| Anyone considering a summer holiday this year may | | | | Tarifa boasts a labyrinth of boutiques, surf shops, |
| be put off by the thought of a crowded beach on a | | | | terraced cafes and restaurants dotted around the |
| Spanish Costa or the over familiarity of resorts | | | | streets which wind up towards the late-Gothic 15th |
| packed with British tourists. However, there are areas | | | | century church of San Mateo and a great castle |
| of Spain that are not over-populated by tourists and | | | | overlooking the town. Tarifa also boasts an |
| offer beaches unspoilt by the masses. | | | | impressive nightlife with its many bars and clubs |
| The Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) on the sandy | | | | encouraging a growing reputation as the 'new Ibiza' |
| shores of the Atlantic in the South Western corner | | | | or the 'Malibu of Europe'. |
| of Spain promises an alternative to the | | | | Other holidaymakers are drawn by the more relaxing |
| commercialised Mediterranean resorts. Stretching | | | | pursuits of walking, bird watching and horse riding or |
| from Tarifa near Gibraltar to the border of the | | | | simply soaking up the Spanish sun. In fact, the Costa |
| Algarve, The Costa de la Luz is a particular favourite | | | | de la Luz is a magnet for birdwatchers. Between |
| with the Spanish. In fact you may find yourself | | | | Cadiz and Southern Portugal is Europe's largest wildlife |
| longing for company as you stroll along the near | | | | sanctuary, the Coto Donanan National Park, which is |
| deserted and tranquil beaches. | | | | home to an unprecedented number of bird species. |
| With restrictions on development meaning many of | | | | This corner of Spain is also one of the most historic, |
| the beaches remain unspoilt, Costa de la Luz holidays | | | | ranging from the 2nd century BC Roman site of |
| enjoy a notably Andalucian atmosphere with a strong | | | | Baela Claudia, about 9 miles north of Tarifa, hosting |
| flamenco tradition and extraordinary carnivals and | | | | numerous temples and a restored theatre carved out |
| religious processions. Holidays on the Costa de la Luz | | | | of the side of a hilltop. Another nearby picturesque |
| feature superb Andalucian cuisine with tapas bars and | | | | town, Vejer de la Fontera, sits high upon the hills with |
| superior fish and seafood far outweighing more | | | | a 16 century church and a delightful Spanish plaza |
| predictable tourist menus. The combination of sandy | | | | incorporating spectacular views. |
| beaches, friendly locals and great food make Costa | | | | For those tired of commercialised Spanish holidays, |
| de la Luz holidays a wonderful experience and one | | | | the Costa de la Luz literally gives an insight into |
| yet to be exposed on a large scale. However this is | | | | traditional Spain and has an array of attractions to |
| not to say it does attract a number of discerning | | | | match rival holiday resorts within the other Costas. |
| holidaymakers with the insight to appreciate what is | | | | The only difference is that for now, it is left relatively |
| on offer, namely the near perfect windsurfing | | | | untouched, also meaning there are chances to find |
| conditions and the world class surfing. | | | | cheaper deals. directline-holidays.co.uk combine an |
| Although the attractive beaches are vast and often | | | | efficient search facility using all the major tour |
| seem deserted, they are also within reach of some | | | | operators with the ease to book online or over the |
| of Europe's most fascinating cities meaning you can | | | | phone to find a perfect Costa de la Luz holiday. |
| be in touch with the best of both worlds. This | | | | Other recommended resorts in the Costa de la Luz |
| particular area of Andalucia is populated by historic | | | | include Chipiona which is close to Jerez and popular |
| cities rich in culture and tradition such as Cadiz, Seville | | | | with discerning locals from Cadiz and Seville. For |
| and Jerez, or beautiful hilltop towns like Vejer and | | | | holidays closer to the Cadiz region, |
| Arcos. One minute you can be strolling along a | | | | directline-holidays.co.uk offer Nova Sancti Petri |
| deserted beach, the next you can be exploring the | | | | holidays, a secluded beach resort with excellent golf |
| charismatic Andalucian cities. An excellent example, | | | | and water sports facilities. |