Coast of the Costa de la Luz. Costa de la Luz beach in Andalusia

On the coast washed by the Atlantic Ocean, in the provinces of Cadiz and Huelva, there is a resort area, which, in its natural capabilities, can compete with the best Spanish and European tourist centers, but at the same time has an undeniable advantage - pristine, almost untouched nature.

Costa de la Luz translated from Spanish means “Coast of Light”. In this place, the sea reflects the sunlight especially strongly, as if a huge clear mirror of an invisible giant releases myriads of sunbeams from under the sparkling waves.

Kilometers of Atlantic sandy beaches and pine-covered dunes combine with the quiet beauty of national parks.

You will meet patriarchal, pure, authentic Spain, with the hot Andalusian temperament, fiery flamenco, the fury of bullfighting and the tart aroma of southern wines - sherry, manzanilla, malaga. And with all this, there is a variety of hotels: from luxurious 5 and 4 star complexes in the Chiclana and Cadiz area to quiet, cozy guesthouses in ancient cities such as Rota or Puerto de Santa Maria.

By choosing a holiday on the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light), you will not only get the opportunity to relax in a calm and comfortable environment, but also get in touch with the rich history and culture of the autonomous community of Andalusia, visit its capital Seville and other world-famous cities with excursions - Cordoba, Cadiz and Huelva. You can also sail across the Strait of Gibraltar and visit Ceuta, a Spanish city on the African coast. Children will also appreciate the possibilities of the water park in Cadiz or the amusement park "Isla Mágica" (Magic Island) in.

Here, in the vastness of the Atlantic, it is good to windsurf or sail: huge spaces, ocean waters that are still warm in this place, sunny, warm - a real dream for any tourist who is interested in sea sports. Coast (260 km) Costa de La Luz is a real Mecca for scuba divers. After all, only here you can “wander” among the remains of the galleons of the Great Armada, which have been resting at shallow depths in local waters for three centuries.

Cities and resorts of the Costa de la Luz

CADIZ

The most colorful city Costa de la Luz is Cadiz. This city, an interweaving of many cultures and religions, lives its own special life, unique to it. The air here is especially clean, and the sea waves playing in the sun seem to remind the city that its entire destiny is forever connected with the sea.

Despite the calm life of local residents, Costa de la Luz They love and know how to have fun. Bullfights, horse tournaments, fiery folk songs and dances, live music - all this is sure to be present at carnivals in Costa de la Luz. It's worth coming to the carnival that takes place in Cadiz from May 10 to 17, or for the famous horse races in August, or for a religious holiday famous throughout "Romeria" entitled “El Rocio in Allmonte” (“Rosa in Aymonte”), which takes place at the end of August near Huelva and brings together the best singers from all over Andalusia.

One of the most significant buildings in the city is Cathedral(XVIII century), on the territory of which there is the grave of the great Spanish composer Manuel de Falla, a native of Cadiz.

IN Church of Santa Catalina(XVII century) there is an unfinished painting by Murillo “The Wedding of Saint Catalina”. This is the last work of the great Spanish artist.

Church of Santa Cueva(XVIII century) decorated with frescoes by Goya.

IN Cadiz Museum objects of ancient cultures discovered during archaeological excavations in the city and its environs are presented, and in the fine arts department there are paintings by Murillo, Ribera, Rubens and Zurbaran.

Coast of the province of Cadiz(and the province of Huelva) is called Costa de la Luz("Coast of Light"). This is the Atlantic coast, where there are such significant tourist centers as Algeciras, Tarifa, Chiclana de la Frontera, Cadiz, Puerto de Santa Maria, Rota, Chipiona, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and others.

City Puerto de Santa Maria famous for its magnificent beaches, the San Marcos Castle in the city center, the most famous bullring in the area and numerous architectural monuments. Chipiona is a wonderful sailor's village located 72 kilometers from the city of Cadiz, at an altitude of 6 meters above sea level. Tarifa is the southernmost point of the coast, the closest to Africa, a charming town with numerous opportunities for water sports. Sanlúcar de Barrameda is located next to the Doñana National Reserve. Matalascañas Beach, bordering the Doñana Natural Park, is a true piece of paradise. It is not for nothing that it was declared an area of ​​National Tourist Interest. Its golden sands stretch 45 kilometers from Torre del Loro to the mouth of the Guadalquivir River.

Near this beach there is a large ecological Doñana Nature Reserve", which was declared a "Biosphere Reserve" by UNSO in 1980. Its territory, with an area of ​​more than one hundred thousand hectares, covers three large ecosystems (mountains, low-lying coast, flooded strait and beach with sand dunes) and a rich diversity of fauna, which makes this zone into the most important natural space in Europe.

Excellent tourist infrastructure of the area Matalascañas fully meets the requirements of holidaymakers who come here attracted not only by the natural wonder, but also by the exceptional gastronomic offer (fish, shellfish, Iberian ham).

HELVA

The village of Mogher (7 km from Palos) surprises with its narrow labyrinth-like streets that lead to the monastery of St. Clare (XIV century) - one of the main attractions of the province. Nearby is the Monastery of St. Francis, the Corpus Christi hospital turned into a theater, the City Hall in the style of cheerful Andalusian neoclassicism and the impressive size of the Church of Nuestra Señora de, which has a tower reminiscent of the Giralda. Moguer is home to the museum of the Spanish poet Juan Ramon Jimenez (1881-1958), a Nobel Prize winner who spent his childhood here. His book for children, “Platero and I,” which has been translated into 50 languages, is especially popular. One of the squares of this town is named after the hero of this book.

