Things to do - Costa de la Luz - Spain
Overview
Watersports and horse riding displays
Watersports on the Coast of Light are a joy due to the warm, crystal clear waters. Sailing, swimming, snorkelling and diving are very popular, along with surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing, especially at the world-renowned resort of Tarifa and at the modern resort of Isla Canela, Ayamonte in Huelva province, is a must for serious sports enthusiasts. The breeze from the Atlantic makes windsurfing an exciting sport for both beginners and more seasoned surfers and you can also take part in sailing excursions. The Seville and Jerez Horse Fair Weeks are an international spectacle to be enjoyed by all the family, revelling in fun and spontaneous gaiety of the feria.
Donana National Park
Wildlife plays a key role in many areas of the unspoilt region of Costa de la Luz and, in particular, the Donana National Park, on the seaward banks of the Gualquivir River leading up to Seville, which is one of the biggest wildlife sanctuaries in Europe. Home to a wealth of flora and fauna and an amazing array of birds and wildlife, you could easily spend a few days here and not see everything. The Donana National Park in Costa de la Luz is a great place to stroll around and enjoy the sights and sunshine.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Costa de la Luz can include, among a myriad of sights and places to go, a visit to the erstwhile Rio Tinto Mines on the Rio Tinto (Red River) In Huelva Province; old fishing ports, the principal ones for the whole of Spain being in the same province at Huelva and Isla Cristina; historic Roman ruins such as the Cadiz province town of Baelo Claudia in Tarifa. Dating from the second century B.C. you can visit the restored open-air theatre in the round and walk along the former main street. You can also see the remains of the Roman public baths and even a Roman fish factory. Walking through these historic buildings is a real step back in time. There is much to see on the Spanish and Portuguese banks of the Rio Guadiana, which is the setting for river trips, hotel boat cruises, fiestas, regattas and much more. Of course, there are the fabulous cities of Seville, Cordoba and Cadiz set in their respective provinces bearing their name.
Beaches
The beaches on the Costa de la Luz are among the most unspoilt in Spain, certainly on it’s South West coast. The island of Isla Canela has seven kilometres of golden sands untouched by the high-rise developments common in other Spanish beach resorts to the East. This is the place to go for peace and tranquillity and it is quite easy to find your own romantic secluded stretch of beach. Punta Umbria is near Huelva City is the largest beach resort in the Province. Situated on some fantastic beaches and at the edge of a large wetland reserve, the Costa de la Luz ideally situated for both beach and activity holidays. The local gastronomy and range of restaurants will leave your mouth watering. Isla Cristina is a coastal town with a proud heritage. With 12km of sandy beaches, it has a wealth of facilities and knowledge in water sports of all varieties.
El Rompido is a small fishing village with a large and very important ruin of a Roman castle, and the Convent of Las Mercedes. There are also Nuevo Portil and El Portil to be enjoyed
Golf
Golf in Costa de la Luz can be found on stunning courses in Costa Esuri, Isla Canela (27 holes), Islantilla – all near the picturesque border town of Ayamonte on the tranquil Guadiana River, and many others. At Islantilla, the holes and bunkers have been sculpted into the dunes and the views as you tee off are spectacular. These resorts have professional trainers who will help you practise your swing or make the most of your putting skills. Golf in Costa de la Luz is a pleasure not to be missed, even for the beginner.