Spain Travel Articles - Secret Spain

Discover Secret Spain & Avoided Crowded Beaches   by Jez Rourke

With restrictions on development meaning many of the beaches remain unspoilt, Costa de la Luz holidays enjoy a notably Andalucian atmosphere with a strong flamenco tradition and extraordinary carnivals and religious processions. Holidays on the Costa de la Luz feature superb Andalucian cuisine with tapas bars and superior fish and seafood far outweighing more predictable tourist menus. The mix of golden sandy beaches, friendly locals and excellent cuisine ensure holidays in the Costa de la Luz are a wonderful experience and one that is yet to be exposed on a grand scale. However this is not to say it does attract a number of discerning holidaymakers with the insight to appreciate what is on offer, namely the near perfect windsurfing conditions and the world class surfing. Although the attractive beaches are vast and often seem deserted, they are also within reasonable distance of some of Europe's most vibrant cities meaning you are in touch with the best of both worlds. This particular area of Andalucia is populated by historic cities rich in culture and tradition such as Cadiz, Seville and Jerez, or beautiful hilltop towns like Vejer and Arcos.

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One minute you are strolling along a deserted and unspoilt beach, the next you could be exploring vibrant Andalucian cities. An excellent example, Tarifa boasts a labyrinth of boutiques, surf shops, terraced cafes and restaurants dotted around the streets which wind up towards the late-Gothic 15th century church of San Mateo and a great castle overlooking the town. Tarifa boasts an impressive nightlife with plenty of bars and clubs encouraging a growing reputation as a 'new Ibiza' or even the 'European Malibu'.

Other holidaymakers are drawn by the more relaxing pursuits of walking, bird watching and horse riding or simply soaking up the Spanish sun. In fact, the Costa de la Luz is a magnet for birdwatchers. Between Cadiz and Southern Portugal is Europe's largest wildlife sanctuary, the Coto Donanan National Park, which is home to an unprecedented number of bird species. This area of Spain is also one of the most historic, with the 2nd century BC Roman site of Baela Claudia, around 9 miles north of Tarifa, which hosts many temples and a restored theatre carved from the side of a hilltop. Another nearby picturesque town, Vejer de la Fontera, sits high upon the hills with a 16 century church and a delightful Spanish plaza incorporating spectacular views.

For those tired of commercialised Spanish holidays, the Costa de la Luz literally gives an insight into traditional Spain and has an array of attractions to match rival holiday resorts within the other Costas. The only difference is that for now, it is left relatively untouched, also meaning there are chances to find cheaper deals. Other recommended resorts in the Costa de la Luz include Chipiona which is close to Jerez and popular with discerning locals from Cadiz and Seville.

For accommodation in Andalucia, visit All Spain Accommodation

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