Costa De La Luz
All You Need To Know

"The fine, white stretches of sandy beach are a sun-worshipper's dream - ideal for a relaxing, away from it all holiday".

The Costa de la Luz is Spain 's most southwesterly coast, stretching from the Straits of Gibraltar to the Portuguese border, lying in the colourful and charismatic province of Andalucia . Named after the bright sunshine that bathes the shore, the 'Coast of Light' leaves the hustle and bustle of the other Spanish Costas behind and the true, natural beauty of Spain shines through.

This stretch of coast has seen relatively little development, with tourism consisting of a few small resorts lazily evolving around former fishing villages and the most glorious stretches of sand. From the resorts, you can easily explore the Andalucian mountain ranges with their breathtaking scenery and timeless hilltop villages, and discover the hidden charms of rustic Spain . Costa de la Luz offers something for everyone, whether you're looking for a healthy tan, a game of tennis, a round of golf on some of the best courses in Europe or just the opportunity to revel in the lively atmosphere and abundant sunshine.

Beaches

You will find some of the most incredible beaches in Spain stretching along the Costa de la Luz shoreline. Framed by undulating sand dunes and fragrant pine trees, the silky, white powder makes a perfect sunbed from which to soak up the glittering rays. The breeze rolling in off the Atlantic creates superb conditions for a variety of watersports, attracting windsurfing fanatics from all over the world.

Shopping

If it's modern department stores and fashionable boutiques you're after, look no further than the elegant cities of Cadiz and Seville , where you can purchase the latest designer goods. Elsewhere you will find the Moorish craft traditions very much alive in the delicate filigree jewellery, decorative pottery, basketry and handbeaten copperware.

Nightlife

Packed bars and heaving dance floors are something you'll struggle to find, as evening activity typically consists of a long stroll along the coast as the sun sets followed by a leisurely, al fresco meal and then perhaps a glass of chilled wine with the locals in a rustic bar.

Sightseeing

With nature playing a key role in this corner of Spain, the Doñana National Park boasts a wealth of flora and fauna, making it one of the largest and most interesting bird and wildlife sanctuaries in Europe. An alternative sightseeing trip to the bustling fishing village of Ayamonte, standing on the river Guadiana facing out towards Portugal, is a wonderful day out. Steeped in history and offering a selection of restaurants and bars serving fine local food and freshly caught fish, it epitomises rural Spain.

By choosing Islantilla or Isla Canela, to the west of the coast, you'll have a good base from which to venture further into the heart of Andalucia - a trip to historical Seville, famous for its juicy oranges, being an absolute must. The city of Huelva offers surprisingly modern architecture and fashionable shops, so it's easy to forget that this is one of the oldest settlements in Spain from which Christopher Columbus set sail on his voyage of discovery over 500 years ago.

Local Specialities

The Costa de la Luz is home to some delicious specialities, including the authentic version of 'gazpacho' - a chilled puree of tomato, cucumber, peppers, onion and garlic. The region is also famed for its sherry. The word for this delectably rich fortified wine is actually derived from the Moorish name of the city it originates from - Jerez. You won't have to go far to find tasty tapas and you should also look out for fresh seafood, especially tuna, prawns, lobsters and clams. Ham from the province of Huelva is renowned for its superb quality, texture and taste - harvested from wild pigs raised on forest acorns.

Money Matters

There are 1.50 euros to the £1.00 as at 7th September 2005. Banking hours are Monday-Friday 08:30 or 09:00 until 13:30 or 14:30. Major credit cards are accepted at most shops, hotels and restaurants.

Dress Code

Please note that most hotels require gentlemen to wear long trousers and shoes for dinner.

Please Note

Most hotels or apartments ask customers to vacate their rooms between 10am and 12 midday. For late afternoon or evening flights, late check out rooms may be available. Please see Your Holiday, Your Choice options with your accommodation information.

Highlights

Highlights offer endless opportunities to discover, wonder, relax and enjoy - here is a selection ...

Guadiana River Cruise

This unique boat travels up the Guadiana River which separates Spain from Portugal. Stopping at a Portuguese restaurant where a typical lunch is served, you are entertained with a display of Portuguese folklore and then have time to cool off in the pool before returning down the river.

The Columbus Route

Take a step back in time as you uncover the past. Following a panoramic drive around the town, free time allows you to stroll through the old quarters of Huelva (meeting point for the different cultures in Europe), from Los Cabezos to the English quarter of Queen Victoria. Here you may wish to visit the Sanctuario da la Cinta, the church of the local patron saint, browse the shops, or take a walk to soak up the atmosphere of the town centre. Then onto the La Rabida, the birthplace of the discovery of America. This is where you can visit the Cloisters of Maria de la Rabina, a Franciscan monastery where Columbus resided between 1485 and 1492. At Muelle de las Caravellas, you can get the chance to board the La Pinta, La Nina and the Santa Maria. These are full-size replicas of the caravels (you will be amazed at how small they were!) in which Columbus set sail for the Americas. A great day of voyage and discovery.