Fickr user Francisco Manuel Es
Sandwiched between Portugal's Algarve and the Costa del Sol, it is possible you've never heard of the Costa de la Luz. Is this the plain bit of coastline between two spectacular bits? Not at all! This is the bit the locals have been keeping to themselves. Probably because it's peaceful and beautiful and operates on slow time which not all international visitors can appreciate. For these reasons the best hotels on the Costa de la Luz may not have registered on your radar yet.
This is a landscape of wide, sandy beaches rolling into dunes and pine forests. Atop the hills are the pueblo blancos - the whitewashed towns dating back from a time when Moorish culture thrived here. As well as the sand and the towns, the light here is white too and the wind is romantically unpredictable and powerful.
On the furthest tip of Spain, Tarifa is the gateway to the Costa de La Luz and Andalusia's last stop before Morocco. If you want to experience the North African influences of the region this is one of the best places to stay in the Costa de la Luz. From the Moroccan fusion food to the architecture to the wind itself. One of the best things about this whitewashed, laid back Andalusian town is that it's been largely overlooked by the mass tourism inflicted on nearby Costa del Sol and much of Tarifa's adjacent coastline. The pristine beaches along the coast are protected. And it's the 'windsurfing capital of Europe'.
Then there's Cadiz, an old prince, now in his fourth millennia, and thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe. The historic heart of town is almost completely surrounded by water and the Atlantic crashes gustily at the crumbling sea wall. There's plenty of energy in the locals who are known for their ironic Carnival and cheerful flamenco songs. There's plenty to see and do here for people who appreciate history or like shelter from the midday sun in cool churches.
If you're looking for an escape, Vejer de la Frontera might be the destination for you. Her beauty is apparent on the drive up to the town. As you enter you'll be charmed by the winding, narrow streets and the Moorish influence to the architecture, which makes the place feel exotic and other worldly. Many of the streets here are too narrow for cars, so it's peaceful out and about in the squares for appreciating the excellent food and wine. Or small, white Zahara de los Atunes might be for you? Once a tuna fishing hub but now more famous for soft white sands and winds which can really get going. This is a great destination if seafood is your thing.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda is located at the northern point of the "sherry triangle" and is a must-visit for any foodie. The bodegas are famous for their distinctive Manzanilla, which boasts a dry, almost salty flavour, and the seafood here is second to none.
You might also want to explore La Rábida, the monastery from which Columbus set sail on his 1492 journey to America? or spot indigenous and migratory birds in Coto Doñana National Park.
Drive down in July and you'll see row upon row of cars with Spanish number plates packed to the gills heading for the Costa de la Luz. But if you visit in September you'll be one of the few cherished end of season guests and get all the pleasure with less scorching temperatures.
Book Tarifa's Hotel Hurricane if you want to be right on the beach. On a clear day you can see Africa from the pool which is set in lush sub-tropical gardens. The location also makes for easy access to sporting activities like sailing, riding, golf and surfing.
The Hotel Gran Sol is a classic beach resort boasting an enviable location with sunny white washed rooms with large windows and private balconies.
Beautifully decorated in a stunning setting, the Hotel V is one of the best places to stay in the Costa de la Luz if you're looking for luxury. There are original features to appreciate, a roof terrace hot tub to relax in, and on a good day, views all the way to Morocco.
Find lots of natural light shining through beautiful balconies and flag stoned courtyards in this relaxed hotel in the old town of Vejer de la Frontera. Siete Balcones is a chic and, unexpectedly, cheap destination for a romantic get-away or beach holiday.
The Posada de Palacio is a rambling and quirky Andalucian pousada full of collected antiques and curios. Tiled courtyards, large reception rooms, white-washed walls, airy and spacious wooden-beamed bedrooms.
A renovated farmhouse turned luxury small hotel, perfectly placed for a fiesta of activities from golf to art classes. Casa la Siesta is set in acres of grounds with unspoilt views, it is the perfect place for a couple to snooze by the pool and dine on delicious fresh local produce in the evenings.
The Hotel Argantonio is the hotel we'd choose if you want to be in the heart of old Cadiz. The decor feels more like Havana than Andalusia and that's part of the pleasure. Each room reflects a different part of the city's impressive history.
Misiana is a chic little hotel in the historic centre of Tarifa. Creamy rooms with light wood floors and lots of natural light. There are fantastic sea views from the rooftop and a good restaurant.
