Coast of Light Attractions
The Costa de la Luz is the stretch of the southern Atlantic coast of Spain between the mouth of the Río Guadiana on the Portuguese frontier and the promontory of Tarifa on the Straits of Gibraltar. Along this coastal region, almost perpetually bathed in the warm light of the sun, are a succession of spacious sandy beaches, well away from main roads and traffic routes. The coast of Huelva province in particular, with the extensive Playa de Castilla, is a bathers' paradise, bounded on the landward side by eucalyptus trees. Inland from the coast around Cádiz are olive-groves. Almost all the villages along the coast live by fishing, though tourism is increasingly becoming an important source of revenue. To date there is only one resort at Matalascañas; further development has been prevented by protests from environmentalists who see the unique reserve of Coto de Doñana as being under threat.
The effects of the Lisbon earthquake of November 1, 1755 were felt as far away as Huelva, and much of the town was destroyed, leaving it with little in the way of historic buildings. Of the older buildings that survived the earthquake only a few churches are of any note.
The effects of the Lisbon earthquake of November 1, 1755 were felt as far away as Huelva, and much of the town was destroyed, leaving it with little in the way of historic buildings. Of the older buildings that survived the earthquake only a few churches are of any note.
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Cape Trafalgar
14km/9mi southwest of Vejer de la Frontera is Cape Trafalgar, known to the Romans as Promontorium Junonis and to the Moors as Tarif al-Ghar (''Cape of the Caves''), off which Nelson won his famous victory over a French and Spanish fleet commanded by Admirals Villeneuve and Gravina on October 21, 1805. Although Nelson was killed in the battle, Villeneuve was also fatally wounded and Gravina was taken prisoner.
Chipiona, Spain
Chipiona on Punta Camerón which is mostly frequented by Spaniards, has a fine square in which stands the attractive church of Nuestra Señora de la O.
2km/1.25mi south is the tile decorated chapel of the Virgen de la Regla, with an image of the Virgin much revered by seamen.
2km/1.25mi south is the tile decorated chapel of the Virgen de la Regla, with an image of the Virgin much revered by seamen.
Facilities
Beach
Fuentebravia, Spain
Among the resorts on the Costa de la Luz are Fuentebravia, with its neighbor Rota, a walled town with the largest American military base in Spain.
San Fernando, Spain
The long straggling port town of San Fernando (alt. 20m/65ft), the chief place in the Isla de León, 18km/11mi south of Cádiz, was established in the 18th century on a kind of rocky island in the salt marshes from which salt was already being won in Roman times. During the Spanish war of liberation San Fernando was the last refuge of the Cortes. It now has a considerable shipbuilding industry. In the Panteón de los Marinos Ilustres are 52 monuments commemorating famous seamen.
