Costa De La Luz Holiday Guide

The Andalucian horse, otherwise known as PRE, Pura Raza Española, is one of the oldest and most famous breeds in the world today. This spectacular breed can be dated back as far as the Roman Conquests in 200 BC.

From the middle ages this horse with its impressive courage and imposing stature was used by kings and generals in Europe and was taken as far as the Americas with the Spanish Conquistadors. As the popularity of the Andalucian horse increased it was used as a foundation for breeding in Europe and America.

The Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, (the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art) in Jerez de la Frontera, is famous for training this breed and for its spectacular horse shows. The shows are a magnificent performance of the horse’s agility and ability as they proudly prance around the arena whilst being expertly manoeuvred by their riders, at times they look like ballet dancers balancing on their hind legs and kicking their front legs into the air.

You can also visit the Yeguada de la Cartuja stud farm in Jerez de la Frontera where you will see fine examples of the Cartujano breed. This is an important ‘side breed’ of the Pura Raza Española as it comes from one of the world’s oldest recorded studbooks. The Carthusian monks set up the stud in 1484 as the breed was in danger of extinction due to over exportation. The stud farm changed hands many times until finally the state took control in 1983 and the breed became protected.

In Jerez de la Frontera every May the Horse Fair (Feria de Caballo) takes over the city. This event is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in Spain with visitors coming from all over the world.

A fabulous and thrilling event are the races held on the beach at Sanlúcar de Barrameda every August, you can watch the horses thunder past on the wet sand and then cool off in the sea until the next race starts.

For more information contact the nearest local tourist office.

Declared a reserve by UNESCO, its rugged limestone terrain of cliffs, gullies, caves and gorges are stunning. The most impressive being La Garganta Verde (the Green Gorge) with its 400m rocky walls that are home to the griffon vulture and some of parks more extraordinary plants. The Hundidero-Gato, (cave) is the largest in Andalucia with its cavern measuring 4km long and an entrance of 60m high. Also not to be missed is the Spanish Fir tree forest in the Sierra del Pinar area.

Birds: Golden Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture.

Animals: Beaver, Mountain Goat, Red Deer, Roe Deer.

Plants and Trees: Spanish Fur, Carob, Ash, Poplar, Elm, Willow.

Activities: Canoeing, Caving, Mountain Biking, Bungee Jumping, Hang-gliding, Paragliding, Hiking, Horse Trekking, Mountaineering, Climbing.

Towns and Villages within the Park: Algondonales, Benaocaz, El Bosque, El Gastor, Grazalema, Prado del Rey, Ubrique, Villaluenga del Rosario, Zahara de la Sierra,

Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park Office
Address: Avda. de la Diputación
Town: El Bosque
Tel: 956 176 063

This liberating festival takes place before the 40 days of Lent and is celebrated in the majority of towns and cities in Andalucia. The most famous one in Spain being in Cadiz, this emulates the carnival of Venice, with which Cadiz once had a flowing trade with in the 16th century.

The organisation of this ten-day event in Cadiz is taken very seriously with practice, preparations and contests happening months beforehand to ensure a spectacular event.

The carnival takes place all over the centre of Cadiz where you will see varying types of artists and musical groups parodying and satirising local politicians, government, the church and celebrities. The streets are alive with masked revellers enjoying this fabulous extravaganza. Perhaps it is not too surprising then that during General Franco’s reign he banned this event because of it’s anti establishment theme, however some places defied him and still held a carnival.

In the smaller towns and villages this event is also celebrated. Adults and children are positively encouraged to wear masks and fancy dress, with contests taking place for the best costumes and the crowning of the “Carnival King and Queen.”

The one thing to remember in Spain is that the night time is very special. It’s a time to relax with family and friends, whilst enjoying good food and watching the world go by. Going for tapas is the ideal way to experience this tradition.

The whole culture of tapas originates from Sevilla so you can expect to eat some of the best tapas in Spain when holidaying on the Costa de la Luz. You can wander from bar to bar ordering tapas, must try’s are the Jamon (ham) Serrano/Iberico and Chorizo (sausage) that you will see hanging from hooks, Gambas Ajillo (garlic prawns) or the Pescado Frito (fried fish), for larger portions of tapas order the raciones. Quench your thirst with a cold beer, fino (dry sherry) or a bubbly cava from the area.

On the coast you will find some of the best seafood Europe has to offer, tuna being one of the many specialties and a selection of shellfish that is astounding. Further inland suckling pig, game meat and stews are popular.

For breakfast try the churros a bit like deep fried donuts, there great with hot chocolate sauce, or why not go for Meriendar, a traditional afternoon snack of coffee and cake that is popular with the locals and is served at a Panaderia shop from 5pm.

Don’t worry about the children when eating out as the Spanish are very family orientated, you will see families in the ice cream parlours (heladeria) until the early hours of the morning, go and join them.