Villas in Costa de la Luz, Spain

Say ‘hola’ to a classic Spain villa holiday. Costa de la Luz may be lesser known than its big-name neighbour Costa del Sol, but that’s all part of its charm. Bathing in over 300 hours of sunshine a year and shaped by the wild Atlantic, the beaches here are often hailed as some of Spain’s best. The sea is centrepiece to the region, but its foundations are built on art, culture and traditions. This is the place to be for natural beauty, ancient towns and a taste of the real Spain. If local charm and tranquillity are high on your priority list, then try the Costa de la Luz on for size.

Home to some of Spain’s most coveted coastline, the Costa de la Luz doesn’t disappoint when it comes to beaches. Long, wide stretches of sand are fringed by drifting dunes and shady pine forests. Blue Flags proudly wave at visitors, whilst watersports can be found at all the major resorts. The biggest playa in the kitesurfing scene is Valdevaqueros, which sits just along from the little port town of Tarifa. Here you’ll find an untouched haven with traditional chiringuitos and surf shops. Considered the crème de la crème of the Cadiz province, Playa de Bolonia totals in at a whopping 4km long. Completely unspoilt and found in the Estrecho Nature Park, it’s popular for sunbathing, surfing and sunsets.

Whether you’re looking for a coastal walk that goes on for miles, a beach that feels like it’s all yours, or a sandy spot that’s got facilities a few steps from your towel, the Costa de la Luz delivers to every kind of sand-seeker.

A destination over 3,000 years in the making, the rich history of the Costa de la Luz dates back as far as prehistoric times. You’ll find evidence of Greek and Roman rule on these sought-after shores, as well as old fortress towns remaining as a legacy of the conflicts between the Moors and Christians. The picturesque city of Cadiz is thought to be the oldest inhabited place in Spain. Perfect for history buffs looking to explore a whole host of monuments and attractions. You can even retrace the steps of Christopher Columbus, who is said to have set sail from the Huelva province for his voyages of discovery to the New World!

With traditional fishing villages dotted along the coastline, you can expect plates to be brimming with all kinds of fresh fish dishes – including the speciality Bluefin tuna that’s iconic in the Costa de la Luz. The black Iberian pig is another delicacy found on most menus, served with mouthwatering vegetables and local olive oil. Be sure to look out for raya en pimentón (skate with peppercorns) and mechado de atún (minced tuna). Tapas can be enjoyed in many towns and is perfect with a glass of Jerez – the wonderful local sherry from the production houses in Jerez de la Frontera.

• See the sherry production houses located in the centre of the town of Jerez (Jerez is the Spanish word for sherry).

• Visit the cathedral and churches of Santa Cruz and San Felipe Neri in the city of Cadiz.

• Visit Seville, one of the largest historical centres in Europe and explore the important monuments and fascinating history.

• Visit the windsurfing capital of Europe, Tarifa, which overlooks North Africa. From here you can hop over to Morocco on a 35-minute ferry ride.

• The Doñana National Park is Spain’s largest protected Wildlife Park. Found between the provinces of Huelva, Seville and Cadiz, the park is home to some of the most endangered species on the planet. You’ll find marshland, lagoons, pine groves, drifting dunes, cliffs and over 30 kilometres of unspoiled beaches all packed into this natural spectacle!