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Discover Secret Spain
& Avoided Crowded Beaches by Jez Rourke
Anyone considering a summer
holiday this year may be put off by the thought of a crowded beach on a
Spanish Costa or the over familiarity of resorts packed with British tourists.
However, there are areas of Spain that are not over-populated by tourists
and offer beaches unspoilt by the masses. The Costa de la Luz (Coast of
Light) on the sandy shores of the Atlantic in the South Western corner
of Spain promises an alternative to the commercialised Mediterranean resorts.
Stretching from Tarifa near Gibraltar to the border of the Algarve, The
Costa de la Luz is a particular favourite with the Spanish. In fact you
may find yourself longing for company as you stroll along the near deserted
and tranquil beaches.
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. 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.
About the Author
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