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The Costa de la Luz has been visited by holiday-making Spaniards for many years, but now other Europeans are discovering its attractions including the fact that the beaches have particularly fine, soft sand. These are ideal for a great deal more than just sunbathing. For example, you could borrow a horse from the local stables to enjoy a thundering gallop along a lengthy Costa de la Luz beach.

Two resorts that are growing in popularity are Isla Canela and Islantilla. Isla Canela is a little island a short step from Ayamonte, a bustling fishing port close to the border with Portugal. Isla Canela is a golfer's, sailor's and sun-lover's paradise, with seven kilometres of fabulous beaches, an 18-hole golf course, a marina and a yacht club. There is also a swimming pool and an abundance of shops, restaurants and bars. The elegant accommodation is purpose-built, with echoes of Moorish architecture so suitable to the region. And Ayamonte is easily reached by bridge for a flavour of lively southern Spanish life.

Islantilla, on Isla Cristina, also boasts a fine golf course, this one with 27 holes and beautiful beaches. The four star Golf Resort Hotel has won much praise and Islantilla's reputation as a haven for golfers is growing year by year. The course was inaugurated in 1992 and has been the venue for top tournaments over the years. The setting is sublime, meandering through trees and lakes and with spectacular sea views from many of the holes. Near Islantilla are the beaches of Punta del Moral and El Rompido, and the whole area is maintained to the highest standards.

Another interesting place to visit on the Costa de la Luz is Huelva, one of the Spanish ports of greater activity, competitiveness and growth. Huelva is also home to the oldest spanish football club, Recreativo de Huelva, which was founded in 1889 by workers of Rio Tinto Group, a British mining company. Flythomascook offers flights to Malaga from only 140 pounds, and there are shuttle busses to Huelva from the airport. At Huelva, it's a great idea to visit the Museo Provincial to learn more about the history of the Rio Tinto mines.