Family Holidays: Costa de la Luz family holidays and breaks

Take the Family holiday rating 4 stars out of 5

Why

After the (some might call it hell) of the Costa del Sol, stumbling on the villages along the Costa de la Luz is like entering a new land. The coast here is a world apart from the Mediterranean resorts, with the entire stretch between Algeciras and Tarifa designated a "potential military zone". While this probably sounds grim, the ruling has had the happy effect of preventing foreigners from buying up land and placing strict controls even on Spanish developments. So, for a hundred or more kilometres, there are relatively few villa developments and only a modest number of hotels and campsites – small, easy-going and low-key. It is one of the loveliest (in part because least built-up) areas of the coast.

Costa de La Luz Huelva Isla Cristina Vista de Punta del Caiman

Top left: Costa de la Luz Playa de La Fontanilla
Top middle: Costa de La Luz Church
Top right: Costa de La Luz Puerto de Tierra

Bottom left: Costa de La Luz Huelva Isla Cristina Vista de Punta del Caiman
Bottom right: Costa de La Luz Huelva Mazagon Playa

When

Beween the months of May and October temperatures range from 22°C and 28°C. Costa de la Luz avoids the often scorching Mediterranean heat due to Atlantic breezes cooling the air, making it ideal for family holidays. It's early days for Costa de la Luz as a tourist destination, so unlike many other meditarranean resorts, the summer months are an ideal time to go, and still avoid the rush. The winters are also very mild, with the province of Huelva being famous for its winter strawberries. The lush 'greeness' of the island is due to moisture being carried by the air from the sea and it's many rivers and lakes.

How

Costa de La Luz is served by a number of airports. The nearest airport is Jeréz, which is under an hours drive, and is currently only served by Ryan Air. Sevilla and Gibraltar airports are served by British Airways, Iberia Airways, Monarch and Ryan Air, and are 1.5 hours and 2 hours from the central region of Costa de La Luz. The central section runs from Sanlúcar de Barrameda on the Guadalquivir River includes Chipiona, El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz and Chiclana de la Frontera. This is an easily accessible region with UK flights landing in Jeréz, Sevilla, Gibraltar, Malaga or Faro. Malaga and Faro are further with transfers taking 3 hours and 4 hours. Try Expedia Flights.for a comprehensive search of flights.

Stay

Whether it is a modern family friendly resort with kid's clubs and in-house facilities, elegant original but renovated art deco or shabby chic, contemporary 5 star luxury, a secluded B&B or a private villa, you may be surprised to hear that Costa de la Luz can offer any one these. Check deals from Sovereign holidays, Thomson holidays or Simply Travel.

Do

Go to Tarifa, a lovely Moorish town, famous now as Europe's prime windsurfing spot. This has meant a lot of new development, but that has had its advantages. You can now take the kids whale and dolphin spotting to the Strait of Gibraltar, or to Tarifa beach which is one of the most spectacular beaches in the Costa de la Luz, where the wind can challenge even experienced windsurfers. There are many schools for the children (and adults, although the kids will mock) to learn. Go further along if you want to sunbathe, the wind is too much here. Visit Vejer de la Frontera, a classically white, Moorish hill town, where, until very recently, the women wore long, dark cloaks that veiled their faces, this reflected perfectly the mystique of this place. You can explore the brilliant white and labyrinthine alleyways, up to the castle and the very curious church, and find a local cafe. It all feels very remote and strange.

Eat

Costa de la Luz is home to some delicious specialities, try fresh grilled sardines, the catch of the day such as such as local Sea Bream and delicious seafood, especially tuna, prawns, lobsters and clams and, melt in the mouth ham from Huelva, (harvested from Black Iberian pigs raised on forest acorns), the authentic version of gazpacho soup, (chilled puree of tomato, cucumber, peppers, garlic) and Manzanilla (a light, dry sherry; The term 'sherry' is derived from the moorish name for nearby Jerez). Make sure you visit a ‘Chiringuitos’ a beach or seafront bar, there are plenty of them dotted about in Isla Canela and Islantilla and Aymonte, a fishing village where there are some great tapas bars.