The
Costa de la Luz is a world away from the over developed Costa
del Sol. With over 50km of almost uninterrupted fine white sandy
beaches dotted with small settlements, it never feel overcrowded.
Even in the height of summer, there's plenty of room to stretch
out. Overall, there is a very relaxed atmosphere and something to
suit all tastes.
Immediately
in front of Conil's Paseo Maritimo, the Playa de los Bateles with
it's long flat beach and calm shallow waters provides the perfect place
for families with young children. plenty of chiringuitos (temporary beach
kiosks) provide snacks and drinks, or a short walk takes you to
the permanent beach bars and restaurants for something more substantial.
Other beach facilities during the summer months include toilets and showers
and a vigilant lifeguard patrol at regular points along the beach.
For
a little more seclusion, cross the bridge to the other side of the Rio
Salado, and within 5 minutes along the beach side track the beach is
less crowded.
A pleasant 30 minute stroll along this track with pastures and hills on one side and a lagoon on the other brings you to El Palmar which has a superb restaurant and lively beach bars. Popular with surfers, El Palmar beach has a younger vibe.
Continuing south leads you to the beaches of Zahora and Caños
de Meca, divided by the lighthouse of Cabo de Trafalgar. Windsurfing
is popular here, as well as naturism. young people gather for the
alternative atmosphere and beach parties. it is renowned for it's
summertime nightlife. wind surfers sometimes provide impressive
aerial displays, set against the backdrop of the distant hills of Tarifa.
For
a break from the beach, head up into the wooded cliff top area of La
Breña natural Park for a relaxing stroll in the shade of pine trees brushing past aromatic rosemary bushes. it's a good alternative site for picnicking, affording impressive views of the lighthouse and sweeping coastline.
An
hours walk bring you to the beautiful tree lined cove of playa de Hierbabuena
and the marina of the fishing town Barbate; famed for it's tuna products.
barbate isn't know for it's beauty, but has a pleasant promenade of restaurants
serving quality seafood facing la Playa del Carmen, a continuation of
the white sandy beaches, backed by countryside.
Yet further
along is the small settlement of Zahara de los Atunes, worth a
visit for it's wild beach backed by the Sierra del Retin. Impressive
cliffs and a pleasant drive separate this from tarifas's long beach,
world renowned for windsurfing and the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia,
hidden in the hills.
Traveling in
the opposite direction, just north of Conil, to the side of the
town is Playa de la Fontanilla, a narrow cliff backed cover with a few
rock pools. A short cliff top walk or drive brings you to the Playa Fuente
del Gallo secluded cove, followed by cabo Roche harbour. A small
roadside restaurant may look a little scruffy, but serves freshly caught
fish on a shady terrace. the road then takes you to a series of secluded
rocky covers before reaching the longer busier beach, Playa de la Barrosa.
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