Costa de la Luz West holidays

The beaches in Costa de la Luz West have everything you could want from a Spanish seaside escape – like golden sands, shallow water and shade-providing shrubbery – just without the tourists. So, whether you’re topping up your tan on a Blue-Flag number stocked with family-friendly facilities or basking under secluded spots backed by pine forests, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out.

With seven kilometres of fine, golden sand, Isla Canela Beach is one of the most popular big beaches in Costa de la Luz West. There are paddle-friendly patches of water where little ones can cool off, and adrenaline junkies can satisfy their need for speed with watersports, like windsurfing.

If you’d rather turn the volume down a notch or two, make for El Rompido Beach. It’s part of a Natural Park, so you won’t find sunbed-covered sands or jet skis zipping about here. The gold sand stretches along the coast for a good few kilometres, so it’s dead easy to find yourself a deserted spot. There aren’t any beach bars and restaurants, though, so it’s a good idea to bring a packed lunch.

If you’re staying on Isla Canela, cross the bridge over the Guadiana River to the mainland on a Saturday. The fishing village of Ayamonte holds an open-air market right by the river, and it’s the best place to pick up local produce, crafts and jewellery.

The Commercial Centre has you covered for shopping sprees in Islantilla. It’s got everything from clothes shops to boutiques selling leather shoes and bags. And there are lots of eateries here, so you can stop to refuel between buys.

Ayamonte town centre, a 15-minute drive from Islantilla, is the Costa de la Luz’s main shopping hub. Mooch around the cobbled squares and you’ll soon stumble on posh leather boutiques brimming with butter-soft jackets, bags and that perfect pair of heels.

El Rompido, just along the coast from Isla Canela, is a good choice for a chilled-out evening. When the sun goes down, the locals head for the medley of cosy tapas bars down by the waterfront. And this sets the tone for the rest of the evening – think good food, lots of wine and local musicians strumming on guitars. It’s a similar scene in Isla Canela itself, plus the resort also boasts an 18-hole golf course, so you can get a round in before the sun goes down.

Staying somewhere quiet doesn’t have to mean missing out on big nights on the town. Ayomonte’s just a 20-minute drive from Isla Canela, and has a much livelier post-sunset scene than its neighbour. There are tapas bars where you can catch a flamenco show, as well as bustling beach bars that stay open late.

Look for gamba blanca on restaurant menus. It translates to ‘white prawn’ – a special variety caught in the Gulf of Cadiz. They’ve got a sweet, delicate flavour, and are usually either boiled or cooked on a hot grill with a simple squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt.

Cold soup might not sound special. But this thick, tomato-based dish is well worth a try in Spain – it’s traditionally made with green pepper, onion, garlic, olive oil and sherry vinegar, and is sometimes garnished with eggs and ham. On a hot day, some restaurants serve it with ice-cubes.

When tapas won’t cut it, try this hearty dish. It’s a rich bean stew made with white beans, meat and chorizo, plus a sprinkle of saffron. You’ll fit right in with the locals if you order it at lunchtime – they often have it as their midday meal, alongside a glass of vino (or two).

Familiar with Iberian ham? This is a special version that comes from the Jabugo region, which is served in wafer-thin slices. The pigs that roam around here eat acorns, which are said to give the meat its signature nutty taste. The more you know…

If you see a local sipping something too dark to be white wine, but too light to be red wine, chances are it’s sherry. This classic tipple is a fave among the locals across the Costa de la Luz – you can get dry and sweet varieties, best enjoyed with a creamy dessert.