airlines daily including low-cost flights |
| Manchester | Thomas Cook on Friday | n/a | Monarch daily | Various airlines daily including low-cost flights |
| Liverpool | n/a | Ryanair daily | n/a | Various airlines daily including low-cost flights |
| Other UK regional | n/a | n/a | n/a | Various airlines daily including low-cost flights |
Costa de la Luz - Our holiday accommodation and service:
Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy privileged, sophisticated holiday destinations in the Costa de la Luz, Andalucia. Privately owned villas, apartments, villas with pools and hotels, in beautiful coastal and rural locations, hand-picked for an authentic taste of unspoiled secret Spain.
So, if you're looking for an activity holiday walking, cycling and trekking; exploring Spain's fascinating villages, towns and historic cities such as Cadiz, Ronda or Seville; fancy a spot of sailing, SCUBA diving, wind surfing, swimming, sunbathing or relaxing on great beaches (much of Spain's south coast is also ideal for a spot of winter sun); or you just want to simply escape the tourist masses with a privately owned apartment, cottage or villa with a pool, call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with flights to Spain, ferry travel and holiday car hire.
