Costa de la Luz Local Reference INFOrmation
Information and links for tourists on the Costa de la Luz, with details on accommodation, flights and airports, museums, tourist services and must-see sights along the coast of Cadiz and Huelva.
The Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce operates the Official Spanish Tourism website, SpainInfo, which is translated into a number of languages including English.
Airports in Huelva and Cádiz
Where To StayFrom the famous Paradores, a state owned chain of hotels usually located in historical buildings, to self-catering holiday accommodation directly on the seafront, there are various types of accommodation available on the Costa de la Luz.
Tourist Office ContactsThe staff at most tourist offices (Oficinas de Turismo) speak English. They are usually very helpful with all tourism questions as well as questions on public transport and more. If in need of some help, they are always worth asking.
Official local tourism authorities have comprehensive websites in English providing information for tourists and residents in the region.
The Cádiz province, especially the area around Jerez de la Frontera, is well known for the numerous wineries (bodegas) producing wine, sherry and brandy. Many wineries welcome visitors and tours and tastings are available. Main Tourist AttractionsCádiz ProvinceCatedral de Cadiz Began in the 18th century, Cádiz Cathedral, also known as the Catedral Nueva, is one of the largest cathedrals in Spain. The cathedral stands out from the profile of Cádiz as it has a distinctive yellow dome. The building has a Neo-Classical facade and Baroque vaults. The church's significant treasures are stored behind the cathedral in the Casa de la Contaduria.
Centro Andaluz de Flamenco The Centro Andaluz de Flamenco aims to preserve the history of flamenco and promote the art throughout the world. The centre has exhibits including photos, artwork and instruments.
Circuito de Jerez The Circuito de Jerez motorsports track plays host to world-class Formula 1, MotoGP, F-3 and motocross races. From Monday to Friday, vistors can take guided tours of the pits, paddocks and other areas normally closed to race attendees.
Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art promotes Andalusian equestrianism and the famous Andalucian horse. The Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre foundation offers tours (in a choice of languages) of the school's grounds, including the palace, gardens, picardero (covered ring) and 60 stables arced around a cobbled courtyard. Visitors can also see the harnesses and tack worn by the performing stallions, and may find the master harness maker at work. Depending on the timing of the visit, visitors may be able to watch training sessions in the ring.
Torre Tavira The Tavira Tower is one of over 120 watchtowers dating from the 18th-20th century still standing in Cádiz. During those two centuries, merchants had watchtowers built onto their homes to watch for arriving ships. Today the 18th-century Torre Tavira houses a camera obscura with spectacular views over the area. The tower is open daily except for some holidays.
Zoobotánico de Jerez The Botanical Zoo of Jerez is home to hundreds of species of animals including the Iberian lynx (part of a captive breeding programme), kookaburra, elephant and numerous birds as well as a rare white tiger. The zoo also houses a botanical garden. A tourist mini-train is available for tours through the park. The zoo is closed on Mondays from mid-September to mid-June, except during holiday periods.
Huelva ProvinceThe province of Huelva has a strong historical tie with the explorer Cristóbal (Christopher) Columbus. Columbus stayed for a brief time at the Monasterio de la Rábida and used the influence of the Catholic prior at the monastery to obtain backing from Queen Isabella to sail to the New World. The explorer set sail from Palos de la Frontera. The area called El Condado produces excellent wines as well as vinegars. A wine of the area may qualify for the Denominaciónes de Origen "Condado de Huelva" if it meets certain quality controls and has certain characteristics. Museo Provincial The Museo Provincial is a large museum whose permanent collection includes archaeological artefacts from the area as well as other parts of the world. The museum also tells the story of explorer Cristóbal Columbus (Christopher Columbus), who set sail from nearby Palos de la Frontera. The museum also outlines the history of the Rio Tinto mine considered by some to be the oldest mine in the world. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Parque Minero de Riotinto This attraction is based around the Rio Tinto mine (no longer operational), the largest open pit mine in the world. The mine is believed to have been utilised for minerals for thousands of years. Because of the high mineral concentrations in the earth, the land and waters of the area are unusually coloured. Due to the highly acidic nature of the land and waters, NASA and the Spanish Centro de Astrobiología have used the area as a living laboratory because it is believed to be similar to the Mars landscape. The park includes tours, train rides and a museum. Restaurants and accommodation are also available for overnight stays.
Parque Nacional de Doñana The Doñana National Park is an impressive wetlands covering over 54,000 hectares. Formerly a hunting ground for the Dukes of Medina Sidonia, the area became a protected park in 1969. Visitors can see a large variety of birds and other wildlife as well as sand dunes and marshes. The park has several visitor centres and guided tours are available from the El Acebuche visitor centre.
Further Information
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