Costa De La Luz
The Costa de la Luz is one of the most desirable places in Spain to purchase a property and is substantially behind the neighbouring Costa del Sol when it comes to development. The local authorities have learned much from other coastal areas and have managed through regulations, to restrict the development.
The Costa de la Luz comprises of 300km of coastline, on the Atlantic side, stretching from Ayamonte, on the border with Portugal to Punta de Tarifa in the Straits of Gibraltar. It incorporates two provinces of lower Andalucia, Huelva and Cadiz and several nature reserves of national importance such as the Doñana National Park. This wide expanse of unspoilt land makes it a nature lovers paradise.
Miles of sandy, unspoilt beaches and nature in its purest form are the main attractions of this part of Spain. It has yet to succumb to the mass tourism and building boom of its neighbour, the Costa del Sol. As the upsurge in demand for housing along this coast rises, it is evident to see that the area will continue to attract visitors and residents alike, but for the time being, the peace and tranquility remains intact. Local government is already putting into effect, plans to protect the area and to stop illegal building that has runined other areas.
This coast is washed by tides and winds from the south-west and is almost entirely sandy except for some rocky cliffs especially towards Gibraltar, around Barbate. There are numerous ports and marinas and of course the great natural Bay of Cádiz itself.
Because of the proximity to both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the Costa de la Luz has attracted ships and sailors over generations. Shipbuilding plays a part in the local economy although these days the great yards of Puerto Real have orders for oil rigs not ships, and next door the skills of the workforce build parts for the Airbus aircraft.
The Costa de la Luz is very much the home of Flamenco music with many of the greatest exponents living or originating in this part of Spain. Some say that Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera are the places where you will find the best Flamenco music.
One of the main industries along this coast between Sanlucar and El Puerto de Santa Maria, is Sherry making. Vineyards stretch inland and warehouses containing the casks of aging wines are dotted around the towns and countryside, whilst the town of Jerez takes it's name from the drink. The local wine can be enjoyed at a very reasonable price by visitors to the coast, especially a glass or two of chilled 'Fino' that goes so well with many local dishes.
Life in Spain
Spain attracts millions of tourist each year, thanks to its unbeatable combination of accessibility, glorious weather and superb attractions for all the family. So when you buy a property in Costa De La Luz, whether it's a holiday villa or a permanent home, you'll be able to enjoy some of the best family days out available anywhere in Europe.
There is so much to see and do in the Costa de la Luz that it would be impossible to list it all but it is a fabulous area for outdoor pursuits including horse riding, water-sports, golf, tennis, bird-watching and yachting. Modern attractions such as water parks and go-karting are available but they are few and far between and you will have to seek them out. The coast road from Ayamonte to El Rompido just east of Cartaya is a god place to start in the north of Costa de la Luz.
You won't tend to find the buzzing nightlife or sophisticated shopping arcades of the Costa del Sol here, although the presence of these facilities will gradually evolve as the area develops. Instead, Costa de la Luz offers dramatic scenery, historic cities, picturesque hilltop villages, uncrowded golden beaches and some world-class golf courses.
Ayamonte
The quaint border town of Ayamonte lies adjacent to the River Guadiana that forms the border with Portugal. The town has its held onto its traditions and authenticity and the pretty town squares provide a great venue for an evening out, or a meal in one of the numerous bars or restaurants that surround the square. The atmosphere on a warm evening is unrivalled and the sound of people chatting and children playing combine well with the local music emanating from the bars.
Service and amenities
- An excellent choice of restaurants and bars are to be found throughout the town.
- Some very high quality clothes shopping mixed in amongst the traditional narrow streets.
- A marina is located opposite the outer square although facilities for yachtsmen are as yet, a little basic.
Don't miss
- At the highest point of the town, above the ruins of an ancient Roman castle, stands the Parador Hotel with outstanding views of the town, River Guadiana and the bridge to Portugal.
- The churches of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias and San Francisco that date from the 16th century and the parish church of Salvador, from the 15th century.
- Pleasure boat trips that explore the River Guadiana can be taken from the quayside throughout the day in summer. This is Europe's second longest river, so well worth a look.
Huelva
This historic port was the place from which Christopher Columbus set sail with his three little ships to eventually discover the New World. A huge monument to the epic adventurer stands on the approach road to the city and replicas of his three ships can be found on the Rio Tinto at the Muelle de las Carabelas.
The Donana National Park lies just to the east of Huelva and is one of the foremost nature reserves in Europe, hosting thousands of migratory birds and numerous species of wild animals including the protected Iberian Lynx.
Service and amenities
- A large town with excellent shopping, restaurants and public amenities.
- Plenty of museums, monuments and parks for the active tourist.
- A good selection of watersports activities are to be found on the local beaches.
Don't miss
- The museum of Casa Colon that pays homage to Christopher Columbus.
- The numerous fine sandy beaches including El Rompido, Neuvo Portil and El Espigon that itself, is over 2.5 Km long.
- The Donana National Park.
- La Merced Cathedral that was once part of the Convent of Merced and has been rebuilt several times in the last two hundred years due to earthquake damage.
Cadiz
Often described as Venice without the canals, or Havana with more charm, the fascinating and historic seaport of Cadiz is the most ancient city in western Europe. The Romans later dubbed it Gades, and to this day the citizens of Cadiz are known as Gaditanos.
Built on a grid system, and with the sea almost always in view, you're never likely to get lost as you stroll through the ancient streets, taking in the many important landmarks and monuments.
Service and amenities
- Countless bars, cafeterias and restaurants where you can sample gastronomic local cuisine and indulge in a glass of manzanilla
- Excellent shopping
- State and private hospitals
- Good schools
- Theatres, museums and art galleries
Don't miss
- Cadiz Carnival - the third largest in the world after Rio de Janeiro's Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Carnival - 10 days of non stop partying, held each year in the run up to Lent
- The Cathedral Nueva - with its glorious golden dome
- The 18th century People's Quarter - a labyrinth of narrow streets
- The Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology - described as one of the best museums in Andalucía
- The city beaches of La Caleta, Victoria, and Santa María del Mar
Jimena de la Frontera
The picturesque Andalusian village of Jimena de la Frontera lies around 35 km inland from San Roque, on the road and railway line to Ronda. Surrounded by the stunning Los Alcornocales Natural Park, it was declared of Historic and Artistic Importance in 1983 ensuring that much of its architecture has been carefully conserved.
An impressive three-arched gateway leads into the village, now home to around 1,000 foreign inhabitants, many of whom are British. With narrow cobbled streets lined with typically Andalusian whitewashed houses, it has retained its village atmosphere and is pretty as a picture.
Service and amenities
- Plenty of intriguing village shops and charismatic tapas bars and restaurants
- Healthcare facilities
- Primary and secondary schools
Don't miss
- The spectacular views from the Moorish castle
- The breathtaking surrounding scenery - fertile valleys and orange groves irrigated by the Guadiaro River
- The Los Alcornocales Natural Park - great for those who want to get up close and personal with nature at its best
- The village carnival (February), Agricultural Fair (second week in May), music festival (second week in July), annual village fair (second week in August), and Reina de los Angeles Feria (first week in September)