Heading from Moger towards , you can see the thick fortification walls built by the Arabs around the small town of Niebla. During Arab rule, this city was the capital of one of the caliphates. This place is also famous for the fact that here in 1257, when Christians besieged the city for nine months, gunpowder was used for the first time on the Iberian Peninsula. Not far from here flows the amazing Tinto River, so named because its waters are dark red. Speaking about the gastronomic features of this province, first of all, it is necessary to mention the local, famous throughout Andalusia, El Condado ham and wine.

Tired of visiting historical and architectural sights, you can relax on the Costa de la Luz, where the dunes smell of lavender and rosemary. The city of Lepe is famous for the magnificent resort of La Antilla, and its people for being the hero of many jokes. Here, for example, is one of them: “Why do the people of Lepe plant olive trees on the shore? - Because they want olives stuffed with anchovies.” But the residents are not offended, on the contrary, they have turned their city into a center of humor and organize special humor festivals. Islantilla attracts tourists with its famous golf club of the same name, located in the center of a natural park along the Atlantic Ocean. The tourist infrastructure of the Huelva coast is actively developing, new hotels and apartment complexes are opening every year. An important factor for tourists is that, in addition to numerous excursions to the beautiful ancient cities, they can easily visit neighboring Portugal

In the province of Huelva, as in other areas of Andalusia, there are many local holidays. But the most famous among them is "Romeria del Rocío". On one weekend in May or June (the date varies depending on the liturgical calendar), the road to the Virgen del Rocio shrine in the village of Almonte is filled with colorful decorated floats. The holiday reaches a special scale at night, as eyewitnesses say, “a magical night when all over Andalusia takes your breath away.” The Sierra Morena Mountains also belong to the province of Huelva. Here, white-stone villages, with well-preserved chapels and churches, are at the center of a charming landscape; a forest in which pine, cork oak and chestnut trees grow together. Aracena is the capital of this area.

In the northeast of the province, at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, there is one of the most outstanding natural reserves - Doñana National Park. It is recognized by UNESCO as a Heritage of Humanity and declared a biosphere reserve. It is a huge park with an area of ​​50,720 hectares, where three types of ecosystems (mountains, swamps and beaches with dunes) have turned this area into a unique habitat for 8 species of fish, 11 species of amphibians, 125 species of birds and 28 species of mammals, which serves as the last refuge for such endangered species. species such as lynx, Sultan's hen, golden eagle, coot. Doñana is an important point on the migratory routes of birds from Europe to Africa and back. Thanks to the mild climate, 40,000 water birds and more than 150,000 ducks and wild geese usually spend the winter here.

This resort has a wonderful name, it translates as “Coast of Light”. Costa de la Luz is the southernmost resort in Spain and the gloomy days here can be counted on one hand. The rest of the time the region is bathed in sunshine.

Popular about the Costa de la Luz resort

The only thing that brings coolness here is the nearby waters of the Atlantic Ocean, which wash the resort. They are always a couple of degrees cooler than in the Mediterranean Sea.

However, the Costa de la Luz also has something that is rarely found in other resorts. These are quite strong, lingering winds blowing from the coast, so there is practically no calm surf here. The waves splash constantly, and sometimes it’s even stormy. But this does not stop many tourists, because the wind even contributes to a more intense and faster tanning. Although, perhaps due to the remote location of the resort or because of high temperatures in summer, much less people come here than to Mediterranean resorts. Here you rarely see beaches crowded with tourists, and in the cities you can hear the Spanish dialect much more often than anywhere else.

Fans of active recreation are used to relaxing here. For extreme sports enthusiasts who practice windsurfing, the local beaches are a godsend. You can also see many yachtsmen who are eager to conquer at least a part of the Atlantic Ocean on their sailing “schooners”. There are also those who came here to be away from the bustle of the city, to relax and listen to the rustling of the waves, and not the noisy polyphony on one beach. Traveling artists and writers looking for inspiration come here. Local landscapes can put anyone in a masterpiece mood.

The beaches of the resort deserve special attention. There are no rocks or large vegetation, and the width of the coast at some points reaches two hundred meters. Some of them are overgrown with short grass. The rest are just hot, almost white sand. The coastline is not as long as in Mediterranean resorts, but there is much more space due to the flat terrain. Moreover, the swimming season here begins a month earlier, which is quite good, considering that tickets and hotel rooms can be booked in early spring, when their cost is much lower.

How to get to Costa de la Luz

Getting to the resort is easy. There are two ways that tourists use:

· The first way is to fly from Malaga International Airport. This option has only one transfer. There are regular flights from Iberia and Vueling to Malaga from Russia. You can then use local airlines to travel directly to the resort. Flight time from Malaga is approximately 5 hours. This option may not be very convenient, since you will have to endure 2 flights at once. Excessive overwork is not a sign of a good vacation.

· The second way is to change trains in Madrid or Seville to Cadiz. This option will allow you to save a little and give you the opportunity to see the country in close proximity. Buses run from the provincial capital of Cadiz to any resort town. In any case, you can stay right in Cadiz.

Main resort towns of the Costa de la Luz

Several of the hottest cities make up the province of Costa de la Luz, which has been considered a resort area for decades. Each of them attracts tourists with a wide variety of services and entertainment.

