Costa de la Luz Itinerary
The Costa de la Luz Road Trip offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful parts of southern Spain. Starting in the city of Tarifa and ending in Jerez de la Frontera, this 222 km route takes you through the towns of Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz, and Sanlucar de Barrameda. Along the way, you will be able to take in the stunning views of the Spanish coastline, with its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. This road trip is best enjoyed in the spring or summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny.
The route is mostly well-maintained and offers excellent driving conditions. However, some sections of the road are narrow, so caution is advised. Despite this, the Costa de la Luz Road Trip is suitable for all drivers and can be completed in two days. The experience is well worth the moderate budget you will need to manage it.
At the end of your journey, you will be left with a unique set of memories and a very high level of satisfaction.
2
number of days
222 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Tarifa
Distance 222 km
Driving time 3.3 h
Pace: fast
66.5 kWh
Airports
GIB
,
TNG
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Tarifa is a destination that should be included in any road trip through the Costa de la Luz. This area of Spain has some of the most beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast. The city lies at the southernmost tip of Spain, where the Mediterranean sea meets the Atlantic ocean. The town is known for its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning views of Morocco and the Strait of Gibraltar.
The city of Tarifa is a great starting point for the Costa de la Luz Road Trip. There are plenty of activities to do in this small and charming city. One can enjoy some of the best wind and kitesurfing in Europe, visit the old town and its castle, or explore the nearby natural park. The city is also a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean climate.
The closest international airport for those traveling by air is Jerez Airport (XRY), located at a distance of about 70 km from Tarifa. Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to drive around the area and explore the beautiful beaches and sights of Tarifa.
Tarifa is a great destination to start a road trip through the Costa de la Luz. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the city, or take a drive along the coast, this destination is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
1
Tarifa
- Vejer de la Frontera
Distance 62 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: modest
16.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road trip adventure in Tarifa, the southernmost point of Spain! From here, you will be taking a scenic drive of 62 km, taking less than an hour, to reach your next destination, Zahara de los Atunes. This small fishing village is known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Take a stroll along the beach, soak up the sun, and enjoy the serenity of the place. Don't forget to try some of the local seafood delicacies!
Continue your journey to Vejer de la Frontera, a picturesque white-washed village perched atop a hill. This charming town offers breathtaking views of the countryside and the Mediterranean Sea. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow cobbled streets, explore the old churches, and visit the castle.
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the nearby beaches are great for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.
Make sure to take advantage of all the wonderful attractions these places have to offer and enjoy your time! For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Vejer de la Frontera - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Vejer de la Frontera
- Cádiz
Distance 76 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
22.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable road trip from Vejer de la Frontera to Cádiz? This 76 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Spanish countryside and the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, you can take a detour to visit the beautiful and historic city of Medina Sidonia, or explore the archaeological site at Baelo Claudia. You can also take a break in the picturesque town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, renowned for its seafood and wine. Be sure to keep an eye out for narrow sections of the road, as well as for the scenic roads that will give you an even more enjoyable journey. At the end of your trip, you'll arrive in Cádiz, a city full of culture and history. For more information on attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage of the trip. Bon voyage!
Cádiz - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Flickr
Cádiz - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Flickr
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3
Cádiz
- Sanlucar de Barrameda
Distance 59 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
17.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Take a road trip from Cádiz to Sanlucar de Barrameda, a 59 km journey that takes less than an hour. Enjoy the scenic roads of the Costa de la Luz and the beautiful landscapes of the Doñana National Park.
Start in Cádiz, a city full of history, culture and beautiful beaches. Visit the old town, the Cathedral and the Castle of Santa Catalina. Enjoy the views of the old city from the top of the Torre Tavira.
Continue your journey to Sanlucar de Barrameda, a town known for its white sandy beaches and its proximity to the Doñana National Park. Visit the Castle of Santiago, the Plaza de Cabildo and the Church of Nuestra Señora de la O.
On the way, you can also visit the towns of Jerez de la Frontera and El Puerto de Santa María.
Make sure to take your time on this stage of your road trip and enjoy the beauty of the Costa de la Luz.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Sanlucar de Barrameda - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Sanlucar de Barrameda
- Jerez de la Frontera
Distance 26 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
7.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Sanlucar de Barrameda - Jerez de la Frontera stage of your road trip! This short but unforgettable 26 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete.
