The Costa de la Luz ( The coast of light ) is the most southern all the Spanish Costas and definately one of my favorites. The coast of light is aptly names with the clean Atlantic waters washing the shores of the provinces of Cadiz and Huelva. The coast runs from Tarifa ( wind surfers paradise ) in the east to the Taguas estuary bordering Portugal in the west.

Fantastic clean beaches, pine clad countryside, picturesque fishing villages and tranquil surroundings are some of the many advantages from this part of Spain. The Costa de la Luz has a slightly more milder climate than its neighbor to the East the Costa del Sol, however the building side has been a lot more controlled and most of the are here has maintained that authentic Spanish Village feel. The main tourist resorts have built low rise hotels and properties that have fitted much better into the natural settings of pine trees which line almost the whole coast.

The sand here is much finer than other parts of Spain, although it must be said can be prone to stronger winds that seem to fan the province almost every day. These winds have made the Costa de la Luz a firm favorite with wind sports enthusiasts from all over the world.

The main towns and villages along the coast include:

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Cadiz along with Huelva are the main towns which lay along the Costa del la Luz. Cadiz is the more beautiful and historic of the two in my opinion. This historic city is divided into two main parts, the modern and the old. Although the modern side has all the trapping of modern day living, the marinas, yachts, modern hotels etc the old part reveals the real history. The old town center is abound with character and true Andalusian flavors and is made up of three barrios ( quarters ) The Barrio La Viña , home to the fishing district, the Barrio El Populo , said to be the oldest part of the city and the Barrio Santa Maria.

A good time to visit Cadiz is during the carnivals held in February each year. It is one of Spains best carnivals with ten days of street processions and an unrivalled party atmosphere.

A highly rated hotel in Cadiz is the Hotel Puertatierra It is on the higher end of the market but still excellent value. The hotel is set 100 metres from Santa María del Mar Beach and within walking distance of Cadiz’s old town.

On the slightly lower price range is the Hotel Del Mar It is located in the picturesuqe Puerto de Santa Maria and close to the centre of the city and the area’s great beaches, the hotel’s quiet, tranquil location makes it ideal for business or leisure visitors. The hotel’s relaxing gardens, comfortable accommodation and good amenities mean it is ideal for a holiday, for families or as a peaceful base for conducting business. All of the well-equipped rooms are en suite and have satellite TV. The hotel has its own private garage and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout.

Huelva

The city of Huelva looks a bit rundown in parts and is not a main destination for the international traveler although the outlining towns and natural parks are some of the finest you will find in the country. The long sandy unspoilt beaches are to die for.

A very unique and popular place to stay in Huelva is the Hacienda Montija Hotel and Spa Just 15 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from the centre of Huelva, this beautifully renovated 11th-century property features a fabulous spa and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy the pool and gardens. Located at the entrance to the city, the Hacienda Montija Hotel & Spa is perfect for those wishing to stay outside Huelva's centre and still have easy access to the city centre.

Another beautiful hotel just 6 kms from the city loacted along side Punta Umbria`s fantastic beach is the Barcelo Punta Umbria This first rate hotel, built by the Barcelo Construction Division in the distinctive 'Andalusian' style.

Barbate.

Endearing fishing village with access to all the best beaches and the natural parks in the area, low rise tourism with plenty of good eating houses, fresh fish is a must and Barbate has enough eateries to satisfy the most enthusiast of fresh fish and seafood lover.

A great value small hotel in Barbate is the Hotel Nuro It is located just 150 metres from Carmen Beach in Barbate. It offers free Wi-Fi in all areas, a sauna and a terrace. Each of the rooms at Hotel Nuro is equipped with full air conditioning and heating, a TV and an iron. The en suite bathroom comes with a bathtub with shower and a hairdryer.

Chipiona

Very popular with the Spanish tourist, again lovely long sandy beaches. Chipiona has a very Spanish ambience about it and is a great family destination. Explore the backstreets and you will be rewarded with finding some of the cheapest fresh fish restaurants and tapas bars anywhere in the area.

