Costa de la Luz

Map of the Costa de la Luz The Costa de la Luz Atlantic Forest Park is just 10km from the beautiful golden sandy beaches of the Costa de la Luz and it is by the side of the principal road, the N340, which runs from Tarifa in the south, past the Park to Cadiz. It is just 20km from the historic white hilltop town of Vejer. Jerez lies a 45 minute drive to the north with Seville close behind, and even closer is the province’s capital Cadiz. The Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) is the western part of the Andalusia coastline that faces out to the Atlantic. The sand is finer and a more golden colour than the neighboring Costa del Sol. The typical beaches here are more expansive and often backed by sand dunes and pine trees. This part of the coast has not seen the high-rise hotel development of other areas. The stretches of cliffs and coves are generally found to the east near Barbate and around the Campo de Gibraltar. This coast is often divided into two sections: Costa de la Luz (Huelva Province) stretches from the Portuguese border to the Donaña park and the River Guadalquivir; Costa de la Luz (Cadiz Province) stretches from the River Guadalquivir to Tarifa at the mouth of the Mediterranean sea. To travel from one section to another requires a lengthy drive via the city of Seville.

Vejer Town Vejer is a typically Spanish white hilltop village 10 km inland, high above the steep gorge of the River Barbate and had been designated a Historical Artistic Monument of National Importance. It’s well worth a visit, with a pretty village square, the Plaza de España, shaded by palm trees and an interesting old fountain. The town has castellated walls which you can climb onto, and the quiet cobbled streets are full of interesting houses and delightful scenes. Places to include in your visit include: the church of El Divino Salvador, the Arab Castle, and the entrance arches such as Arco de la Villa, Puerto de Sancho IV. Jerez de la Frontera (or simply Jerez) is the largest town in Cadiz and is famous for the sherry that has been made here for over 200 years. Visit Jerez for its beautiful town, tours and tastings at the Bodegas (wineries, such as Sandeman, John Harvey, Domecq, Gonzalez Byass) and shopping. To see the famous dancing horses, visit the Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Equestre – the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art. If you are here in spring you will experience the town fair which takes place over a whole week and is considered the best in the area, with dancing horses, flamenco dancers and all night partying. Jerez has its own airport, Aeropuerto de la Parra, 7 km north of the town on the NIV to Seville.

Tarifa with Morocco Behind Cadiz - Historic Cadiz dates back to 1100 BC, and has had a full and lively history since then, from Roman port to hosting the declaration of the country's first Constitution in 1812. Nowadays the port town has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Take a visit to the picturesque old central quarter of Cadiz with its Moorish influences, narrow cobbled street and little squares tucked away. As you walk round the old town towards the headland and its majestic bay views, you will see beautiful parks and be aware of the Cathedral towering over you. Benalup-Casas Viejas is a traditional agricultural town with a history and is at the entrance to the Los Alcornocales Natural Park, by the Barbate river. Visit Benalup to see the castle, church, monastery and particularly the primitive cave drawings in the natural caves and grottos in the area, especially the caves of Tajo de las Figueras, del Arco and Cimera, which are Artistic Architectural Monuments. Nowadays, Benalup is renowned for its superb golf course where your green fees include lunch in the modern clubhouse restaurant. Tarifa is located at the most southern point of Spain, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean and affords views of Africa in the distance. With white sandy beaches, unspoilt countryside and some of the best windsurfing conditions in Europe, Tarifa is a magnet for water-sports enthusiasts and nature-lovers alike. Or why not try hang-gliding or rock-climbing? And afterwards, pop into one of the excellent hotels or tapas bars in town for well-earned rest and refreshment. Then you can take a look around the narrow cobbled streets in the old town, with its castellated walls and whitewashed houses. See the recently restored 8th century Jerez Gate, the impressive church of San Mateo, the Arab Castle of Guzman the Bueno, and take in the view of the Moroccan coast from the Miramar Gardens. Outside the Jerez Gate on the main street (Batalla del Salado) there are surf shops and fashionable clothes shops.