Start your journey in Sanlucar de Barrameda, a beautiful fishing town located at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. Here you can explore the beautiful beaches, the historic center and the famous Bajo de Guía Nature Reserve.
Continue your journey to Jerez de la Frontera, a city rich in history and culture. Visit the Alcazar de Jerez, the Jerez Cathedral and the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre. Don't forget to try the local sherry and take a tour of the wineries.
This is just one of the stages of your road trip, so don't forget to check our itinerary for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!
Jerez de la Frontera - Spain - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Jerez de la Frontera
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For those looking to end their Costa de la Luz Road Trip in style, Jerez de la Frontera is the perfect destination. This vibrant city in the south of Spain is known for its wineries, flamenco culture and equestrian heritage.
Start your visit with a stroll through the historic center, where the Arab-influenced architecture and narrow cobblestone streets will take your breath away. Be sure to visit the Alcazar Gardens, the Cathedral of San Salvador and the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art.
If you're looking for something a bit more lively, head over to the Plaza del Arenal, the city's main square. Here, you'll find a variety of tapas bars, flamenco clubs and boutique stores. After dark, the square comes alive with music and the sound of laughter.
For those looking to sample the local cuisine, Jerez is the perfect place to do just that. Visit the Mercado Central for a variety of local specialties, including jerez wine and sherry. Or, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the city center.
For those traveling by air, Jerez is approximately an hour's drive from the Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). Once there, you'll be able to easily explore the city and all it has to offer.
At the end of your trip, you'll leave Jerez with memories that will last a lifetime.
Costa de la Luz at a glance
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Start:
Tarifa
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End:
Jerez de la Frontera
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Distance:
222 km
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Stay:
2 days
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Getting there:
Gibraltar Airport (GIB),
Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG)
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When to drive:
March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Costa de la Luz Road Trip, a captivating 222 km journey along the sunny southern coast of Spain, stretching from the windswept town of Tarifa to the culturally rich Jerez de la Frontera. This coastal drive takes you through serene seaside vistas and quaint Andalusian towns, revealing the charm of Spain's less-traveled path. You'll encounter expansive white sand beaches, inviting crystal-clear waters, and an array of landscapes that range from rolling hills to marshy wetlands.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Tarifa: Not just a mecca for windsurfing and kiteboarding, Tarifa is also the southernmost point of continental Europe, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, and is just a stone's throw away from Africa.
- Vejer de la Frontera: This picturesque hilltop town is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, with a history dating back to the Phoenicians and offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Cádiz: As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, Cádiz is steeped in maritime history, featuring ancient walls, the grandiose Cathedral of Cádiz, and the well-preserved Barrio del Pópulo.
- Sanlucar de Barrameda: This coastal town is not only famous for its Manzanilla sherry and annual horse races along the beach but also serves as a gateway to the UNESCO-listed Doñana National Park, a haven for bird watchers.
- Jerez de la Frontera: A city synonymous with the Andalusian equestrian tradition, Jerez de la Frontera is also the birthplace of flamenco and a center for sherry production, offering visitors a taste of authentic Spanish culture.
Best Time to Go:
The prime time to venture on this Road Trip is from late spring to early fall (May to September), when the climate is ideally warm and the days are long, ensuring a perfect setting for sightseeing and relaxation by the sea.
Potential Risks:
While the route is generally safe, some sections feature narrow and winding Roads that call for attentive driving. The well-maintained paths are, however, navigable for all levels of drivers.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- This journey can be comfortably savored over a leisurely two-day period, though extending the Trip allows for deeper exploration of each locale.
- A moderate budget is sufficient for this Road Trip, with a range of accommodations and dining to suit various preferences.
- Each town along the way provides unique cultural experiences, from flamenco shows to sherry tasting, and plentiful water sports opportunities.
- The Costa de la Luz is known for its exceptional light quality, which has inspired artists and photographers over the centuries.
A good choice for:
A journey along the Costa de la Luz is an odyssey through the soul of Andalusia, promising an enriching blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and lively cultural encounters. It's an adventure that is sure to gratify the senses and leave an indelible imprint on your traveler's heart.