The beaches of the Costa de la Luz
Located in the south west corner of Spain, the Costa de la Luz is a stretch of coastline around 200km long starting on the border with Portugal from the Rio Guadiana all the way down to the city of Tarifa.
The nearest beaches to Jerez are located in the Bay of Cadiz, two popular cities for beachgoers are El Puerto de Santa Maria and Cadiz which can be reached in around 30 minutes by car.
Here are some of my personal favourites...
Playa de la Muralla (El Puerto de Santa Maria)
Distance : 20 km
How to get there : Best option is by car (approx. 25 mins drive)
Facilities : Toilets, showers, lifeguards, free car park. Restaurants are adjacent to the beach.
Why I like this beach : With beautiful golden sand, this beach is nestled in a cove giving it a somewhat sheltered and cosier feel. The ruined walls of the old Castle of Santa Catalina are still visible on the right hand side of the beach and can often provide shelter from any strong winds. Adjacent to the beach on the promenade are a few restaurants and cafeterias, a very popular place to eat and drink. I can highly recommend Sunday lunch here but recommended that you book a table in advance!
Playa de la Victoria (Cádiz)
Distance : 30 km
How to get there : Car (approx. 30 mins drive), Train (Cercanias)
Facilities : Showers, lifeguards. Restaurants are adjacent to the beach.
Why I like this beach : Perhaps one of the best urban beaches in Spain it is around 2.8km long and at certain points, over 100m wide. Dotted along the length of the beach you will find many Chiringuitos (beach bars/restaurants) to eat and drink, some will also have sun loungers you can rent. Parallel to the beach is the Paseo Maritimo (Promenade) where you will also find many bars and restaurants.
My favourite spot is opposite the Hotel Cadiz Bahia where immediately below it are a row of bars and restaurants including Foster's Hollywood and 100 Montaditos (A famous Spanish chain of bars). There is also a small supermarket there, very handy if you need to top up on supplies while on the beach!
Playa de la Barrosa (Chiclana)
Distance : 44 km
How to get there : Car (approx. 45 mins drive)
Facilities : Showers, toilets, lifeguards, first aid stations, various free car parking zones. Beach bars/clubs stretched out along beach.
Why I like this beach : The largest beach in the province, Playa de la Barrosa has white golden sand, an extensive range of facilities and is dotted with stylish Chiringuitos (Beach clubs) throughout the whole length of the beach.
In the height of summer many of the Chiringuitos will have a DJ in the evenings and sometimes live singers. Two places I can recommend are the Nova Sunset Club and Coconovo Beach.