The sandy Atlantic shore of the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) is a world apart from the more commercialized Mediterranean coastline and is a great favourite with the Spanish. Stretching from Gibraltar to the Algarve border, restrictions on development have meant that some of the finest beaches in Europe are totally unspoilt.
For more than 150 kilometres you pass only a dozen or so hotels and a few traditional coastal towns and villages, yet you are close to some of the most fascinating cities in Europe. Although the vast, often deserted beaches are a sufficient attraction, this area of Andalucia is steeped in history and culture. The wonderful cities of Cadiz, Jerez and Seville are close by, as are the hilltop towns of Vejer and Arcos de la Frontera.
Although other Europeans have been coming in small numbers to the Costa de la Luz for a few years now, the area has never been spoilt by mass tourism. The attractions of the Costa de la Luz are simple; friendly people, beautiful scenery and fine sandy beaches as well as delicious food.
The Costa de la Luz is at the southernmost tip of Europe. The beaches are more expansive and sand is finer and a more golden colour than the neighbouring Costa del Sol.
Refreshing evening breezes blow in from North Africa, whose coast is visible from the southern peninsula. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, the climate can best be described as North African climate.
In August, the average daytime temperature is 30.4° C, whilst in January it is 17° C.
The Costa de la Luz is probably the best kept secret in Spain, known only to the Spanish people and the occasional discerning foreign resident or visitor.
Currently the best places to buy in the Costa de la Luz are the small villages on the outskirts of Chiclana, such as Pago del Humo, Pinar de los Franceses, Rana Verde, and El Marquesado.
The benefits of buying in these villages are the value (properties tend to come with good size plots of land, at a good price), they are situated only 5 minutes (drive) from the coast, 30 minutes from Jerez Airport and they are located pretty centrally to all the major towns and cities in the area. On the downside, a car is needed to get about if you are located in one of these villages, as there are very few amenities in walking distance.
Prices have increased dramatically over the past 3 years, but the area still offers excellent value in comparisons to other parts of Spain and Europe.
There is a small British community in the Costa de la Luz, as well as a small German\Scandinavian community. However, the area is still 98% Spanish.
There are very few apartment style properties in the Costa de la Luz, due to the harsh building restrictions, so the majority of properties are bungalow style villas, usually on a 500m2 plot of land upwards.
Written by
Spencer
www.secretspain.com
Tel.: 020 8220 3701
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