5 quiet holiday resorts in Spain’s Costa de la Luz

Bordering Portugal, on the southern tip of Spain you’ll find the quiet region of Costa de la Luz. Its coastline overlooks the great Atlantic with its wide, sandy beaches backed by low rise hotels and local tapas bars.

Relatively untouched by mass tourism, the area is one of the quietest Costas in Spain. 

Before you book your next holiday to Spain, have a read through our guide to find out what Costa de la Luz has to offer. We’ve picked five quiet resorts on the Costa de la Cruz to give you inspiration for your next holiday.

Cadiz is on a peninsula on the Atlantic and the old town has more than 3,000 years of history to discover. Explore the cobbled streets leading to the main square offering cafes, bars and al fresco seating. 

A grand cathedral looks over Cadiz where you may want to climb the steps to the top to take in magnificent far-reaching views.

The town is home to a huge market where you can buy fresh fish, olives, herbs, fruit and cheeses, many of which can only be found locally. It is all under cover so it stays cool even on the hottest days.

If you want to see how the Spanish celebrate, then the carnival is not to be missed. There are parades, dancing, singing and fireworks to enjoy. It is held every spring, for 11 days in the lead up to Lent, and is often known as ‘the festival that Franco couldn’t stop’!

For a quiet family-friendly holiday in Costa de la Luz, you may want to head for Conil de la Frontera. This town is south of Cadiz and many centuries ago was once a port and ticks the box if you’re looking for quiet resorts in Spain.

There are a number of fine beaches nearby, with the most popular being La Fontanilla located directly in front of the town. The tide is gentle here, and there are showers and sun loungers dotted along the wide, 2km stretch so it’s great for families.

The town can get busier towards the late afternoon and into the evening as everyone stops to enjoy coffee, ice cream and tasty seafood dishes.

Chiclana de la Frontera boasts cobbled streets, colourful, flowery balconies and some of the finest, and quietest, beaches in the region. Barossa Beach is 6km of fine white sand and features a promenade with a few beach bars and restaurants.

Depending on your preference, there’s a lively atmosphere at one end of the beach and a quiet, less developed area at the other.

A peaceful island that lies just off the mainland. It is accessible by a bridge and there is an upmarket feel about the place.

In the old town, there is a choice of friendly, local eateries and lots of traditional tapas bars where you can sample the local ‘jamon’ (Spanish ham which is cured and thinly sliced).

If you are feeling energetic, bicycles are easily available to hire on the island so you could take yourself off on a bike ride to see the sights.

This relaxed, yet lively city has many different influences when it comes to architecture; Greek, Roman, Arabian and Moorish rulers have left their mark over the centuries and the result is a beautiful place unlike any other.

There is a lot to do and see in Jerez. Rich in religious monuments, churches, palaces and museums, the town is known for its sherry, Flamenco and dancing horses!

The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art teaches the traditional ways of keeping and training Andalusian horses and the shows they perform are known around the world.

There are wineries and bodegas in abundance where some of the finest Spanish sherry is produced, so book yourself onto a local tour.

• Check your passport is in date
• Book your holiday
• Buy your travel insurance for Spain

For more Spanish travel inspiration, have a look at our 10 must see cities to explore in Spain or read our holiday guide to Gran Canaria.