There is a lesser-known Spanish coast than the Costa del Sol that is being touted as a quieter and more economical holiday alternative. It’s called Costa de la Luz, it’s in the south of Spain and also allows you to visit the Algarve in just a few minutes.
According to the British newspaper, this area has been gaining prominence among travelers looking for beautiful beaches, more accessible hotels, cheap drinks and an experience less marked by mass tourism.
The Costa de la Luz stretches across southern Spain, along the Atlantic, and includes destinations such as Cádiz and Huelva. Despite being close to highly sought after areas, it remains less famous than other points on the Spanish coast.
An alternative to the Costa del Sol
For those who like the beauty of Marbella, but don’t want the prices or hustle and bustle of the Costa del Sol, the Costa de la Luz appears as a calmer and more economical option.
The focus given by the British press is to Isla Canela, a beach area at the end of the Spanish coast, close to the border with Portugal.
The region combines golden sandy beaches, tapas and fresh fish restaurants, seaside hotels and a more relaxed atmosphere than in many more popular Spanish destinations.
Portugal is just a few minutes away
One of the great advantages of Isla Canela is its proximity to Portugal. From there, you can take a ferry that crosses the Guadiana River and reaches Vila Real de Santo António in around 15 minutes.
The crossing allows tourists to visit two countries during the same vacation, without the need to book different hotels or make long journeys.
The Sun says that the ferry can cost from 2.50 euros, making the experience simple and accessible for those who also want to see the Portuguese side of the border.
Beer and tapas at low prices
Another argument used to highlight this Spanish coast is the prices. According to the same publication, it is possible to find beer from around 3 euros, equivalent to approximately 2.60 pounds.
Meals are also presented as affordable, especially for those who choose local restaurants. An expert cited by the newspaper says that it is still possible to find tapas and fresh seafood dinners for between 10 and 15 euros per person.
In Ayamonte, a town close to Isla Canela, visitors will find Andalusian-style white streets, riverside walks and traditional restaurants.
Beaches on both sides of the border
On the Spanish side, Isla Canela offers a tranquil base for a beach holiday. On the Portuguese side, Vila Real de Santo António and Praia de Santo António add another option for those who want to cross the border and discover the eastern Algarve.
The location close to the Guadiana makes this area especially attractive for those who like to combine rest, short walks and different experiences in the same itinerary.
For those who want to explore more of Spain, Seville is less than two hours away by car, allowing you to combine beach, culture and city in a single trip.
Hotels by the sea and a calmer environment
The British press also highlights the Hotel Barceló Isla Canela as one of the possible bases for exploring the region. The unit’s architecture is inspired by traditional buildings, with white facades and roofs in terracotta tones.
The hotel has outdoor swimming pools, a golf course, tennis court, buffet restaurant and live entertainment. Some rooms have a balcony or terrace, with the possibility of sea views.
Still, the main attraction of the area seems to be less in luxury and more in the combination of price, beach, gastronomy and ease of visiting Portugal.
A Spanish coast still off the most obvious routes
The Costa de la Luz may not have the fame of the Costa del Sol, but that is precisely what makes it interesting for many tourists. The region offers sun, sea and local food without the same level of hustle and bustle associated with other Spanish destinations.
For British travelers, the highlight is also the possibility of taking a holiday in Spain and, on the same day, crossing to Portugal for just a few euros.
With Atlantic beaches, cheap beer, affordable tapas and a short connection to the Algarve, this hidden coast of Spain is starting to emerge as an alternative to consider for those looking for a quieter, more economical holiday.
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