This coast is often divided into two sections. The Cadiz province part stretches from the mouth of the Guadalquivir River to historic Tarifa, the southernmost point in Europe where kitesurfers from all over the world congregate.
See and Do on Costa de la Luz (Cadiz)
Giants of the deep glide through the waters off Tarifa, in the legendary Strait of Gibraltar.
A wonderful opportunity to get close to whales, dolphins and other sea mammals, in their natural habitat in the Straits of Gibraltar. This is the area of sea where where the Atlantic Ocean and… More →
Conil de la Frontera has a number of fine beaches, including many sheltered coves, or calas. The most popular one for families, and closest to the town centre is La Fontanilla. Here is our guide… More →
Beautiful beaches of Zahara de los Atunes on the Costa de La Luz
Take a look at which 30 Costa de a Luz Cadiz and 12 Huelva beaches were awarded a Blue Flag in 2024 and check progression of awards since 2014. Destinations are listed along the coast from West to… More →
One spot you shouldn't miss along this stretch is the Laguna de los Lances, near the beach in this photography of the same name
Tarifa is a great place for birdwatching, being situated on the edge of Los Alcornocales National Park, and also on the migration route for more than 400 species of birds which fly in flocks… More →
Thanks to its ideal situation on the Strait of Gibraltar opposite Africa, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, with constant winds, Tarifa is already known as the European capital of… More →
A tower of the Castle of Guzman El Bueno, originally built as an alcazar (Moorish fortress).
This impressive, solidly-built Moorish fortification, which played an important part in early Spanish history, has been recently restored. As the southern-most point of the peninsula, Tarifa was… More →
Although Zahara de los Atunes lies within the municipal district of Barbate, these beaches are so good that they deserve their own dedicated page. Playa de Zahara de los Atunes is one of the most… More →
The municipality of Barbate boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa de la Luz inlcuding los Caños de Meca and Zahara de los Atunes. The golden sand of Playa de Zahora stretches from… More →
Although these beaches are in the municipality of Chiclana de la Frontera, they are actually located some 7km away near the village of Sancti Petri. This popular beach stretches 2.5km from the the… More →
Playa La Caleta is a small beach at the far end of the Cádiz peninsula, near the Viña area and is located between two old castles: Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de San Sebastián. It is… More →
Popular with Sunday day trippers, but quiet in the week. Large sand dunes to the north and military land ensure it will always remain totally undeveloped. Visit the ruins of the Roman town . The… More →
Golden sands and blue skies at Los Lances beach, Tarifa.
Discover the Tarifa beach scene - the fine golden sands, those surf-loving winds, and that very special light of the Costa de la Luz, together make an unbeatable combination. The 10 km of white… More →
Baelo Claudia, near Tarifa, is one of Andalucia´s most significant and well-preserved Roman archeological sites
Baelo Claudia, near Tarifa, is one of Andalucia´s most significant and well-preserved Roman archeological sites. The extensive ruins are situated on the Costa de la Luz, some 15km north of Tarifa… More →
Many people dream of riding a horse along the beach, with their hair flying in the wind and the waves crashing around them, feeling a great sense of freedom. Tarifa´s extensive chain of white… More →
Discover the historical gems of Tarifa town, including a walk aroung the Castle of Guzmán El Bueno
Tarifa is a small but historic town with a relaxed vibe. Its most famous monument is the castle . Other attractions are Alhameda Gardens, Plaza de la Ranita, Church of San Mateo, Jerez Gate,… More →
Courses in Cadiz & Costa de la Luz include Benalup, Montenmedio, Costa Ballena, Lomas de Sancti Petri, Montecastillo, Novo Sancti Petri A - Mar y Pinos, Arcos, and the five in… More →
Encompassing a 10,522ha flat landscape of sandy beaches, marshes, salt pans, freshwater lakes and tidal inlets, as well as the two natural areas of Isla del Trocadero and the Marismas de Sancti… More →
Created in 1989, the Breña y Marismas de Barbate park is Andalucia's second largest coastal reserve and has one of the most spectacular stretches of rocky cliffs along the Andalucian Atlantic… More →
El mirador del Estrecho is a viewpoint which offers exceptional views over the Strait of Gibraltar and the African Coastline
Created in 2003, the Parque Natural del Estrecho is the southernmost protected area in Europe. It is made up of a long stretch of coastline covering 18,931ha from Cabo de Gracia in the west near… More →
Vejer’s landmark hotel, which since its founding in 2001 has become a favourite place to stay in Andalucia for travellers and Spaniards alike. The Califa’s origins date back to the 10th century. An ideal place from which to explore the Atlantic Costa de la Luz and the ‘Sierras’ of Cádiz.
