The Costa de la Luz, the “Coast of Light”, is Spain’s Atlantic coast between Gibraltar and Portugal. It has some of the longest, emptiest golden beaches in Europe, white hill villages, sherry bodegas and a far more Spanish feel than the Mediterranean costas.
We offer 29 Costa de la Luz hotels across 10 resorts, from golf and beach resorts at Novo Sancti Petri and Costa Ballena to the laid-back surf towns of Conil and Zahara.
Where to stay in Costa de la Luz
The Cádiz coast in the east is reached from Jerez airport. The Huelva coast in the west, near the Portuguese border, is closer to Faro.
Novo Sancti Petri
A purpose-built resort on the long La Barrosa beach, with golf courses and large, family-friendly hotels, many of them all inclusive.
Costa Ballena
A modern resort with a wide sandy beach, a golf course and easy access to Cádiz, Jerez and the sherry town of Sanlúcar.
Conil de la Frontera
A whitewashed fishing town with a relaxed centre, great seafood and miles of golden beach.
Zahara de los Atunes
A small, stylish village with a huge unspoilt beach, close to the Roman ruins at Bolonia and the windsurfing hub of Tarifa.
Isla Canela
On the Huelva coast next to Portugal, with a long sandy beach and golf. Closer to Faro airport.
El Rompido
A quiet village on the Huelva coast, looking across a lagoon to a wild sand spit.
Top-rated hotels in Costa de la Luz
The highest TripAdvisor-rated hotels we offer in Costa de la Luz, spread across different resorts. Every one can be booked with flights and transfers as an ATOL-protected package.
Palacio de Sancti Petri Gran Melia
Perfect for dining · A member of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ group
Iberostar Selection Andalucia Playa
Direct access to the beach · Great for couples
Hipotels Gran Conil
Direct access to the beach · Pool with sea views
Barcelo Conil Playa
Great sea views · Range of bars and restaurants
Estival Isla Cristina
Surrounded by lush forest · Spacious pool area
Elba Costa Ballena Beach & Thalasso Resort
Close to the beach · Relaxing spa
Travel guides for Costa de la Luz
Our hand-picked guides to help you choose: compare the best hotels by style, budget and who you’re travelling with.
All 29 Costa de la Luz hotels, by resort
Costa de la Luz has 29 hotels to choose from: 11 all inclusive, 3 five-star, 2 adults only and 12 with family facilities. Ratings shown are TripAdvisor scores out of 5.
Novo Sancti Petri 8 hotels
Costa Ballena 6 hotels
Conil de la Frontera 5 hotels
El Rompido 2 hotels
Isla Canela 2 hotels
Zahara de los Atunes 2 hotels
El Puerto de Santa Maria 1 hotel
Isla Cristina 1 hotel
Islantilla 1 hotel
Punta Umbria 1 hotel
When to go to the Costa de la Luz
The beach season runs from May to October. July and August are hot but freshened by Atlantic breezes, and the sea is cooler than the Mediterranean. Spring and autumn are lovely for touring Seville, Jerez and the white villages.
Getting there and getting around
Flights to Jerez or Faro take about two and three-quarter hours. Transfers from Jerez to the Cádiz coast take 30 minutes to an hour and a quarter; the Huelva resorts are around one and a half to two and a half hours from Faro. Seville, Cádiz and Jerez all make easy day trips.
Costa de la Luz holiday FAQs
Which airport do you fly to for the Costa de la Luz?
Jerez for the Cádiz coast (Novo Sancti Petri, Costa Ballena, Conil, Zahara), and Faro in Portugal for the Huelva coast (Isla Canela, El Rompido).
Is the Costa de la Luz good for families?
Yes. The beaches are long, sandy and uncrowded, and resorts such as Novo Sancti Petri and Costa Ballena have large family hotels.
Is the sea warm on the Costa de la Luz?
It is the Atlantic, so the water is a little cooler than the Mediterranean, typically around 20 to 22°C in late summer.
Are there all-inclusive hotels on the Costa de la Luz?
11 of the 29 Costa de la Luz hotels we offer have an all-inclusive option.
More holidays in Spain
Plan your Costa de la Luz holiday
Tell a Travelisto Travel Designer when you want to go and who is travelling. We will come back with honest hotel recommendations and live prices, ATOL protected.