Costa de la Luz

The Costa de la Luz(Coast of light)

Real Spain Secret Spain this is a great place for Villa Holidays and there are fine apartments to rent too. Here on the western part of the Andalucia coastline, that faces out to the Atlantic, the sand is finer and a more golden colour than the neighbouring Costa del Sol. The typical beaches here are more expansive and often backed by sand dunes and pine trees. This part of the coast has not seen the high-rise hotel development of other areas. The temperatures are slightly milder and the sometimes strong Atlantic winds and waves are favoured by wind surfers and surfboarders alike. Sunshine hours around the Chiclana and Conil area are even a little better than the Costa del Sol. The are stretches of cliffs and coves from Gibralter to Chiclana de la Frontera.

This is not another "Brit Ghetto". Would you like to avoid those fake British Pubs and Cafes along with the hoards of lobster skinned yobs dressed in their latest football shirts? This is not Blackpool or Brighton by the sea.

The Costa de la Luz comprises of 300km of coastline, the southernmost in mainland Spain on the Atlantic side, stretching from Ayamonte, on the border with Portugal to Punta de Tarifa in the Straits of Gibraltar. It incorporates two provinces of lower Andalucia, Huelva and Cadiz and several nature reserves of national importance such as the Donana National Park. This wide expanse of unspoiled land makes it a nature lovers paradise.

Miles of sandy, unspoiled beaches and nature in its purest form are the main attractions of this part of Spain. It has yet to succumb to the mass tourism and building boom of its neighbour, the Costa del Sol. As the upsurge in demand for housing along this coast rises, it is evident to see that the area will continue to attract visitors and residents alike, but for the time being, the peace and tranquility remains intact. Local government are already putting into effect, plans to protect the area and to stop the illegal building that has all but destroyed other areas.

Bird life along the coast is quite unique and Tarifas long, sandy beach is host to many rare sea birds. At La Janda, a wetland north-west of Tarifa is home to wintering cranes in great numbers. The whole area is home to Griffin Vultures and Eagles who glide on the warm thermals, looking for food. White storks and egrets are common sights and during the summer, several species of rare butterflies are in evidence. The plant life of the is also of great importance with many flowers and plants being found here that cannot be seen anywhere else in Spain. The Costa de la Luz is also famous for its sunsets.

Inland you have the famous white hill towns like Medina Sidonia and Alcala de los Gazules, both historic and beautiful. A few miles inland you have the thriving city of Jerez famous for the sherry Bodigas and the famous Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art is worth a visit with one of their popular horse displays. The school is located on Avenida Duque de Abrantes, to the north of the centre of town. See their website for opening times and prices. Next door is the Sandeman bodega which welcomes visitors. (Tel 956 312 995 or Email). Jerez' importance in the equestrian world is evident by the number of bronze statures in the town. Within Jerez, you must visit the restored 11th century Alcazar and Arab Baths.