Fuengirola Andalucia Spain

Situated about 18 kilometres down the coast from the resort of Torremolinos, Fuengirola is perhaps a little bit more upmarket, and is especially popular with families. It does however, still get pretty packed, even more so in the summer time when the weather is at its best, and particularly down at the beach which is long and sandy, and does have plenty of space. Fuengirola does have some history attached to it, and was settled as far back as the 7th century BC, when the Phoenicians were operating along the Costa del Sol coastline. The Roman settlement of Suel, later became known as Suhayl under the Moors, and it was the Moors who built Fuengirola Castle (Sohail Castle), in the 10th century. Head to Fuengirola for fine beaches, sunny weather, and plenty of entertainment.

Peace and Tranquility in Isla Canela

Just south of Ayamonte on the border between south-western Spain and the Algarve Portugal, the relatively new resort of Isla Canela is joined to the Spanish mainland only by a causeway which links it to the town of Ayamonte. Long popular with Spanish tourists, Isla Canela boasts over seven kilometres of superb beaches, an 18 hole golf course, and some wonderful protected wetlands which are home to a wide variety of bird species. Isla Canela looks across the River Guadiana to Portugal and shares a similar climate to the resorts of the Algarve, with Isla Canela weather being perfect for summer holidays though cooler than the Costa del Sol to the north-east. A great area for water sports, this coast gets plenty of wind from the Atlantic Ocean and is good for windsurfing and similar sports. Don’t expect a bustling resort or a vibrant nightlife scene whilst visiting but do expect a peaceful holiday with plenty of time to relax. Isla Canela Map.

Alluring Ayamonte Andalucia

Standing on the Guadiana River on the border between Spain and Portugal, the charming little town of Ayamonte has an attractive fishing harbour and an atmospheric ‘old quarter’. Not as important as it once was, since the building of a new suspension bridge to the north, Ayamonte still attracts plenty of tourists and still has a ferry link with the town of Vila Real de San Antonio, on the other side of the Guadiana River in Portugal’s Algarve region. Ayamonte itself has some interesting attractions including the Iglesia de San Francisco (16th century) and the Iglesia de San Salvador (15th century). Those seeking a more traditional beach holiday will head for nearby Isla Canela, with many kilometres of wonderful sandy beaches and an excellent golf course, Golf Isla Canela, visitors can enjoy a fine climate with Ayamonte weather being comparable to the nearby Algarve. Isla Canela is accessed by way of a causeway from Ayamonte as it is actually an island separated from the mainland. Surrounding wetland areas are great for birdwatching and they are now a protected nature reserve. Ayamonte Map.

Punta Umbria – A Costa de la Luz Resort

Now one of the Costa de la Luz’s main seaside resorts, Punta Umbria was originally established by the famous Rio Tinto Company (a British mining company), as a place of rest for its employees and managers. The Rio Tinto company built some colonial beach side houses there rather than the sanatorium for which they had building permission. Punta Umbria lies close to the ancient port of Huelva in Andalucia, Spain, amidst marshy wetlands which are now a protected wildlife resort with some varied bird species. For holidaymakers the main attraction is the beaches, there are some excellent ones in the area, the closest to the town being Playa de la Mata Negra, another attraction is the wonderful conditions for water sports, especially windsurfing, as the Costa de la Luz coastline is battered by winds from the Atlantic Ocean. If you are visiting, don’t forget a trip into nearby Huelva, an ancient port which was formerly settled by Phoenicians, Romans and Moors, from Palos de Frontera, Christopher Columbus sailed on some of his voyages. Punta Umbria can be reached from Laguna del Portil or from Huelva itself. Punta Umbria Map.

A Brief History of Huelva

The most westerly city on the Costa de la Luz, Spain, Huelva was founded by the Phoenicians in around 1000 BC. Originally known as Onoba, Huelva was later controlled by the Romans and became part of the province of Hispania Baetica, the Romans established a mint there and coins were produced bearing the name “Onuba”. In the 15th century the explorer Christopher Columbus sailed from nearby Palos de la Frontera, and the discovery of the Americas brought increased wealth to Huelva, though it was generally overshadowed by the more important city of Seville. Significant mineral deposits in the region led to Huelva becoming the home of the well known Rio Tinto Company, a British mining concern which set up shop in the Odiel estuary and subsequently exported its products throughout the civilised world. Huelva fell into decline after being devastated by the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755, though it has always been a significant port for the region. Located on a stretch of coast known as the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light), Huelva is experiencing an increase in tourist activity as this less well known piece of coast attracts more and more visitors to its virgin beaches, as yet untouched by mass development. Enjoying a wonderful climate with Huelva weather being somewhat cooler than the neighbouring Costa del Sol, enjoying cooling Atlantic breezes and having a similar climate to Portugal’s Algarve to the south-west. Huelva is located just off the A-45 motoway between the Portuguese border and the city of Seville. Huelva Map.

