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.