For basic but great value accommodation right on the beach is the Hostal Montserrat This hostel is in an old Sevillan stately home next to the beach, located on the sea front of Regla beach, Chipiona. The location of the hostel makes it an attractive and comfortable option for the tourist. You will be able to enjoy the fantastic sunsets here from your room with views of the sea or the exterior terrace. This is a place with a homely atmosphere in which you can sample the varied Andalucian cuisine

Zahara de las Atunes

Typical example of how a small town with one of the best beaches along the coast, it has also maintained its small village charm due to lack of high rise development or any major construction for that fact. As in the case of many of the fishing villages along the Costa de la Luz Sol the main catch here is the Tuna which is fished using the traditional almadrabas method ( fishermen using very long poles with a line and hook perched on the side of fishing trawlers ).

The après beach and sun activities here are laid back and peaceful nights are guaranteed here supping your favorite brew in one of the many quaint local bars.

A very popular hotel near the beach is the Hotel Pozo del Duque It is located in a cove, an untouched paradise of the Costa de la Luz.The hotel is a typical Andalusian building surrounded by greenery. Enjoy soaking up the sunshine by the Pozo del Duque's swimming pool or on the beach located opposite the hotel.

Matalscanas

Offers long sandy beaches and sits next to the famous Doñana Natural park. Again low rise tourism which is repented by well off property owners from Sevilla and Cadiz so the prices are generally a little higher .

The Vime Tierra del Golf is a fabulous 4 star establishment. Situated in a quiet residential area and with a fantastic panoramic over the Atlantic Ocean. Only 45 minutes (100km) from Seville Airport and 1 hour (150km) from the international Faro Airport. The Tierra Mar Golf Hotel is the ideal place to spend a delightful family holiday, be in contact with the nature of the Donana National Park.

The Carabela Club is another very popular hotel in the town. This exceptionally well-facilitated hotel is situated within the Doñana national park, next to a golf course and just 10 minutes from the beach. The hotel offers regular shuttle transportation to and from the beach (subject to seasons) and an exclusive beach area with sunbeds, as well as games, activities and live shows.

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Conil de la Frontera is a former fishing village which has become a popular, low-rise resort. Its has a long fine white sandy beach and once again has a real village feel to the place. You will find a fine selection of fish restaurants along the Paseo Maritimo ( beach front area ) which buzzes nicely with a Spanish vibe at night as the locals join the holidays makers in enjoying the catch of the day.

The smallish white prawns ( gamba blanca ) are a delicacy along this coast and although can be on the pricier side are well worth trying for there excellent flavor. Also for fish lovers June is a good time to visit when the Tuna is celebrated and many restaurants offer this locally caught fish at discount prices.


For reasonably priced 4 star accommodation in the town is the Hotel Husa Conil Park Fantastic location by Conil's beach with sea views from its excellent outdoor pool and sun terrace. Enjoy a wholesome buffet breakfast. The Husa Conil Park is surrounded by pine trees and looks out onto the unspoilt beach of Conil. You can gaze at the Atlantic Ocean over your buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Soak up the views along with the Andalusian sunshine beside the Husa Conil Park's pool. The hotel is set in 2,000 m² of gardens.

Another very popular hotel is the Hotel-Apartamentos Loto Conil This is is a practical complex located in the town, 1 kilometre from the beach, boasting its own outdoor swimming pool and free Wi-Fi. Lying just inland from the Costa de la Luz beaches, accommodation at the Loto Conil is bright and well-equipped, with flat-screen TVs and air conditioning.

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Tarifa, the wind capital of the Europe as it is often referred to . so much so that wind farms are being erected all around the area and make quite a site. Of course wind sports activates are in abundance here and the bay is always full of the colorful spectacle of wind and kite surfers speeding along the coastline. Tarifa is the most southern most tip of Spain where the Mediterranean joins the fresher waters of the Atlantic ocean. Due to its proximity to Africa and Gibraltar boat trips are popular with companies offering numerous boat rides and fishing trips. It is not uncommon to see whales quite near to the shoreline as they feed back and forth along the Gibraltar straits.

A unique hotel in the area is the Hotel La Torre This classic country house has been converted into a beautiful hotel, boasting magnificent views of Los Alcornocales National Park. From the spacious and comfortable rooms of Hotel La Torre, you can enjoy views of the National Park and the untouched beaches. At the back of the complex you can spend some time sunbathing, protected from the wind

If somewhere typically Andaluz is your preference then the Posada Vagamunods is well worth a try. Located in the historical centre of Tarifa, Posada Vagamundos is housed in a property dating from the 18th century and is the perfect accommodation for exploring this fascinating Andalusian town. Start your day with a coffee in the hotels on-site bar, before strolling around the old quarter of Tarifa