Costa de la Luz Travel Guide

Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean in the western part of Andalusia, the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) offers a relatively unspoilt holiday destination. With fine golden beaches, rolling dunes, stretches of cliffs and coves, and pine-covered hills, it is somewhat surprising that there is not the same level of development as in other parts of the Spanish coast. This could be due to the fact that about 30 percent of the area is protected by nature reserves. Temperatures are milder, and the Atlantic is not as tropical as the Mediterranean side, but the area still boasts 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and is highly popular with nature enthusiasts, windsurfers, beach lovers and kite boarders. The Costa de la Luz is divided into two sections; the Huelva province runs from the Portuguese border to the Guadalquivir River and the Donaña National Park, while the Cadiz province runs from the Guadalquivir to the popular town of Tarifa on the edge of the Costa del Sol. There are interesting towns full of real Spanish flavour to explore, attractive flora and fauna to enjoy, and a number of low-key resorts offering a range of activities for those tired of crowded package tour destinations.