La Casa del Califa is a small charming hotel with a strong Moorish influence in the heart of Medieval Vejer de la Frontera.
If you want to stay within the walls of an historic old town, try Tarifa's Dar Cilla. These self catering apartments grouped around a single courtyard are also perfect for families or groups. They all have their own entrances and access to the roof terrace and decorated in individualised North African decor.
Tarifa's La Sacristia is ideal if you're looking for reasonably priced elegance. The rooms are simple, but luxurious and the courtyard an excellent place to breakfast and relax. It's also considered a good option for kitesurfers.
One of the liveliest and most sporting spots in Tarifa, the Beach Hotel Arte Vida is a funky hotel on the beach front with a surf club, nightly DJ and charming rooms.
The Hotel Arohaz is a small property in the centre of Zahora with six comfortable bedrooms, and a small salt water pool in the garden. Plus there's an excellent Michelin recommended restaurant specialising in local cuisine. It's great value too, with rooms from just €60 per night.
Tarifa
Wonderful, relaxed beachside hotel in sub-tropical gardens, with views to Africa from the pool. Simple rooms with terracotta colours and white washed walls. Easy access to sporting activities. Ideal for families.
Vejer de la Frontera
Small charming hotel with a strong Moorish influence in the heart of Medieval Vejer de la Frontera. White washed light rooms with standout local art. Stone vaulted dining room and a lush garden courtyard. Stunning views and cocktails from the rooftop bar. Ideally situated to explore the local area.
Sanlucar de Barrameda
Rambling and quirky Andalucian posada full of collected antiques and curios. Tiled courtyards, large reception rooms, white-washed walls, airy and spacious wooden-beamed bedrooms. A characterful spot with a large sun terrace and proximity to the beach.
Cádiz
Renovated and tranquil hotel in Mozarabic style, full of character. Andaluz, rustic or colonial styled rooms with terracotta hues, Moroccan-style hand-carved arches and wooden beams. Fantastic traditional buffet style breakfasts. Close to the beach and ideal for local exploring.
Tarifa
A stylish and elegant hotel just outside the old town. Luxurious, but simple rooms and suites - and apartments dotted around the old town in case you're looking for flexibility. A divine courtyard to have breakfasts in. A great spot to relax in after a hard day kite surfing.
Vejer de la Frontera
This renovated farmhouse turned luxury small hotel is perfectly placed for a fiesta of activities, from golf to art classes. Set in acres of grounds with unspoilt views, it is the perfect place for a couple to snooze by the pool and dine on delicious, fresh local produce in the evenings.
Vejer de la Frontera
This beautifully decorated hotel oozes boutique luxury. An eclectic combination of Goan antiques, original features, and contemporary muted hues. The roof top terrace, with hot tub, is the piece de resistance with its views across wild plains and towards Moroccan shores. Relaxation in style.
Vejer de la Frontera (Vejer de la Frontera)
Lots of natural light shines through beautiful balconies and flag stoned courtyards in this relaxed hotel in the old town of Vejer de la Frontera. White washed walls compliment authentic decoration. A chic and, unexpectedly, cheap destination for a romantic get-away or beach holiday.
Tarifa
Individually furnished self-catering apartments on the outskirts of the old town of Tarifa with a shared roof terrace and magnificent views across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco.
Tarifa
One of the liveliest and most sporting spots in Tarifa. A funky hotel on the beach front with its own surf club, nightly DJ, and charming rooms. A hotspot for sports enthusiasts and families.
Tarifa
A chic little hotel in the historic centre of Tarifa. Creamy rooms with light wood floors and lots of natural light. Fantastic sea views from the rooftop and a good restaurant. Great value, ideal for a sporty beach holiday.
Zahara de Los Atunes (Andalucia)
A classic beach resort boasting an enviable location. Sunny white washed rooms with large windows and private balconies. The hotel surrounds a large swimming pool. An elegant restaurant serves up Andalusian dishes. Just steps from the gorgeous beaches. Ideal for completely unwinding.
Zahora
A lovely, small hotel in the quaint coastal town of Zahora. Perfect for a relaxing break with comfortable, spacious rooms and a heavenly salt-water pool with a sand floor. Wander down to the nearby beach and in the evening, enjoy delicious tapas on the veranda. A seaside charmer.
No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.