Some towns are a real historical treasure trove, because they were all founded during the reign of Muslims, or even earlier. Even then, people knew the significant value of these settlements, and now the resort and tourism business brings the region almost half of the budget of the entire Spain.

• CADIZ

No one imagines the province of Costa de la Luz without its capital, the city of Cadiz. Today this small settlement is the oldest among European countries. Once upon a time, the Byzantines inhabiting these lands considered Cadiz literally the “end of the world.” It was from here that the famous traveler and adventurer of all times, Christopher Columbus, began his expeditions.

Since ancient times, many historical buildings have remained in the city, which even now attract attention with their unique beauty. In addition, Cadiz has a well-developed modern infrastructure. The streets of the city are lined with all kinds of shops, boutiques and luxury hotels.

The only thing that has remained virtually unchanged in Cadiz is the magnificent sandy beaches, which stretch for more than ten kilometers. The most visited of them is the city beach of Playa de la Caleta. It is only half a kilometer long, but from the embankment, which is lined with cafeterias, bars and restaurants, you can watch a stunningly beautiful sunset, perhaps the best on the planet. The remaining beaches are much larger and no less popular.

Getting to Cadiz is easy. The nearest airport is located in the town of Jerez de la Frontera. There are regular flights there from Madrid or Barcelona. There is also a bus service from Seville (ticket price 10 euros). You can also get there by bus from Malaga. From larger cities it takes a few hours to get here by train. Cadiz has a modern railway station.

The climate in the city is quite dry, hot and windy. The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean makes itself felt. The swimming season lasts from mid-May to the end of October, making Cadiz an excellent place for a beach holiday.

In city catering establishments you can order a wide variety of seafood dishes and almost all types of sea fish. The best restaurant in the city, called El Faro, is located on Calle San Felix. The most delicious dishes can be tasted here.

In addition to beach activities, the city has many memorable buildings from different eras that will be very interesting to visit. Fabulous Cathedral of the Holy Cross, built in the Baroque style, is open daily to parishioners and tourists. You don’t see such grandeur and spirituality in a building every day. On the city square of Mina is located Archaeological Museum, the exhibits of which are hundreds of years old. Another entertaining activity is to walk along the city walls that separate it from the sea. They once served as good defense against foreign invaders.

Finding shelter in Cadiz is not a problem. There are many luxury hotels and cozy budget places. The resort accommodates a lot of visitors, and at the height of the season there is nowhere for an apple to fall. It is advisable to book rooms before your trip, as you can save a lot. Summer prices are unexpectedly surprising.

• HIKLANA-de la FRONTERA

The name of a small resort town, difficult for a Russian person, can cause confusion. But put aside your prejudices. This is the most magnificent resort in Spain. A river flows through the entire city, along the banks of which the cozy homes of local residents are lined up. On river bridges you can often see amateur fishermen or young couples in love.

But the main magnet for everyone is the golden beaches of La Barrosa and Sancti Petri, which for many years have deserved the title of the best beaches in Spain.

The city is influenced by a purely Andalusian style. The coastline of the resort beach of La Barrosa stretches for six kilometers. It consists of two parts:

• The first is an embankment, about one kilometer long. There is a lot of entertainment here: from bars and restaurants, to nightclubs and souvenir shops. In the summer there is a time when the embankment is simply crowded with the abundance of vacationers.
• The second part is a real nature reserve with rare plants, pine plantations and sand dunes. This territory contains the most expensive hotels with relaxation and spa centers and huge golf courses.

The second beach, Sancti Petri, is slightly smaller. The city's fishing port is located here, where sailing yachts and small fishing vessels usually call. A walk along the beach on a warm evening in pleasant company will be a great end to the day, especially since the sunset from here is stunning.

To visit this wonderful city, first travel by plane to cities such as Jerez, Seville or Malaga. And then a couple of hours by train or a little more by bus. You can also get to the city through Cadiz, but with transfers.

Shopping lovers will be able to frolic in local shopping centers in the heart of the city. Or hang around the markets, there are two of them - food and clothing. There you can find and buy a lot of interesting and useful things, from traditional Spanish clothing to the freshest vegetables and fruits.

Among the city's attractions, one should highlight the superbly preserved ancient castle Sancti Petri and not far from it there are ruins Temple of Hercules, who is considered the founder of the city. Also worthy of special attention are the city churches, the monastery and the tall Clock Tower, reminiscent of the English Big Ben in miniature.

Hotels in the city of Chiclana de la Frontera offer a full range of services and receive hundreds of wonderful reviews from tourists every year. Almost all of them are resort-style, with personal spas and massage rooms. Many of the hotels provide lovers of active recreation and recreation with equipment for surfing, sailing and horse riding. Some luxury guesthouses have their own tennis courts and golf courses.

As in all tourist centers in Spain, it is advisable to book rooms in advance.

• ELH-PHUERTO-de-CANTA-MARIA

The city with such a romantic name is located in the south of Andalusia in the picturesque area of ​​the Guadalete River. Here it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The name of the resort is by no means accidental. The fact is that hundreds of years ago the ship of Christopher Columbus, on which he sailed half the ocean, was called “Santa Maria,” and the captain of the ship lived in this town.

The city has a full range of resort entertainment - from wonderful sandy beaches to vibrant nightclubs. The real treasure of the city is its beaches, which stretch for as much as twenty-two kilometers. The sand on the beach is white. Nine equipped beach areas. There are also several wild beaches, but no less attractive.

