Costa de la Luz

Sun, sand, and lots of sport

The Atlantic ocean has shaped the destiny of this coast for centuries. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs fell in love with the wonderful climate of this region, which is now waiting for you. Over 200 kilometres of golden sand line the coastline where the sea is the main attraction. Don’t leave the area without visiting the immense stretches of sand on beaches like Bolonia and Valdevaqueros in Cadiz province, or Matalascañas and Mazagón in Huelva. A place where you can do more than just relax. If you want action, the region’s waves and winds are ideal for top quality water sports. Surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are perfect for burning off adrenaline in this unique setting. This is also the home of Doñana National Park, the most important nature reserve in Spain, offering spectacular nature with wetlands, marshlands, and unique wildlife, including colourful flamingos. After so much activity, you’ll want to recover your strength with a good meal. Local specialities like bluefin tuna, Huelva prawns and Sanlúcar king prawns are delicious. You can also take the opportunity to discover all the different types of sherry from Jerez, the area’s most famous export.

Beyond nature

You can enjoy art and history anywhere on the Costa de la Luz. Cities like Cadiz, which has played an important part throughout the history of Spain, will surprise you with their architecture of whitewashed houses, churches and fortifications. Did you know that the first Spanish Constitution was signed in Cadiz, in 1812? Or that Carnival there may be more fun than anywhere else in Spain? Cadiz province is also beautiful inland, and is a wonderful area to explore. It’s home to the famous white villages, 19 places with whitewashed houses perched among the mountains. A place where humans have hardly affected the natural landscape, with fabulous scenery any traveller will enjoy. In the next province, there are also places in Huelva bursting with history. Villages like Moguer and Palos de la Frontera welcome you to the Lugares Colombinos. These are places where you can learn all about the voyages of Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America. Also in Huelva, May or June sees the annual festival and pilgrimage of El Rocío. Spain’s most popular procession wends it way, with music and devotion, to the village of Almonte.