The Jewel That is Jaen

Located in a fertile area in the north of Andalucia, Spain, the city of Jaen is dominated by the Castilla de Santa Catalina fortress and lies at a height of 574 metres above sea level. A significant university city, Jaen is most famous for the production of olive oil and is often called the “World Capital of Olive Oil” in recognition of its proliferous production of what the locals call “liquid gold”. Jaen was the scene of many battles during the long struggle between Moors and Christians and its important strategic position between Castille and Andalucia was largely the reason for this. The ols castle looking down on the city was originally a Carthaginian tower built by the famous general Hannibal, it was extended and refortified by the Moors and again by the reconquering Christians. One of the high points of a tour around the city of Jaen is the 16th century cathedral, built on the site of a former mosque and designed by Andres de Vandelvira. There are plenty of other interesting sights to visit and a long weekend trp would be ideal to see most of the main attractions. Jaen enjoys a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters but while Jaen weather is suitable for visiting throughout the year, July and August are best avoided due to excessively high temperatures, May and October would be the ideal time for a visit. Jaen does not have its own airport (the nearest is in Granada), so you will no doubt arrive by road, you can take the A45 from Granada or the A4 from Cordoba. Jaen Map.

Colourful Cordoba in Andalucia

Located in northern Andalucia, the city of Cordoba was the former capital of Arabic Al Andalus and was the capital of the Moorish Empire in the west. During the tenth century, Cordoba was one of the most populated cities in the world, with around half a million people, an immense city for those times. These days Cordoba has a population of around 320,000 and is only the 10th largest city in Spain, it is now a major tourist attraction and the best sites can be found in the old Jewish quarter in the area of the famous Mezquita mosque, the largest and most beautiful mosque built by the Moors in Spain. The Mezquita originally dates from the 8th century and was remodelled and extended in subsequent centuries, some of the most lavish additions being built in the 10th century, during the cities golden years. There is lots more to see in this area including the Bishop’s Palace, the Roman Bridge, and the Alcazar Palace. When you are tired of visiting historic monuments you can wander the back streets and seek out a quiet plaza, order a coffee and enjoy the Cordoba weather in the heart of one of Europe’s greatest cities. Cordoba has its own airport but it used for domestic flights only, so if you are flying to the city you will need to go to Seville or Malaga, or from elsewhere in Spain, by road you can reach Cordoba by way of the A-4 from Seville or the A-45 from Malaga. Be sure to visit colourful Cordoba some time soon. Cordoba Map.

Amazing Andalucia

Andalucia, Spain’s most south-westerly region is also the second largest and the most populous of its 17 autonomous communities. Bordering Portugal in the west, Murcia in the east and Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha in the north, its capital and largest city is Seville, which is also one of its eight provinces, the other seven being Almeria, Granada, Jaen, Cordoba, Cadiz, Malaga and Huelva. Andalucia has around eight hundred kilometres of coastline including the coastal regions known as the Costa de la Luz, the Costa del Sol, the Costa Tropical and the Costa Almeria, throughout these regions are a huge number of wonderful sandy beaches and some of the best known seaside resorts in Spain. A pioneer in Spain’s tourist industry, Andalucia attracts millions of visitors each year, not only to its beach resorts but also to its historic cities, with their awe inspiring attractions. Andalucia is where some of Spain’s best known traditions began, most notably bullfighting and flamenco dancing, it also boasts a history as complex as anywhere in Spain and a population of equal complexity. Andalucia can inspire and amaze, its widely varying landscapes can fool you as to where exactly you are, with the snow capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada just a few kilometres from the sun kissed beaches of its coastline, along with its geography, Andalucia weather can vary considerably from area to area from the cold of the mountains, to the high winds of its Atlantic (Costa de la Luz) coastline, to the warm beaches of the Costa del Sol and Costa Tropical. Andalucia has something for everyone. Andalucia Map.

Spain’s Picturesque Costa de la Luz

Situated in south-western Andalucia on Spain’s border with Portugal and the Algarve, a three hundred kilometre stretch of coastline called the Costa de la Luz, its name which translates as “Coast of Light” comes from its clear unpolluted skies, and the quality of light that can be found there, it is particularly renowned for its stunning sunsets. As yet mostly unspoiled by tourism the Costa de la Luz is becoming increasingly popular with international holidaymakers, who visit to enjoy the fine sandy beaches, the ancient towns and cities and the beautiful countryside of its hinterland. Apart from the usual beach type holiday, many visit for the splendid water sports facilities, especially windsurfing and surfing, where strong winds from the Atlantic Ocean provide perfect conditions for these popular sports, one of the best resorts for these activities is Tarifa in the south-east of the region. The sea breezes make temperatures cooler in this area and the weather on the Costa de la Luz is generally a little cooler than on the Costa del Sol. The Costa de la Luz has an interesting history and claims the oldest permanently inhabited city in Europe – Cadiz – which is well worth a visit if you are in the region. The Costa de la Luz is made up of two provinces Cadiz and Huelva, Huelva begins at the border with the Algarve and Portugal, and ends at the River Guadaquivir, Cadiz extends from the Guadalquivir to the town of Tarifa. If you are arriving by air to the Costa de la Luz, you will most likely land at Jerez airport, a modern and compact airport situated north-east of Jerez de la Frontera. If you are on a package holiday you will no doubt be picked up from here, if not you can oganise a Jerez airport transfer or alternatively pick up your Costa de la Luz car hire vehicle directly from the airport. It is recommended to hire a car while you are visiting the Costa de la Luz, otherwise you will miss out on some excellent chances to travel around the region, don’t forget a trip into the magical city of Seville or perhaps to the Natural Park at Donana, an important wetland area with lots of wildlife. Map of Costa de la Luz.