The region which boasts several championship courses is rapidly taking over as the number one destination for golfing excursions in Spain. With a huge choice of courses and excellent well priced accommodation the attraction is obvious. The Costa de la Luz golfing experience benefits very much from the natural topography of the region. With many seaside links overlooking some of the finest beaches in Europe and beautifully manicured and presented parkland courses you will enjoy some of the finest scenery seen on a modern day course.

Access to the region via Spanish airports in Jerez, Seville, Gibraltar and Malaga and of course Faro airport in Portugal make access to the many courses exceptionally easy. Added to this is the magnificent climate which is estimated to give 340 sun drenched days each and every year. You can certainly see why the Costa de la Luz is becoming the number one golf destination for those wishing to escape the harsher north European winters and swap waterproofs shorts and t-shirts Below are the courses you may wish to take a look at… Huelva and The Spanish Algarve – El Rompido – Nuevo Potril – Isla Canela – Costa Esuri – Islantilla – Bellavista – Dunas de Donna – Golf La Monacilla Cadiz Region – Benalup – Arcos Gardens – La Estancia – Montecastillo – Villa Nueva – Lomas de Sancti Petri – Golf de Porto -  Novo Santi Petri Golf – Montenmedio Golf – Sanlucar Golf Seville Region – Real Club de Golf Seville – Zaudin Golf – Hato Verde Golf Green

Fees… In general green fees are in line with standard European rates with a range from £40 to £70 for Championship Courses. Each course does however have great package deals based on numbers of players and frequency of rounds so it’s always wise to contact the courses directly for the best available deals. Your golfing experience in this wonderful area of Spain will be one you will be keen to repeat and you will soon understand why the Costa de la Luz is becoming the discerning golfers number one choice

As a father of 3 addicted surfers I know very little of the actual thrill of surfing but plenty about watching with heart in mouth and eyes fixed, trance like trying to make out the three little dots that were once my terra firma based off spring. Ironically I’m often watching the wrong three and it’s only when I hand over watch duty to my wife do we get to find where they really are. Our favourite beach is that of El Palmar (4 Km from Vejer de la Frontera and 8KM from Conil de la Frontera) which provides all round surfing with a long sandy beach that can accommodate all comers even on the busiest of August days.

I am reliably informed (by my 9 year old) from a technical perspective El Pal Mar is an excellent wave generating area and importantly relatively safe. The reason for this is that the underwater topography consists of sandbars which are ideal for wave creation. But importantly these sandbars are well anchored between reefs and patches of subterranean rocks which stop them moving and in effect guarantee the consistency of the waves. There are several surf schools operating in El Palmar and numerous beachside shops happy to sell or rent boards and the associated surf gear. Be warned however designer shorts, bikinis, flip flops, scratch vests, sunglasses and caps can stretch a family holiday budget to breaking point.

And as I am constantly reminded wearing last years gear is totally de rigueur init. Surfing for all the posing and posturing that goes on is a great sport and one you should encourage your kids to take up. An afternoon surfing is a serious workout as not only do the colossal waves carry them to the shore at break neck speed they also push back with huge force as eager surfers paddle back out to catch the next rolling monster. In fact my 16 year old son has the muscles you’d expect of someone pumping iron a few hours every day. And unfortunately I can’t even claim it’s hereditary Depending upon where you want to buy or rent property in the Costa de la Luz you can be guaranteed that there will always be a surfing beach within a short driving distance. And as is the nature of the Atlantic along this coast you’re pretty much guaranteed some perfect waves throughout the year.

You can fish off the coastal rocks or you can go inland to the lakes in the national parks. If you are more adventurous and have the sea legs you can charter a boat for the day and sail off into the choppy Atlantic. It is important to check with your local police station as to the licence requirements as there is no national fishing licence in Spain and each region and indeed towns can have there own particular requirements. Angling off the rocky outcrops is always popular and on most beaches you will find a designated area for this purpose. And for the sake of safety the life guards and local police will enforce the rules. You will be able to catch mackerel, mullet, barbell and the occasional salmon and sea trout. However if you do venture out to sea there is an opportunity for more exciting fare such as sword fish.

Landing large fish clearly requires a degree of skill that a beginner may lack but a day out fishing in an open boat can be a memorable and extremely enjoyable day. If you are more adventurous you can also get a licence to fish underwater with a mechanical harpoon gun. You cannot use breathing equipment and the only permitted aids are a snorkel mask and flippers. Your local police station will provide the licence and a list of safe locations. You will of course need to attend a short course before you venture into the deep but I’m sure we are all thankful for this. And if you are a better than average fisherman and have a competitive strak you will find that many of the coastal towns have regular fishing contests where you can pit your wits against the locals. From Conil to Cadiz and up to Ayamonte and Huelva there are many opportunities for you to fish on the Costa de la Luz. In most areas you can hire rods and all the necessary equipment for a good day’s fishing and you may even be able to catch your supper!!