Camping on the Costa de la Luz

The Costa de la Luz in the south of Spain enchants its visitors with fine sandy dune beaches and historic towns. The Coast of Light, as its name translates, stretches along the Atlantic Ocean from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Portuguese border. Camping on the Costa de la Luz in Andalusia promises wonderful beaches for swimming and water sports, idyllic nature parks and romantic villages in the hinterland.

Special features of camping on the Costa de la Luz

There are around 30 campsites on the Costa de la Luz in the charming provinces of Cádiz and Huelva. Most of them are located directly by the sea or are just a few minutes' walk from the beach. There is hardly anything better than relaxing next to your caravan in the morning with a coffee and gazing out over the deep blue Atlantic. Equipment for snorkelling, surfing and other water sports is available for hire in many places. There is a large selection of campsites around the popular coastal town of Conil de la Frontera. A few campsites await their guests in the hilly hinterland. If you want to enjoy your holiday surrounded by lush natural landscapes, the Doñana National Park, for example, is just the place for you.

Getting there

If you want to travel to the Costa de la Luz by caravan, you should plan enough time for the journey there and back. The distance between Hamburg and Cádiz is 3,200 kilometres. Travellers have a choice of two routes for the journey. One leads along the Mediterranean, the other via Paris and Madrid to Andalusia. If you choose the former, you will travel in France via Lyon and Montpellier and then continue along the French Mediterranean coast. After the Spanish border, the route continues via Barcelona, Valencia and Murcia until finally reaching the Costa de la Luz. This route is a little longer, but there are many exciting cities along the way that are ideal for a stopover by the sea. There are many beautiful campsites around Barcelona, for example, while the alternative route through the interior leads via Paris and Bordeaux via Madrid and Salamanca. On this tour, we recommend taking a break on the French Atlantic coast near Bordeaux or in the Spanish Basque Country near Bilbao.

Destinations on the Costa de la Luz

The Costa de la Luz can look back on a varied past, which is reflected today in the architecture, culture and traditions of the region. Some of the most worthwhile places to visit include the provincial capital of Cádiz, Conil de la Frontera with its long sandy beach, the surfing hotspot Tarifa and the historic town of El Puerto de Santa María.

Cádiz

Situated on a headland, Cádiz is one of the oldest cities in Europe. A stroll through the historic El Pópuli neighbourhood is well worthwhile. The coastal town also boasts imposing cathedrals, a Neomudéjar-style theatre and a lively beach promenade. The streets of Cádiz are particularly colourful during the carnival.

Conil de la Frontera

The former fishing village of Conil de la Frontera is one of the White Villages of Andalusia. One of its main attractions is the 16 km long beach with golden-coloured sand. The historic town centre with the 14th century watchtower Torre de Guzmán, which was built to protect the town from pirate attacks, is also charming.

Jerez de la Frontera

The inland town of Jerez de la Frontera not only gives its name to sherry, but is also one of the cradles of flamenco alongside Seville. Jerez is also world-famous for its horse breeding and if you like, you can marvel at breathtaking dressage performances at the Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Ecuestre.

Activities and excursions

Camping on the Costa de la Luz is perfect for active holidaymakers who like to be active in the fresh air. Thanks to the sunny and mild climate and the unique natural surroundings, there are leisure activities to suit every taste.

Water sports

The Costa de la Luz is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Tarifa is considered one of the world capitals of surfing. The rough winds coming from the Sahara offer the best conditions for surfing in the entire region between Tarifa and Cape Trafalgar. Water rats can also throw themselves into the waves on jet skis, banana boats or water skis in most holiday resorts. If you prefer something a little quieter, paddle along the picturesque coast in a kayak. Sailing is also very popular in Andalusia.

Hiking

The Costa de la Luz also has a lot to offer on land. Those seeking peace and quiet can go on wonderful hikes in the Los Alcornocale nature park with its romantic cork oak forests. A recommended tour along the coast leads from Los Caños de Meca to Barbate. You will pass fragrant pine forests and impressive cliffs. Nature lovers will also feel right at home in Doñana National Park, which is a true paradise for ornithologists with its variety of bird species.

Gastronomy

Thanks to its location on the Atlantic, the gastronomy of the Costa de la Luz is characterised by delicious fish and seafood dishes. These include tuna, especially in the well-known town of Barbate. Grilled sardines are also a speciality, while stews, for example with lamb or rabbit, are popular in the hinterland. In general, many pulses and vegetables such as beans, courgettes and peppers are prepared in Andalusia. The well-known Iberian ham and aromatic goat's cheese are also very typical, and olive oil, which is produced in the sun-kissed region, is an indispensable part of Andalusian cuisine. The Costa de la Luz is also home to some world-famous wine-growing regions. Holidaymakers can sample the famous sherry from Jerez de la Frontera, among other things.

Best time to visit

The climate on the Costa de la Luz is very pleasant all year round. Due to its location on the Atlantic Ocean, temperatures are moderate and do not rise too high in summer like on the neighbouring Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean. In the hinterland, on the other hand, it can get very hot in the summer months, but the temperatures for camping on the Costa de la Luz are pleasant throughout the summer months. If you would like to spend a beach holiday by the sea, you should choose the months of July and August. The water temperatures then rise to around 22 degrees Celsius, but the low season also has its advantages and attracts visitors with endless, deserted beaches. The spring and autumn months are also ideal for hiking in Andalusia's magnificent national parks.