It faces out to the Atlantic, and constitutes the provinces of Huelva and Cadiz. The Huelva province reaches from the Portugese border to the Donana National Park, ending at the River Guadalquivir. Here it links with the Cadiz province, which runs down to Tarifa at the mouth of the Mediterranean. Those wishing to travel in between the provinces must undertake a lengthy journey via the city of Seville.

Many Brits are motivated to buy Spanish property on the Costa de la Luz by the area's reputedly beautiful beaches; more expansive and more golden than almost anywhere else in Spain, they are perfect for surfing, swimming, or just relaxing in the sun. Other buyers of the Costa de la Luz's Spanish property are drawn by the fantastic year-round climate, and the unspoilt traditional Spanish villages. The scenery of the Costa de la Luz is very varied but generally spectacular. Long sandy beaches alternate with craggy coastline and majestic pine forests. Trendy coastal towns alternate with sleepy Spanish villages, where residents still live a very traditional way of life, and where it is possible to escape the madding crowds. Depending on your preferences, it is possible to find Spanish property on the Costa de la Luz which is either modern and situated within a cosmopolitan development, or ancient and in need of renovation. There are even some beautiful recently renovated apartments. 

The Costa de la Luz is a place to enjoy all the joys and eccentricities of traditional Spain without feeling as though you're living completely off medium." As she points out, there's a little something for everybody on the Coast of Light. "Coastal areas like Chipiona, Rota and El Puerto de Santa María – an area which covers the Costa Ballena (with its top golf course) and which has miles of virgin sands – are still very 'Spanish' and attract many national tourists every summer. "On the other hand, Chiclana de la Frontera (just south of Cadiz), also golf and beach country, is bursting with bungalow-style chalets all in their own walled gardens – something that the British love – and there is a small expat community developing there."

Sue and John Hyland, who recently bought an apartment in the town of Arcos de la Frontera, have enjoyed the fact that it isn't just an 'England in the sun'. "It seems a brilliant area to be in if you want to be part of Spanish life, as very little English is spoken," they confirm. "The locals are very friendly, and if you try to speak the language will help you out as much as they can." Arcos is a typical example of the many beautiful traditional towns sprinkled around the Costa de la Luz. The pace of life is relaxed, the houses are historic, and there is plenty of activity going on throughout the year. "There is always something going on in Arcos," say Sue and John. "There are festivals, processions, open air concerts, bull running, tapas competition, etcetera. It seems as though the entire town turns out for these occasions!"

So whereabouts on the Costa de la Luz should Brits be thinking about buying? Well, Kay recommends the province of Cadiz, which she describes as "fast becoming the most sought-after area in Spain." Kay continues: "Because of recent building laws, the Cadiz province will never become a concrete jungle, in direct contrast to the Costa Blanca and parts of the Costa del Sol. You will find here a great mix of old and new, with the modern (cities such as Jerez, Cadiz and Algeciras) and the ancient (the 'pueblos blancos' – small white villages dotted across the hillside) blending nicely together."

She recommends considering inland areas such as Arcos de la Frontera, and Ubrique beneath the mountains of the Sierra de Cadiz. It may be also worth looking at Jerez, which is 30 minute's drive from the coast, has an international airport with economy flights to and from the UK, and is within easy reach of over 20 golf courses. If you want to combine good coastal access with traditional Spanish living then the Costa de la Luz may just be for you.

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