The Costa de la Luz
The Costa de la Luz (Coast of light) is the western most part of Andalucía coastline that faces the Atlantic and stretches from Cadiz up to the border with Portugal. This landscape is of wide, golden sandy beaches that can be a little windy and cooler than those on the Mediterranean, backed by dunes and pine forests. About 30% of this region is a protected area, so there are many parts that are really green, beautiful, and undeveloped.
Property for Sale Costa de la Luz >>
Still relatively undeveloped, the Costa de la luz is famous for its variety of seafood, and is a place where you can spend your days listening to jazz in 15th-century monasteries, take mud baths beneath the cliffs and swim with dolphins in Tarifa. Tarifa is only 14kms from Morocco and is a favourite with wind surfers, due to the good waves and Atlantic winds, and is amongst the top three surfing resorts in the world. Seven beaches along this coast have been voted amongst Spain’s top ten.
Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Spain with whitewashed houses and subtropical vegetation, and is almost entirely surrounded by water. Cádiz separates the Bay of Cádiz from the Atlantic. It was here that Columbus set out on his second and fourth voyages. Today, it is one of the busiest ports in Spain, with shipbuilding and naval dockyards. Cádiz is an industrial town, and big fishing center. Visitors are predominantly Spanish, apart from many who are just ‘passing through’, who come for the summer beaches and for the famous Cadiz Carnaval in February which is one of the most extravagant in Europe.
Zahara de los Atunes is a small fishing village and although you can find a few new resorts, much of the area is still relatively untouched. In the Summer it's a holiday town, as yet almost exclusively for the Spanish, with a lively nightlife with music, live entertainment, and all night partying. Horseriding is a popular activity, and you can gallop along the beach towards the Zahara sand dunes, where you can experience full-moon beach rides.
Bolonia is a tiny fishing village, 10km from Zahara where the ocean is clear and aquamarine. The archaeological site at Baelo Claudia is home to the amazingly preserved Roman city dating back to the end of the second century. Still unspoint by tourism, Bolonia sports only a handful of restaurants, a beach bar, a some very reasonably priced hostals.
Jerez de la Frontera lies inland from Cadiz and is famous for its Sherry, flamenco dancing, and the Spanish Riding School with its beautiful Andalucian dancing horses. With its own international airport, this modern city with its wide tree lined streets, is easily accessible. Jerez de la Frontera also has several excellent golf courses, and a range of other sporting facilities such as the Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix.
Hiding between the sea and Sierra mountains, Vejer de la Frontera is one of the loveliest white towns you will find in Andalucia. This hill town has a mass of very interesting historical monuments and.is a perfect example of what many towns were like all over the region. Vejer is a warren of whitewashed, winding cobbled streets set 600 feet above the surrounding countryside. The town has a relaxing atmosphere with many small bars and restaurants.
Los Caňos de Meca is situated beneath pine clad hills in the Parque Natural del Acantilado. There are stunning beaches in this small and unspoilt area, although some are prone to strong tides and currents, with beach bars and late night discos throughout the summer. A handful of hippies live by a spring above the beach in summer, where holidaymakers come to take advantage of the free accommodation offered there. Those staying there can expect night long beach parties. The Pirata, in the heart of Los Caños is a lovely beach with fine sand and sandy seabeds. It is the best equipped with lifeguards, toilets, bars and restaurants, which many of the others do not have.
Property for Sale Costa de la Luz >>
Holiday Rentals Costa de la Luz >>
