Costa de la Luz, Spain

Costa de la Luz is a quiet resort in Spain situated along the coast from the very busy Costa del Sol. Costa de la Luz has miles of golden sand with few holidaymakers most of whom are Spanish so it still retains its traditional feel.



The Atlantic Ocean, although not as calm as the Mediterranean does allow for a variety of sports and to the north can be found more sheltered spots. Conil de la Frontera is a quiet resort and fronting Conil is the Playa de los Bateles a lovely beach with lifeguards and wooden cafes.

The town is a ‘pueblos blancos’ meaning white town where all the buildings are painted white. The town is full of nice architecture including a 14th century tower and the town is now beginning to see tourists.

Evenings can be spent in bars, outdoor restaurants or in the market. There are plenty of bars and restaurants serving traditional food especially seafood dishes including fried fish, prawns in garlic, octopus and cured ham. English is spoken in most of the hotels whose staff are friendly.

Further up the coast lies Sanlucar de Barrameda with its steep steps to the old quarter where in the market are sold live shrimps and snails. One of the many festivals is in Feria de la Manzanilla, a local sherry festival. The women wear traditional flamenco dresses and the young men ride their horses round town. During the evening there is a large funfair.

Another place to visit is Jerez famous for sherry and the Royal School of Equitation Art. Further inland is Vejer de la Frontera it is on a hill with maze like alleyways and all white buildings. In the heart of the town’s old quarter is a castle where from the slit windows views of the valley can be seen.

Again several restaurants are in the town with tables under lemon trees. The town already has sold holiday homes to Britons but property prices now are quite high.