One of the most popular is the beach Valdelagrana. It is located two kilometers from the city, vacationers find themselves in the zone of a real resort idyll. Tourists will find several fashionable hotels with a variety of accommodation options and well-developed entertainment and shopping infrastructure. It's like a small city within a city.

Beach coastline Vistahermosa much smaller, but no less attractive. Quite strong winds constantly blow here, so the place is ideal for fans of windsurfing. There is an excellent view from the shore, especially in the evening, when you can see the lights of the city of Cadiz, which is clearly visible from here.

The route to El Puerto de Santa Maria is not difficult. The closest airport is in Jerez. The price for the flight is approximately 250 euros. Another way is to change trains in Madrid to the city (travel time is approximately 4 hours). The most convenient way to get there from the city of Cadiz is by bus, train or ferry.

The climate in El Puerto is hot; sudden temperature changes are rare. In summer, the temperature rises to thirty to thirty-three degrees above zero. This heat lasts here all summer. The holiday season begins in mid-May and ends in November, when the water temperature drops, and then the swimming season also ends.

El Puerto is small, but there are still places to go and things to see in your free time from the beach. Among the religious buildings, it is worth noting the magnificent city cathedral Iglesia Mayor Prioral, built back in the seventeenth century. Another architectural masterpiece is the castle El Castillo de San Marcos. A good example of how the Spaniards care about nature is the nature reserve Bahia de Cadiz, which is completely open to the public.

• TARIFA

It’s easy to be in Spain and see Africa! All you need to do is come to the city of Tarifa. You can get to Tarifa from Cadiz by bus. This is the most convenient option. The city is the southernmost point of the European continent and it is here that there is access to the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet.

Tarifa's constant air flows have made it another center of Spanish windsurfing. And on the coasts there is an annual championship in this exciting sport. Although Tarifa is considered a popular resort, some of its beaches do not receive special attention from tourists, such as the rocky beach of La Caleta. Well, the most popular and popular is the snow-white Playa de los Lances, which is included in the protected areas of Europe.

From Tarifa it is easy to go on an organized excursion to Morocco. And on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar you can see the coast of Africa and the rocky Reef mountain range.

The most visited attraction is the ancient fortress. Castilo de los Guzmanes, named after one of the first rulers of the city. It has been preserved almost in its original form. It is also impossible to pass by the giant gate Puerta de Jerez – the oldest entrance to the city is on its northern side. Neatly trimmed bushes and trees, comfortable benches and a magnificent fountain in the square Plaza Santa Maria They will make you feel moved and immediately set you up for a wave of positivity. And you can feel like an archaeologist at the ruins of an ancient city Baelo Claudia, dating back to the second century BC.

• HELVA

Although Huelva- a Spanish city, here you feel like you are in England of the Victorian era. All thanks to the fact that in the nineteenth century the bulk of the townspeople were the British, who developed mountain mineral deposits. This originally influenced the architecture of the city, especially its residential areas.

However, after a century of rule of the Spanish crown, the city acquired clearly Spanish features. Now it seems that when you arrive in the city, you find yourself in two countries at once. The main advantage of the city is its proximity to Portugal. From here you can easily cross the border by bus and visit the nearest Portuguese cities.

The easiest way to get to Huelva is by bus, which leaves regularly from Cadiz, Granada or Malaga. There are train connections to the city from Seville and Madrid. The train departs several times a day.

City beaches are perhaps the only ones that have not yet been developed. They are completely wild and located far from the city. But that's the beauty of them! Connoisseurs of a quiet, carefree holiday come here, away from the noise and bustle of the city.

The nearest beaches with developed resort infrastructure are located near the city in the village of Punta Umbria. Here you can stay in excellent hotels with spa treatments, huge swimming pools and other resort paraphernalia.

The city itself has many interesting places, and its compact size will allow even a lazy tourist to get around everything in a day. The main meeting place for townspeople and many holidays is the square Plaza de las Monjas, which is in the center of Huelva. Nearby you can visit excellent restaurants, buy some of the latest fashion in one of the trendy boutiques or go to a souvenir shop. The city has many magnificent parks, such as Parque Moret where fruit trees grow freely or Jardines de Muelle with tropical plants and palms.

The resorts located on the Costa de la Luz are amazing without exception. Each settlement has something unique and inimitable, which is why many take a mini-tour of this hot Spanish province. Vacationers are greeted by a large number of entertainments, ranging from windsurfing to relaxing spa massages in hotel salons. And, of course, there are many kilometers of hot sand, hot sun and crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, which are found only here.

You still need to look for a better holiday than on the Costa de la Luz. So throw your swimming trunks and swimsuits in your suitcase and go get the perfect tan!

(Costa de la Luz) - a coastline 260 km long from where the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea meet to the Portuguese border. Thinkers, romantics, seekers of silence and pristine beaches, as well as surfers flock here. The local towns are not teeming with tourists, but it is full of southern Spanish flavor. From the southern end of the Costa de la Luz it is literally a stone's throw from the Moroccan shores.
Photo: Map of Costa de la Luz

The “Coast of Light” (translated from Spanish) promises endless sandy beaches during the day, excellent tapas bars and restaurants in the evening, as well as an unusually vibrant nightlife. Strong ocean tides must be taken into account.

