Unlike on the built-up Mediterranean coast, the Spanish Atlantic coast is still fairly untouched. Endless beaches, pine woods, cork trees and wild olive trees, large meadows and vineyards dominate the landscape. Trips and excursions to places like Gibraltar, Cádiz, Seville and Jerez can be easily made from around Chiclana and Conil.

A crossing to Africa (to Tanger, from Tarifa or Algeciras) will lead you to Morocco into a completely different world, which has influenced Andalucia for centuries.

Recreation and sporting facilities in Andalucía vary considerably depending on the town or area, but are excellent in the major cities and resort areas, although more difficult to find in more rural regions and villages. Community sports centers, known as polideportivos are located in the larger towns or cities and there are also many private country clubs (e.g. Dehesa Montenmedio), sports centres and gymnasiums. Several of the larger hotels on the Costa de la Luz also have gymnasiums that are available for non-guests. Many community developments and urbanisations have swimming pools, there are a number of tennis clubs and other sports facilities. The cost of participation in sports, overall, is reasonable when compared to most other European countries. Obviously, the sports facilities on the Costa de la Luz are tourist driven, particularly in respect to golf and water sports. It is the climate, of course, that makes all the outdoor sports so popular and possible all year round.

Golf:
Perhaps the most popular and number one visitor sport in Andalucia!

Horse Riding:
The horse is an integral part of rural life in Andalucia. Farms, riding schools, and private stables provide riding lessons, riding trips or simply hire horses for riding.

Water Sports:
The Costa de la Luz is a watersports mecca, because of its wide coastline, framed by the Atlantic Ocean. The most popular sports include sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, surfing and subaquatic sports. There are clubs for most water sports in all major Costa resorts and instruction is generally available. Although windsurfing is better known -especially in Tarifa -, surfboarding is also enjoyed by many, particularly good times are in the autumn and spring.

Whale Watching:
The bay and strait of Gibraltar have a large population of whales (pilot whales, orcas, sperm whales etc) and dolphins (common, bottle nose). To observe these magnificient animals within their natural habitat is a truly breathtaking experience! Various companies offer boat trips lasting for 2-4 hours, leaving Tarifa several times daily. Whale watching season starts in April and ends in October.