Moving to Costa de la Luz
Matthew’s article this week concentrates on moving to the Costa de la Luz, Andalusia’s Coast of Light
Vejer. Image source: Olaf BlergannsMoving to the Costa de la Luz: the south of Spain’s Atlantic shoreline
Ups
This sultry section of south west Spain includes some of the country’s most interesting places to relocate to. Such as the likes of Tarifa, from which the coast starts before wending its way towards the Portugese border, and Cádiz. 300 sunny days a year, although with a lot of wind.
Downs
Eager to cash in on the riches enjoyed by the Costa del Sol, located the other side of Gibraltar, Costa de la Luz has embraced tourism with open arms. Whilst this has bought tourists ready to splash their cash, it has meant the area’s not as unspoilt as it was once was. Bland urban developments have sprung up, constructed to house the increased numbers of visitors making the area either their temporary or permanent home.
Ins and outs
Ryanair fly into Jerez airport, a 40-minute drive to the Costa de la Luz’s Chiclana, from Stanstead. At the other end of the scale, the Aeropuerto de Málaga-Costa de Sol is closer to two hours by car. In between on the distance front, take your pick from airports in Gibraltar and Seville.
Education
The Sotogrande International School in Cádiz follows the British curriculum. There’s the option of boarding if you don’t fancy a commute. The Europa International School in Espartinas attracts as many Spanish families wanting their kids to learn English as expat ones.
Shop until you drop…
Looking for ocean views and shade from palm trees whilst you shop? Head to Centro Comercial La Hacienda in Islantilla. This sensitively-designed shopping centre has bars, boutiques, restaurants, a surf shop, and supermarket too.
Property types
Modern apartments, townhouses, and villas dot the coast in the more built-up areas. Inland, you’ll encounter whitewashed villages so synonymous with Andalucia. Where you’ll find properties which are rather more traditional in design.
Market watch
Apartments go for as low as just above the €50,000 mark whilst villas can reach closer to €3,000,000.
In Praise Of
“Costa de la Luz is a beautiful, welcoming area. There’s tradition, culture, stunning beaches, and fantastic people on your doorstep. Not forgetting the amazing food and wine!” Harley Brooks (Premier Property)
- Are you an expat in the Costa de la Luz? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know below.
Matthew Hirtes, our resident broadsheet journalist, moved to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria back in 2004. He’s travelled extensively through Spain, covering it for such publications as Telegraph Travel, Metro, and The Independent. The author of Going Local in Gran Canaria: How To Turn a Holiday Destination into a Home, Matthew truly is a resident expert.
Matthew writes for two sections of Spain Buddy: Moving to Spain and Spanish Football as well as providing Reviews
November 27, 2015 @ 12:03 pm
The best beaches in Spain in my opinion are in the Costa de la Luz, beautiful coastline and still much of it is unspoilt. I love this part of Andalucia.
December 1, 2015 @ 10:43 pm
Thanks, Anna. You’re lucky to live so near.
February 23, 2017 @ 6:31 pm
My elderly mum and I are planning to move to Spain and are interested in Costa de la Luz however we would really want a good social network. Does anyone know which town or area is best for this? Also what is the public transport like there?
Any help would be appreciated
February 24, 2017 @ 10:27 am
Hi Janet. The local social network will be down to you – it’s what you make it, and without knowing your interests and personality then it’s a little difficult to advise. Obviously if you speak Spanish then that increases the potential.
Public transport is better in the city than outlying areas… but if you Google “autobus cadiz” or whichever specific area you’re interested in, you should be able to view timetables.
Good luck!
E x