Five must see attractions of Spain’s Costa del Luz
The Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) is situated on the western end of the Andalucían coastline, facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is an area renowned for fine and golden sand, unspoiled beaches, hidden coves and crystal turquoise seas. Reliable persistent breezes and waves are an attraction for windsurfers and international competitions are commonly held along this exhilarating coastline.
Many of the beaches on the Costa de la Luz are surrounded by sand dunes and pine groves. Areas with high cliffs and hidden coves are mostly found in the Cadiz region, near Conil, and also near the Campo de Gibraltar.
The Costa de la Luz can be seen as two distinct sections – The Huelva province, which spreads from Portugal eastwards to the Guadalquivir River, and the Cadiz Province, which extends from the Guadalquivir to Tarifa, the most southernmost point of Europe.
If you’re thinking about heading to the sunny climes of this southern region of Spain, take a look at five attractions you just have to experience on Spain’s stunning Costa de la Luz.
Sierra de Grazalema and Alcornocales Natural Parks
Grazalema is one of Andalucía’s most visited parks. It is renowned for its wildlife and limestone landscape. The Alcornocales Natural Park is ideal for hiking and walking underneath centuries-old cork and oak woodland. This is also a great place to watch the migration of birds between Europe and the African continent.
Whale watching
This part of the Andalucía’s coast is home to both whales and dolphins. Known formally as cetaceans, some of them are up to 120 foot long and weighing 190 tonnes, heavier than a Boeing B-747! These fascinating sea creatures can be viewed by taking specialist boat trips, particularly from Gibraltar or Tarifa.
Pueblos Blancos
The white villages of Andalucía are world famous. Often clinging to the side of green mountains, these ‘pueblos blancos’ present a spectacular image, particularly when seen from a distance, some huddled around old castles, others clinging to cliff edges.
Ronda is one of the region’s most famous white villages. With its deep ravine crossed by a spectacular bridge that has been painted by just about every artist that has ever toured Spain, Ronda is truly spectacular town to village.
Botanical Gardens
The 18th century was the golden age for botanical gardens in Spain and there are several well worth visiting on the Costa de la Luz. The beautiful Jardin Botanico in San Fernando in the Province of Cadiz is one such garden. This beautiful garden was established in 2001 and covers an extensive area of nine acres.
With its unspoilt golden beaches of fine sand, hidden coves backed by pine trees and sand dunes, whitewashed traditional towns and villages and a unique culture and heritage, not to mention enviable year-round temperatures, Spain’s Costa de la Luz is a magical place to village all year round.