World Of Tourism

Fantastic clean beaches, pine clad countryside, picturesque fishing villages and tranquil surroundings are some of the many advantages from this part of Spain. The Costa de la Luz has a slightly more milder climate than its neighbor to the East the Costa del Sol, however the building side has been a lot more controlled and most of the are here has maintained that authentic Spanish Village feel. The main tourist resorts have built low rise hotels and properties that have fitted much better into the natural settings of pine trees which line almost the whole coast.

The sand here is much finer than other parts of Spain, although it must be said can be prone to stronger winds that seem to fan the province almost every day. These winds have made the Costa de la Luz a firm favorite with wind sports enthusiasts from all over the world.

The main towns and villages along the coast include:

Cadiz

Cadiz along with Huelva are the main towns which lay along the Costa del la Luz. Cadiz is the more beautiful and historic of the two in my opinion. This historic city is divided into two main parts, the modern and the old. Although the modern side has all the trapping of modern day living, the marinas, yachts, modern hotels etc the old part reveals the real history. The old town center is abound with character and true Andalusian flavors and is made up of three barrios ( quarters ) The Barrio La Viña , home to the fishing district, the Barrio El Populo , said to be the oldest part of the city and the Barrio Santa Maria.

A good time to visit Cadiz is during the carnivals held in February each year. It is one of Spains best carnivals with ten days of street processions and an unrivalled party atmosphere.

Huelva

The city of Huelva looks a bit rundown in parts and is not a main destination for the international traveler although the outlining towns and natural parks are some of the finest you will find in the country. The long sandy unspoilt beaches are to die for.

Barbate.

Endearing fishing village with access to all the best beaches and the natural parks in the area, low rise tourism with plenty of good eating houses, fresh fish is a must and Barbate has enough eateries to satisfy the most enthusiast of fresh fish and seafood lover.

Chipiona

Very popular with the Spanish tourist, again lovely long sandy beaches. Chipiona has a very Spanish ambience about it and is a great family destination. Explore the backstreets and you will be rewarded with finding some of the cheapest fresh fish restaurants and tapas bars anywhere in the area.

Zahara de las Atunes

Typical example of how a small town with one of the best beaches along the coast, it has also maintained its small village charm due to lack of high rise development or any major construction for that fact. As in the case of many of the fishing villages along the Costa de la Luz Sol the main catch here is the Tuna which is fished using the traditional almadrabas method ( fishermen using very long poles with a line and hook perched on the side of fishing trawlers ).

The après beach and sun activities here are laid back and peaceful nights are guaranteed here supping your favorite brew in one of the many quaint local bars.

Matalscanas

Offers long sandy beaches and sits next to the famous Doñana Natural park. Again low rise tourism which is repented by well off property owners from Sevilla and Cadiz so the prices are generally a little higher .

Conil


Conil de la Frontera is a former fishing village which has become a popular, low-rise resort. Its has a long fine white sandy beach and once again has a real village feel to the place. You will find a fine selection of fish restaurants along the Paseo Maritimo ( beach front area ) which buzzes nicely with a Spanish vibe at night as the locals join the holidays makers in enjoying the catch of the day.

The smallish white prawns ( gamba blanca ) are a delicacy along this coast and although can be on the pricier side are well worth trying for there excellent flavor. Also for fish lovers June is a good time to visit when the Tuna is celebrated and many restaurants offer this locally caught fish at discount prices.




Tarifa

Tarifa, the wind capital of the Europe as it is often referred to . so much so that wind farms are being erected all around the area and make quite a site. Of course wind sports activates are in abundance here and the bay is always full of the colorful spectacle of wind and kite surfers speeding along the coastline. Tarifa is the most southern most tip of Spain where the Mediterranean joins the fresher waters of the Atlantic ocean. Due to its proximity to Africa and Gibraltar boat trips are popular with companies offering numerous boat rides and fishing trips. It is not uncommon to see whales quite near to the shoreline as they feed back and forth along the Gibraltar straits.


Gary

The bay of Cadiz is located in the southern Andalucia about an hours drive south of the autonomous region capital, Seville. It encompasses around 10,000 Hectors of beautiful sandy beaches, slat marches, fresh water lakes and inlets as well as two natural parks, the ISLA de TROCADERO and the MARISMAS of SANCTI PETRI and supports a surprising amount of varied wildlife, much more than a first glance would suggest.

Enter the area from the San Fernando side of the Bay and the area is taken up with the simple natural beauty and calmness of the Salt Plains and marshland.

These wet lands ( Las SALINAS ) have supported salt mining since the times of the Phoenicians , the Romans also used it to preserve fish . These days little is left of this ancient farming technique as the cultivation of oysters, sea bass , prawns and clams now drives the local economy along with tourism and fishing.

The salt panning industry had a major effect on the area although great damage was done as abandoned salt mines where filled in to make way for land for construction during the 70s. Thankfully all future threats where halted in 1989 with the creation of the natural park and the wetland area which has become one of the most important in Europe, supporting a rich variety of plants and birds.

Cadiz Bay boasts an exceptional historical and architectural heritage. Its cuisine is some of the best in Spain and if you visit the area try some of the fresh local fresh and sea food noto top forget and one of the superb local wines or sherry’s on offer.
The most important festivals of this area would be the Cadiz Carnival in February, and the Virgen del Carmen Festival.

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Gary

Puerto de Santa Maria ( The Port of Saint Mary ) is located along the Costa de ls Luz , some 15 minutes across the bay from Cadiz in Andalucia, Southern Spain.

And although the entrance to the town may be a little uninspiring , as you have to travel through the commercial area with garages and warehouses, once inside the towns border you will be greeted by a very picturesque Andalucian harbour village.

It has 8 prime beaches located along 22 kms of clean Atlantic shoreline which offers clear pristine sea water. This prime location is one of the main reasons that has made El Puerto de Santa Maria an important fishing village. There is also a castle where Christopher Columbus stayed

a long large palm lined avenida and a maize of narrow bustling backstreets to explore. It also houses one of Spains oldest bull rings bult in 1880. The Casa de los Leones and the Museum are well worth visiting.

If you into British bars and food this is not the place, this is where you come to0 soak up the real Andalucian atmosphere as this area is very popular with the Spanish holiday maker.

There are many good tapas bars and fish restaurants serving up plenty of good value dishes, try the local white prawns ( gambas blancas ) and the fried fish platters .

The well known marina, Puerto Sherry is located at Muralla Beach and a great place to spend quality beach time.

Being located so close to the famous sherry producing area of Jerez there are a good number of sherries and brandies on offer. the town has several wine bodegas including the well known brands of Osbourne and Terry, all of which offer arrange visits.