A charming small hotel with pool near Cape Trafalgar. The Hotel Madreselva is situated just a one minute walk from the main beach of Los Caños de Meca. One-level building built 'hacienda' style, with all the rooms centered around a lush plant-filled courtyard.
Plaza 18 is a six bedroom luxury hotel in the heart of Vejer’s medieval quarter and adjacent to the palm-filled Plaza de España. Enjoy a tranquil stay in a house that feels like an elegant home, with panoramic views from the terrace and full use of the adjacent Hotel Califa's facilities.
If you want unspoilt, wild beaches, the Costa de la Luz is for you. From the trendy wind and kite-surfing spot Tarifa, this Cadiz coast stretches to the Guadalquivir river estuary is a haven of… More →
If you want unspoilt, wild beaches, the Costa de la Luz is for you. From the trendy wind and kite-surfing spot Tarifa, this Cadiz coast stretches to the Guadalquivir river estuary is a haven of… More →
Destinations on the Costa de la Luz (Cadiz)
Tarifa, a magical place where the Mediterranean sea meets the Atlantic Ocean
Tarifa sits at the southern-most point of mainland Europe, where the Med meets the Atlantic. Just 14km across the Straits of Gibraltar at its narrowest point, the town enjoys spectacular views of… More →
Although these beaches are in the municipality of Chiclana de la Frontera, they are actually located some 7km away near the village of Sancti Petri. This popular beach stretches 2.5km from the the… More →
Just look at these idyllic golden sand beaches of El Palmar on the Costa de la Luz!
El Palmar is located 5km north of Vejer and is the Surf capital of Andalucia. Unknown by non-Spanish visitors until recently, El Palmar is becoming more popular for its laid-back atmosphere and… More →
The modern beachfront development of Urbanisacion Roche is located on the Costa de la Luz, between the coastal conurbations of Novo Sancti Petri and Conil de la Frontera. It is about 15km… More →
Barbate is a town of some 20.000 people on the Costa de la Luz, 40km north of Tarifa. This modern town, (often called Barbate de Franco because the ex-dictator spent many summers here), has grown… More →
Explore the historic Plaza de Alfonso X El Sabio in El Puerto de Santa María, a charming square surrounded by beautiful architecture, local cafes, and rich local culture
Like so many towns in Andalucía the approach to El Puerto de Santa María along the main road is lined with garages, industrial plants and run down buildings. Keep going and cross the River… More →
Caños de Meca is a small, unspoiled community on the windswept but stunning Costa de la Luz. Deep in the Parque Natural del Acantilado, Caños de Meca has beautiful beaches, backed by cliffs and… More →
Rota, an ancient town, stands at the extreme north of the Bay of Cádiz in a privileged position. The town opens out to the Atlantic and behind are two national parks, the Natural Park of the Bay… More →
Baelo Claudia, near Tarifa, is one of Andalucia´s most significant and well-preserved Roman archeological sites
Baelo Claudia, near Tarifa, is one of Andalucia´s most significant and well-preserved Roman archeological sites. The extensive ruins are situated on the Costa de la Luz, some 15km north of Tarifa… More →
Zahara de los Atunes is one of the most charming, and fashionable, towns on the Cadiz Costa de la Luz. With a stunning beach, boasting crystal-clear waters and golden sand, Zahara's main advantage… More →
Bolonia beach is renowned for its spectacular sunsets.