The southern part of the coast is known as the “capital of the winds”, where beginners and professional wind and kite surfers flock every year. Chiclana da la Frontera has excellent golf courses and tennis courts. In addition, you will have the opportunity to master the art of horse riding.

You can see the beauty of the coast in the video:

Costa de la Luz has a lot to offer culturally - museums, historical and architectural monuments, nature reserves and parks. Having caught the time of carnivals, tourists “risk” getting into a dizzying whirlpool of folk songs and dances, seeing bullfights, colorful rituals and traditions.

Nearby are charming Seville, poetic Granada, Jerez and Cordoba. A great idea to visit magnificent Lisbon, just 2 hours away.

5 things to do on the Costa de la Luz. Things to do:

Photo: Strait of Gibraltar

1. Take a photo next to the fragment of the tower on Torre del Loro beach.
2. Take a ferry to Morocco to temporarily immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the east.
3. Take an excursion to the legendary Strait of Gibraltar.
4. Be captivated by flamenco at the Chiclana de la Frontera festival.
5. Bring along a bottle of wine to watch the sunset against the backdrop of Africa in Playa de los Lances.

Photo: Cadiz

Cadiz is the capital of the Costa de la Luz and at one point the oldest city in Spain (1 thousand years BC), which according to legend was founded by Hercules.

You can see the beautiful views of Cadiz in this author's video:

Beaches

Playa de la Caleta– the central beach is 450 m away, where you can admire the stunning sunset.

Photo: Playa de la Caleta

Santa Maria del Mar– a fairly wide (35 m) beach 850 m long with a sandy surface and a gentle entrance to the water. The depth is pretty decent.

Photo: Santa Maria del Mar

Victoria (Playa de la Victoria)– a huge beach (length 3 km, width 200 m) with good sand. About 50 meters from the shore it is very shallow - you can swim with children. The tides bring in lots of interesting shells and pebbles.

Photo: Victoria

Attractions

Photo: Cadiz Cathedral

Notable are the Cadiz Cathedral, San Antonio Square and the Church of St. Philippe Neri. It is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum and the Alameda de Apodaca Park with its observation deck. The fortress walls and fortifications near the sea are perfectly preserved.

Photo: Chiclana de la Frontera

Chiclana de la Frontera is a charming, airy old town with narrow streets surrounded by fragrant pine groves. The city's real jewel lies in its long golden beaches. And, of course, be sure to try the Chiclan wines prepared according to ancient recipes. In the summer, on June 13, the city hosts an exciting flamenco festival.

Beaches

La Barrosa– a long and wide beach of 6 km with perfect sand and rocks in the far part. It is divided into a crowded area with excellent infrastructure and an almost protected area right up to the southernmost edge of the town. Fashionable hotels and SPA centers and hot spots for shopaholics are concentrated here.

Photo: La Barrosa

Sancti PetriIt is especially loved by surfers for its windiness, and its sunsets are the most delightful on the coast. Equipped with breakwaters.

Photo: Sancti Petri

Reviews say that La Barossa beach is very popular with vacationers with children. After low tide, “puddles” with crabs, fish and shrimp form on the shore - bring a net!

Attractions

Photo: Church of San Juan Bautista

Among others, it is worth highlighting the church of San Juan Bautista in the neoclassical style and the Clock Tower. The snow-white fortress of Sancti Petri is located on the island of the same name, where you can only go by sea - a romantic place with stunning views.

Also worthy of attention is the convent of Jesus Nazareno, whose shop sells almond cakes made by monastics.

Photo: El Puerto de Santa Maria

El Puerto de Santa Maria is a cute Andalusian town whose history goes back further than 1 thousand years BC. It is located right in the Bay of Cadiz at the place where the Guadalete River flows into the ocean. Tourists will find dozens of excellent hotels, restaurants, cafes, plenty of leisure options and 22 km of beaches with white sand.

Beaches

La Puntilla- a beach in the city center at the mouth of Guadalete.

Photo: La Puntilla

Valdelagrana– a popular large beach (2 km), strewn with snow-white hotels and entertainment. It is rather touristic; the heart of Spain is worth looking for on other beaches.

Photo: Valdelagrana

Fuentebravia– a crowded beach in a residential area.

Photo: Fuentebravia

Vistahermosa– a beach for surfers with views of Cadiz. The water is very cold.

Photo: Vistahermosa

Levante– a place of solitude in the protected area of ​​​​Bahia de Cadiz. The local winds create all the conditions for windsurfing and sailing.

Photo: Levante

Playa de la Muralla– an almost wild beach, but with delicious restaurants. A secluded place with almost no wind.

Photo: Playa de la Muralla

La Calita– a rocky place for divers.

Photo: La Kalita

Attractions

Photo: Church of Mary Prioral

One of the most luxurious buildings in El Puerto is the Maria Prioral Church of the 15th-17th centuries in a mixed Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical style. Worth visiting are the 17th-century Church of the Servants of the Sacred Heart, the Old Exchange, the Fortress of San Marcos and the 18th-century Gerales Fountain. The El Aculadero archeology monument and museum are interesting.

Right next door is a rich, ancient and wonderful Sherry, which you won’t mind spending the whole day on.

Photo: Tarifa

Tarifa is the southernmost point of the European continent, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet at the Strait of Gibraltar. From here you can literally see Morocco in the most marvelous panorama. This city has become the center of international windsurfing competitions. This is also an amazing place with cobblestone streets, among which architectural monuments are hidden.

