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From Tarifa, the most southerly point of Europe, the Costa de la Luz runs like a golden ribbon westwards to Cádiz and beyond to the border with Portugal.
The Spanish themselves favour this Atlantic shoreline, but there is sand to spare, anchored by pine and eucalyptus trees or esparto grass spiking long stretches of dunes.
Here, you can indulge yourself – you haven’t lived until you’ve feasted on Sanlucar de Barrameda’s giant prawns or the fresh tuna from Conil. Go ‘on safari’ in the Doñana National Park’s bush land, a twitchers’ paradise where black kites swoop and white spoonbills from Africa come to breed each year. Or head inland, past the giant silhouettes of Osborne’s bull and Sandeman’s señor which flag up the sherry vineyards and the bodegas of Jerez itself.
One of the jewels of this coast is the small fortress town of Vejer
de la Frontera, a dazzle of sugar-cube houses high on a ridge. A
day can easily slip by as you admire balconies and patios and intricate
window grilles – or enjoy tapas accompanied by a glass of
chilled Manzanilla in one of its friendly little bars.
A delightfully rustic cottage in El Palmar, Casa
del Campo offers original accommodation, where guests can relax
on the shady terrace with a glass of chilled fino and enjoy alfresco
living.
Alternatively, the charming guesthouse of Casa
de Medina in Medina Sidonia, with refreshing pool and attentive
service, offers a friendly and informal atmosphere in the heart
of the charming Medina Sidonia's whitewashed town.
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