Bolonia is a small isolated ex fishing and farming village on the Atlantic Costa de la Luz 20km north from the surfer paradise of Tarifa and 20km south of… More →
Novo Sancti Petri is renowned for its sunsets, over the Atlantic Ocean
The original Sancti Petri was a small tuna-fishing village located on a spit of land on the Atlantic coast near San Fernando, where the Cadiz peninsula meets the mainland. On the southern side, it… More →
Just inland from the coast Chiclana sits on a small hill overlooking the marismas (salt marshes). The town dates from 1303, when King Fernando IV of Castille gave the land to Guzman El Bueno, the… More →
Sitting on the coast in the far west of the province of Cádiz, the pretty town of Chipiona lies at the mouth of the Guadalquivir river, only 52km from the city of Cádiz itself, Chipiona dates back… More →
Endless fun in the appropriately christened, Costa de la Luz (Coast of the Light)
Appropriately christened the Costa de la Luz (Coast of the Light), the Atlantic shoreline of Cadiz province have many wild and windswept beaches, with its strong winds making Tarifa the foremost… More →
The town of San Fernando, often referred to as La Isla del Sur (the Island of the South), is not actually an island but a small peninsula, set within the stunning setting of the Bay of Cadiz.… More →
Atlanterra, in Cadiz province, is an exclusive urbanisation situated 30km north of Tarifa (and within the municipal boundry) but access is by the only road leading south from the small fishing… More →
If you are exploring the N340 Costa de la Luz coast road, you'd be wise to make time for a wander around Vejer. This classic white village on the hilltop is well worth a visit. It is actually 10… More →
Much of the municipality forms part of the Natural Park of the Bay of Cadiz. This environmentally protected region is an ornithologist’s delight, being a permanent home to a wide variety of birds… More →
Conil is a small, lively beach town on the Costa de la Luz to the south of Cadiz city and near inland white village Vejer de la Frontera. It has a great atmosphere in the evening, with plenty of… More →
About
Appropriately christened the Costa de la Luz (Coast of the Light), the Atlantic shoreline of Cadiz province has many wild and windswept beaches, with its strong onshore winds making Tarifa the foremost windsurf and kitesurfing site in Europe. The stretches of cliffs and coves are generally found to the east near Conil and around the Campo de Gibraltar.
The beaches here are more expansive and backed by sand dunes and pine trees - this part of the coast has not seen the high-rise hotel development of other areas.
Noteworthy for their wealth of wildlife are the Bahía de Cádiz Natural Park, covering the beaches and wetlands of Cadiz Bay; the Estrecho Natural Park along the Strait (Estrecho) of Gibraltar from Algeciras to Bolonia; and the Breña and Marismas de Barbate Natural Park, the coastal cliffs and pine forest between Los Caños de Meca and Barbate as well as Barbate´s saltmarshes.
Being so close to the Strait of Gibraltar means that the province is an ideal place for birdwatching during periods of migration between Europe and Africa, and whalewatching. The age-old practise of almadraba tuna fishing is practised on this coast.
Map of the 8 Provinces and the Coasts of Andalucia
Vejer’s landmark hotel, which since its founding in 2001 has become a favourite place to stay in Andalucia for travellers and Spaniards alike. The Califa’s origins date back to the 10th century. An ideal place from which to explore the Atlantic Costa de la Luz and the ‘Sierras’ of Cádiz.
A charming small hotel with pool near Cape Trafalgar. The Hotel Madreselva is situated just a one minute walk from the main beach of Los Caños de Meca. One-level building built 'hacienda' style, with all the rooms centered around a lush plant-filled courtyard.
Plaza 18 is a six bedroom luxury hotel in the heart of Vejer’s medieval quarter and adjacent to the palm-filled Plaza de España. Enjoy a tranquil stay in a house that feels like an elegant home, with panoramic views from the terrace and full use of the adjacent Hotel Califa's facilities.
