The Costa de la Luz is becoming an attractive alternative to the built-up Costa del Sol! Cities like Granada, Cordoba, Sevilla and Ronda are known worldwide and if you are interested in art and architecture, you shouldn't miss visiting these places during your visit to Andalucia. There are also, however, places that are much less well known (e.g. Cadiz, Chiclana or Jerez). These places lie on the costa de la Luz (meaning "The coast of light" ), the brightest part of Spain! Here the sun shines with unique beauty and its special staggering bright light makes it different from the other better known costas (such as the Costa Blanca or the Costa del Sol). Apart from a few stretches of rocks and cliffs, the Costa de la Luz is characterided by endless beaches of fine sand framed by dunes and pine woods.   Costa de la Luz: beach near Cape Trafalgar Those who love the heat and crowds will fare better to go looking on the Costa del Sol. People who are not looking for a home in an ex-patriate community and who do not want to meet fellow countrymen around every corner have this choice here on the Costa de la Luz. About ten years ago, when tourism started on Costa de la Luz, many mistakes previously made in other parts of Spain were carefully considered and reflected upon. Costa de la Luz: building restrictions permit houses with a maximum of two levels   Hence, due to the stricter building regulations, on the Costa de la Luz there are no huge high rise hotels or concrete jungles. There is a law which states that for coastal buildings (such as hotels) access to the beach has to be free and made available to the general public. Hotels are allowed to be built with a maximum of 2 upper storeys. This way, the buildings are in harmony with the landscape and are pleasant to look at. The Costa de la Luz is famous for its long sandy beaches. Although the Atlantic is somewhat rougher than the Mediterranean, there are no dangerous currents. The conditions for water sports are more favourable (e.g. surfing and windsurfing), and due to the tidal influences of the Atlantic you will not encounter the "horror beach scenario" during your holidays (i.e. umbrella deserts and people lying on a crowded beach like sardines in a tin!). Here on the Costa de la Luz you can still find real Spanish culture and an unspoiled countryside, far removed from the concrete hotel enclaves and overdeveloped coastal areas of the other costas. This area has genuinely learnt from the mistakes made in the past along the Mediterranean coast.   Sunset at Playa La Barrosa