You can see the coast in all its glory in Tarifa by watching this video:

Beaches

Valdevaqueros– a wide beach with many surfers. There is no cafe here. You can get there by car through picturesque sand dunes.

Photo: Valdevaqueros

La Caleta– a rocky, secluded beach that offers diving opportunities.

Photo: La Caleta

Bologna (Playa de Bolonia)– a picturesque beach with azure waters and white sand. You can only get there by car.

Photo: Bologna

Playa Chica– a beach where mostly locals relax.

Photo: Playa Chica

Playa de Los Lances– Tarifa’s most representative beach with stunning sunsets against the backdrop of Africa. No less popular place for surfers.

Photo: Playa de los Lances

Tourists note that it is better not to go to Bologna beach in windy weather. If there is wind, then you should take shelter in the nearest restaurant.

Leisure

Tarifa is the place to go on excursions to the Strait of Gibraltar and see some of the water's most amazing creatures, including dolphins and whales. Even more exciting is a ferry excursion to Morocco (port of Tangier) with its oriental elegance. If possible, go to Isla de las Palomas, where the waters of the ocean and sea meet.

It is very pleasant to wander among the palm trees in La Alameda Park.

Attractions

Photo: Arab citadel Guzman el Bueno

Among the architectural monuments, the Jerez Gate of the 8th century and the Arab citadel of Guzman el Bueno of the 10th century are notable. The 16th century Church of San Mateo has a very unusual beauty. Miramar Gardens offers stunning panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coast.

Huelva

Huelva is a city near Portugal, which differs from other Spanish cities in the English style of buildings against the backdrop of tall palm trees. Here you will find virtually pristine beaches, great seafood and unique attractions. For example, the church where Columbus was blessed on his journey to the New World (Sanctuario de Nuestra Senora de la Cinta).

You can admire the beautiful views of the city of Huelva by watching this wonderful video:

Beaches

Punta Umbria– a very long and spacious beach where you can enjoy the ocean and look for shells.

Photo: Punta Umbria

Playa de La Bota– an endless beach surrounded by dunes and pine thickets.

Photo: Playa de la Bota

Torre del Loro– a magnificent golden beach with an original decoration in the form of a huge fragment. Located in the Doñana Park.

Photo: Torre del Loro

From here you can travel to Lisbon or to the Doñana National Park, where the Guadalquivir flows into the Atlantic. Doñana is home to rare birds, including pink flamingos, red deer and Spanish lynxes.

Sanlucar de Barrameda

Photo: Matalascañas Beach

Sanlúcar de Barrameda is a town famous for horse racing right along the coastline. Here you can taste the best varieties of sherry and eat very cheaply and tasty. Matalascanas Beach is located right on the border with the Doñana National Park, where centuries-old pine trees grow on beautiful dunes.

Company

Photo: Beach Playa de Costa Ballena

Rota is a peaceful and elegant town, which knows no fuss and noise. Beaches, for example, Playa de Costa Ballena, are perfectly sandy and smooth, with a very gentle entry into the water, but there is no infrastructure. A great place to relax with a book and relax with your family.

Summary of the Costa de la Luz

The Costa de la Luz can attract not only surfers, but also lovers of silence, endless beaches, stunning sunsets and an Andalusian atmosphere. If your dream is to see Morocco on the horizon or in person, then Tarifa is for you. The largest selection of beaches in El Puerto de Santa Maria. Cadiz and Chiclana de la Frontera are not only resorts, but also very interesting cities.

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Useful information for tourists about the Costa de la Luz in Spain - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Costa de la Luz (“Coast of Light”) is the southwestern coast of mainland Spain, located on the shores of the Gulf of Cadiz, washed by the Atlantic Ocean and borders Portugal. It was from these shores that Christopher Columbus once began his famous journey to the shores of America. The resort got its name due to the fact that in this place the sea reflects sunlight especially strongly, as if a huge clear mirror of an invisible giant releases myriads of sunbeams from under the sparkling waves.

The Costa de la Luz contains many traces of ancient history. Once this coast belonged to the great kingdom of Tharsis, Phoenician and Greek ships arrived here with their goods. Later, the Romans ruled here for eight centuries, and the Arabs who followed them ruled for another eight centuries.

– is the most colorful city of the Costa de la Luz. This city, an interweaving of many cultures and religions, lives its own special life, unique to it. The air here is especially clean, and the sea waves playing in the sun seem to remind the city that its entire destiny is forever connected with the sea.

Costa de la Luz is a real monument of history, culture, and nature. The ancient cities of this province, for example, Cadiz and, contain reminders of Moorish culture, and some villages look like typical African settlements.

The huge beaches of the Costa de la Luz are surrounded by sand dunes and magnificent pine trees. This part of the Atlantic coast has still been saved from ugly developments; here you can find quiet sandy beaches, full of calm sun and the sound of waves. Many beaches are annually awarded the Blue Flag - a distinctive sign of the cleanest beaches in Europe.

The climate here is very mild. However, quite often strong Atlantic winds and high waves create excellent conditions for windsurfing or sailing: huge spaces, ocean waters that are still warm in this place, sunny, warm - a real dream for any tourist who is interested in sea sports.

A fashionable resort with impeccable hotel infrastructure, surrounded by beaches and pine groves. Here you will find golf courses, a riding school and tennis courts.

