Costa de la Luz has beautiful stretches of unspoilt beaches, sand dunes and pine forests, which are somewhat less developed than neighbouring Costa del Sol. However it is still a great place to enjoy water sports or just relax on the sands. There are traditional slow paced small town resors like Chipiona, Chiclana and Zahara de los Atunes.
Costa de la Luz is loved by the Spanish themselves due to its strong local Andalusian flavour. There’s traditional flamenco and extraordinary carnivals and religious processions and seafood far outweighing more predictable tourist menus. You’ll be guaranteed to find something special in Costa de la Luz.
Things to do in Costa de la Luz
Snorkeling and diving are very popular in Costa de la Luz. Surfing in the resort of Tarifa is a must for serious sport enthusiasts. The breeze from the Atlantic makes windsurfing very exciting.
For those who prefer to be on land, there is the Donana National Park where wildlife plays a key role in the unspoilt region of Costa de la Luz. It is one of the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in Europe and a great day or two out!
Sightseeing in Costa de la Luz can include historic Roman ruins such as the town of Baelo Claudia in Tarifa. There is a restored theatre, the remains of the Roman public baths and even a Roman fish factory!
Shopping
Seville beckons with serious Shopping opportunities. In this city, Shopping is not just a simple past time, it’s a serious business that requires military planning!
Stroll down smart Calle Sierpes alongside fashionistas with big retro sunglasses perched on their nose, and let the window displays draw you in. This Shopping district spans Plazas Nueva, Magdalena, Encarnacion and San Francisco. You can get your hands on everything here, from designer togs and big name bags to high street fashion and flamenco fans.
Away from Seville, Cadiz is another hot pick for a spot of retail therapy. Most of the shops are shoe horned into the historic quarter and in the neighbourhoods of Candelaria, San Francisco and San Felipe.
Nightlife
The Costa de la Luz takes Nightlife at a slower pace than other Spanish regions. Evenings are all about sunset strolling past the range of bars and clubs bouncing flamenco music and modern beats round the old town.
Over in the Huelva region is Isla Cristina which makes for a good night out with its colourful fish restaurants and great pubs. There are a maze of streets with bars and restaurants to lure you in for a great night out.
Eating out
Seafood is beautiful in Costa de la Luz and there are plenty of harbour side cafes to eat it. Isla Cristina, Ayamonte and Punta del Moral have got some sensational fish restaurants, while El Puerto de Santa Maria is the place to feast on plump, juicy prawns washed down with a nice glass of wine.
Costa de la Luz has got some impressive specials menus. Gazpacho is a tomato based soup with a twist as it’s served chilled – or there is fabada which is a rich bean stew. These traditional recipes and more can be found and enjoyed in Costa de la Luz.
La Albahaca, Seville is a really beautiful gem where you can dine al fresco among the sweet smelling orange trees, or sit inside the converted palace which is a beautiful experience.