Costa de la Luz

Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean in the western part of Andalusia, Spain, the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) is a relatively unspoilt holiday destination with a distinct Spanish flavour. With fine, golden beaches, rolling dunes, stretches of cliffs, coves, and pine-covered hills, it is somewhat surprising that there is not the same level of development as on other parts of the Spanish coast. This could be owing to the fact that about 30 percent of the area is protected by nature reserves.

Temperatures are milder, than the Mediterranean side, but the area still has about 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and is highly popular with nature enthusiasts, windsurfers, beach lovers, and kite boarders. Most of the visitors to the Costa de la Luz are Spanish, and the region's popularity with local tourists has allowed the character of the coastline to stay determinedly Spanish.

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.