Located in the center of the bay. There are beautiful long beaches, a well-developed hotel infrastructure, and many leisure facilities: a casino, a water park. For lovers of active recreation, sports complexes have been built, there are golf courses and a yacht club.

A cozy resort town famous for its wine, beaches and beautiful golf courses. - an ancient city surrounded by fertile gardens and vineyards. Famous for its fish restaurants, beautiful beaches and numerous sports facilities.

The southernmost point of Europe. Here, in the Strait of Gibraltar, the international windsurfing championship is held annually.

While relaxing on the Costa de la Luz, you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of incredibly tasty dishes prepared from fish and seafood, and Andalusian sherry, produced in the province of Huelva, will give all these dishes a special taste.

- This is part of the Catalan coast with a length of about 50 km north of Barcelona. The coastal zone has a well-developed entertainment and recreation infrastructure; a network of highways and railways connect all resort towns and villages, and also allow you to quickly and comfortably get to Barcelona and Gerona. Housing is represented predominantly by low-rise buildings. Beautiful, well-kept urbanizations from the middle class to the luxury class replace each other in a colorful kaleidoscope throughout.

Sandy beaches, clean and clear water of resort towns or silence and fresh, pine-scented air of mountain villages - this is what attracts both Catalans and foreigners. Every year thousands of people choose this area as their permanent residence, or purchase property for vacation.

Back in the middle of the last century, this part of the coast began to be built up with villas of wealthy Catalans. They were later joined by wealthy Europeans, and today it is a thriving international tourist destination in Catalonia. First of all, the attractiveness of the region is ensured by the mild Mediterranean climate and rich nature. The Pyrenees protect the coastal strip from the winds; the sun shines about 300 days a year. The average temperature in summer is +25-28 °C, in winter – +8-10 °C. Thanks to this, the beach season does not last from May to October.

Along the coastline of one of Spain's most beautiful coastlines, it is not easy to find vacant plots for construction. Therefore, the secondary housing market is not developed, and new properties are often sold out at the design stage and initial construction work. If you decide to get your own home on the coast, pay attention to real estate on the Costa Maresme from the company Costa Real.

The most convenient way to get to is through Barcelona. Barcelona International Airport "El Prat" receives regular and charter flights from Russian cities every day. Suburban trains run along the coast, making stops in all resort towns, including Barcelona. Having settled in one place, it will not be difficult to explore almost the entire coast. During the peak tourist season, tourist boats ply along the coast.

Let's take a short trip around and look into resort towns and villages that are well known to Russian tourists.

The first city we will meet on the way from Barcelona to the north, there will be

El Masnou

• Distance from Barcelona city center: 22 km
• Population: about 22,500 inhabitants

El Masnou is the closest large settlement north of Barcelona, ​​in the vicinity of which a large number of industrial enterprises are concentrated. Without claiming to be an ecologically clean area, El Masnou and its suburbs are attractive due to their advantageous strategic location. Proximity to Barcelona, convenient connections by rail or highway, relatively low real estate prices (compared to the Catalan capital) ensure stable demand for housing. Besides, El Masnou- this is the closest to Barcelona yacht port.

Premià de Mar and Premià de Dalt

two cities near Barcelona (approximately 25 km from the center of the capital) with populations of about 28,000 and 10,000 inhabitants respectively.

Premia de Mar- second largest city after Mataro. Currently, work continues to expand the Olympic sports port located on its territory and to expand the sandy beaches. The city is home to the famous Center for the Rehabilitation of Marine Animals, primarily turtles. Until recently in Premia de Mar there were large enterprises in the food and chemical industries. However, in recent years, the removal of industrial enterprises from the coastal zone has been actively carried out. At the end of the campaign Premia de Mar promises to become an attractive resort town. Premia de Dalt- twin brother Premia de Mar, located in a mountain valley with panoramic views of the sea and coast.

The history of the coastal towns of the Costa Maresme dates back to past centuries, when regular pirate raids forced the construction of settlements in the mountains, away from the sea. At the same time, fishing villages were forced to be on the shore itself and take the brunt of the blow. With the advent of the era of industrialization, both began to develop at a rapid pace, turning into large independent settlements. The former connection of the cities is now evidenced only by paired names, in which the ending indicates the geographical location: “de Mar” - on the coast, “de Dalt” and “de Munt” - in the mountains.

Vilassar de Mar and Vilassar de Dalt

located 30 km from Barcelona. The population of the first town is about 20,000 inhabitants, the second - about 9,000.

Vilassar de Mar in the recent past it was a traditional fishing village. Today it is a small cozy resort town, famous for its market of flowers and ornamental plants, as well as rose plantations. Vilassar de Dalt was first mentioned in historical documents in the 10th century. The small mountain village has a rich history; some architectural monuments have been preserved. Today, both settlements represent a zone of private residential complexes. Beautiful villas and cottages are comfortably located on the slopes of the mountains. Almost every window offers views of picturesque valleys, mountains and the sea.

Mataro

one of the fastest growing cities in the province of Barcelona.

• Distance from Barcelona city center: 35 km
• Population: about 125,000 inhabitants

Mataro felt the full force of the construction boom of recent years. Large tracts of vacant land are being developed in record time. Hardly Mataro Can be called an attractive place for a holiday, but as a permanent place of residence it is perfect. Freed from the frantic rhythm Barcelona and characterized by moderate housing prices, Mataro, however, has all the advantages of a large city: developed infrastructure, convenient transport communications, new areas under construction, active industry, etc.

Sant Andreu de Llavaneres

• Distance from Barcelona city center: 42 km
• Population: about 10,500 inhabitants

Sant Andreu de Llavaneras located in a privileged area between the sea and a natural park. Most of the territory of the municipality is occupied by luxury residential complexes and private mansions and villas. Sant Andreu de Llavaneras famous for its sports port "Port Balis", tennis club and golf club.

Sant Vicente de Montalt

• Population: about 6,000 inhabitants

Sant Vicente de Montalt– a very beautiful village 2 km from the sea. As in Sant Andreu de Llavaneras, in this village there are privileged urbanizations. Spaniards and foreigners live here, placing high demands on the quality of life. Tourism is the main economic activity of the municipality. Golf clubs, restaurants, shops, sports centers - in Sant Vicente de Montalt There is everything you need for a comfortable stay and stay.

Urbanization of Supermaresme

• Distance from Barcelona city center: 45 km

Supermaresme is a luxury residential urbanization located half an hour from Barcelona and a few minutes from the sea. 24-hour security ensures complete safety of residents. Developed infrastructure, sports clubs, restaurants and hotels are a guarantee of maximum comfort and interesting pastime. The urbanization has its own staff of specialists - electricians, plumbers, gardeners, who help maintain the territory in perfect condition.

Around Sant Andreu de Llavaneras, Sant Vicente de Montalta And Supermaresme There are five sports clubs:

• Club de Golf Llavaneres (18 courses)
• Pitch & Putt Handicap 1 (18 holes)
• Club de Golf Sant Vicenç de Montalt (18 holes)
• Club Náutico El Balís (sports port with private beach)
• Club Hípico Centro Ecuestre de Llavaneres (riding school)

The entire southern part is of particular interest to yacht owners. Numerous small ports are located here several kilometers apart. The cost of service differs favorably from port to port. Barcelona. At the same time, some distance from the capital does not create any inconvenience, because You can get to it by road in just half an hour. In addition, in this area there are tennis courts and paddle courts. The convenient location of the villages allows you to practice almost any kind of sport: swimming, scuba diving, sailing, kitesurfing, horse riding, hiking and cycling, etc.

Arenys de Mar and Arenys de Munt

are located 48 km from the center Barcelona. Their populations are 15,000 and 8,500 inhabitants respectively.

IN Arenys de Mar is the main fishing port of the province Barcelona, as well as a yacht port. These are wealthy municipalities whose economy does not depend on tourism. Cities are actively developing and improving. High-quality housing, mainly villas and cottages, are traditionally in high demand.

Canet de Mar

• Distance from Barcelona city center: 50 km
• Population: about 15,000 inhabitants

The boom of recent years in the Spanish real estate market has given a significant impetus to the development of this Catalan village. Tourism and the related construction sector, as well as agriculture (growing flowers and strawberries) are the main economic activities of the municipality. IN Canet de Mare is the only university school in Spain that trains textile engineers. There are two beaches within the city limits, and construction of a seaside promenade and parks is underway at a rapid pace.

Sant Pol de Mar

• Distance from Barcelona city center: 54 km
• Population: about 5,000 inhabitants

IN Sant Polde Mare The most comfortable family hotels are located. This city is famous for its gastronomy and confectionery. On the main street is the Sant Pau restaurant, owned by Carma Ruscalleda, a world famous chef.

Calella

the largest resort in the province and one of the largest tourist centers.

• Distance from Barcelona city center: 57 km
• Population: about 20,000 inhabitants

A 3-kilometer sandy beach, picturesque bays and cliffs, and clear sea are the basis of the city’s tourist attractiveness. Calella ideal for active holidays. There is a diving club here and you can practice all kinds of beach and water sports. The city has many modern hotels, bars, restaurants and shops to suit every taste and budget.

Pineda de Mar

• Distance from Barcelona city center: 60 km
• Population: about 26,000 inhabitants

The sea and pine trees, numerous green parks and squares, a beautiful embankment, sandy beaches, cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces - this is what makes the city Pineda de Mar so attractive for tourists. In winter, life here comes to a standstill, which is by no means a drawback. Most resort towns live in this rhythm: fast, fun and active in the summer, and leisurely, quiet and calm in the winter.

Santa Susanna

an ancient resort town surrounded by pine forests.

• Distance from Barcelona city center: 62 km
• Population: about 3,500 inhabitants

From almost anywhere in the city you can enjoy panoramic views of the sea, coast and mountains. Santa Susanna- a center for family tourism. There are wide sandy beaches, the sea has a gentle slope, numerous children's playgrounds are equipped, and there is a diving school. The city is filled with great bars, restaurants, and shops. The Alfata Valley, bordered on one side by the sea and on the other by rocky cliffs, provides a particularly mild Mediterranean climate.

Malgrat de Mar

last settlement.

• Distance from Barcelona city center: 70 km
• Population: about 18,000 inhabitants

Malgrat de Mar– a developed tourist center in the very north of the province Barcelona. Beaches Malgrat de Mar- one of the most visited on the entire coast. Near the city there is the famous Marineland water park with many water attractions for adults and teenagers. The park also has a special children's area with three swimming pools and attractions for young children. The park regularly hosts performances and shows featuring dolphins, sea lions and parrots. You can watch the life of seals and penguins living in spacious enclosures. Dozens of buses with tourists from all over the coast come to the park every day.