The knowledge: romantic coastal stays in Andalucia
Every week a reader gets a chance to put a travel question to the Been there community and travel experts. How does this work?
This week Michelle Chaplow of Andalucia.com was on hand to direct our traveller to some gorgeous places to stay
The question:
We're off to Andalucia fairly soon, however we haven't booked any accommodation. Does anyone have any tips on coastal areas which would be isolated from the main beaches of the Costa de Sol? We are a couple, so we are looking for something cosy, perhaps even romantic!
Zuzana Burakova, Slovakia
Reader replies:
You have two options: Cabo de Gata at the far south-eastern tip of Spain/Andalucia - little white villages and towns in a protected natural park, great walks and wonderful sea. Or the far south-western end of the country beyond Algeciras, the Costa de la Luz and westwards which is beautiful but the winds off the Atlantic can be very strong - it's windsurfing paradise.
Charlotte Gray
I can recommend flying into the town of Jerez de la Frontera, the home of sherry and flamenco. Once there, take a very romantic special treatment (clay is best) at Hammam Andalusí, staying at La Fonda Barranco just around the corner (small but very intimate) and then maybe head to the coast (de la Luz, not del Sol). I'd recommend staying in Vejer de la Frontera (hilltop delightful town) where I recommend staying at El Escondrijo, and eating at El Califa. You would regret not one minute, and return even more in love - at least with Andalucia!
Nuria and Matt
Head to Vejer de la Frontera, one of the prettiest and romantic hill top towns in Andalucia on the Costa de la Luz. There are a number of small hotels to choose from and its just a 10 minute drive from some of the best beaches in Europe.
Linda
If you want remote beautiful beaches you have an unlimited choice on the Costa de La Luz (Coast of light), virtually an uninterrupted strip of white sand running from the southern tip of Spain at Tarifa to Cadiz. Although it's only two hours bus ride west of Malaga, it's as far from the vulgariy of Costa del Sol as it's possible to imagine. There are numerous small coastal towns and villages dotting the coastline with a wide choice of accommodation. Finding a quiet spot shouldn't be a problem even in high summer.
Malcolm
What the expert said:
Michelle Chaplow, co-founder of Andalucia.com
When it comes to hotels you're spoilt for choice in Andalucia.
El Rompido – Hotel Fuerte Rompido
In the west of Andalucia in Huelva Province there is an interesting off the beaten track destination called El Rompido. Adding to its uniqueness is a 10km long sand spit which runs along the coast creating a natural harbour.
The hotel Fuerte Rompido is part of a Spanish family run hotel group (also in Conil and Marbella) with many Spanish family visitors. This new, spacious and reasonably priced hotel has large swimming pools, sea views and prides itself on being eco friendly.
Catch the little ferryboat across to the narrow spit and walk over the dunes to discover secluded hideaway beaches with fine golden sands. In the evening take a romantic stroll down to the village and dine in one of a great selection of little fish restaurants overlooking the Piedras river.
www.fuertehoteles.com
Tarifa – Hotel Punta Sur
Hotel Punta Sur is a stylish and contemporary hotel just north of the town and close to miles of unspoilt Costa de la Luz Atlantic ocean beaches. Chalet-style rooms lead out into mature gardens with all kinds of exotic species of flowers. Evening meals are served within the gardens on a candlelit terrace to the sounds of trickling water and hip chillout tunes. The cuisine is fresh and unpretentious, the atmosphere is unsurpassed.
www.puntasurhotel.com
Jerez - Viña de Alcantara
Viña de Alcantara was an old gatehouse on the estate of Gonzalez Byass which has been lovingly restored by Gonzalo del Rio y Gonzalez-Gordon and his charming mother. She was inspired by the Andalucian landscape of the province of Cadiz to paint and has seized nature’s palette in a series of harmonious, earth-toned paintings for the rooms. A car is a must for this venue as the only meal served is breakfast however, what a breakfast. Delicious local ingredients served by an attentive butler with white gloves. Each of the rooms has a homely, cosy uniqueness to its design; it’s more like a private colonial home than a hotel. The highlight of the hotel is its saltwater pool carefully placed amongst the expansive Mediterranean gardens and vineyards; your own personal secret garden, half an hour’s drive from the coast.
www.vinadealcantara.com
Casares – Finca Cortesin
If you’re looking for luxury the newly opened Finca Cortesin nestling on the road to the white village of Casares is just the thing. The hotel has views to probably the most remote region of the Costa del Sol and everything is new from the towels to the terracotta plant pots. The service is as you would expect from a top class hotel as are the prices, however, savvy surfers can often find great deals online. The highlight of this hotel is their immaculate spa with first-rate therapists, steam baths saunas and even an ice room to cool off in. The Andalucian patios have the most wonderful array of Mediterranean flowers, everything from geraniums and agapanthus to climbing bougainvillea. The interior design is superb creating a truly harmonious ambience. The restaurant manager Isaac Mariscal is one of the hospitality industry’s true professionals; he is guaranteed to make any romantic dinner a truly memorable occasion.
www.fincacortesin.com
Tolox – Cerro de Hijar
Cerro de Hijar is run by three enthusiastic young Spanish entrepreneurs and as it’s an hour and a half away from the Costa del Sol, you’re safely out of danger from the bucket and spade brigade. This hotel is extremely well priced and is ideal for those who enjoy hiking as it’s on the edge of the Sierra de las Nieves natural park, home to the only tree in Europe that survived the ice age; the Pinsapo. The hotel can also arrange 4x4 drives to explore the Sierra. The nearby village of Tolox has a quirky and historic medicinal spa where patients breathe in gases carefully extracted from the mountain streams of the Sierra. This is no luxurious glossy magazine spa; it’s accessible to all pockets as the family who own it have a socialist sharing philosophy. The highlight of the hotel is their modern and innovative cuisine which is a gastronomic delight in the mountains of Andalucia.
www.cerrodehijar.com
Jaen - Parador
If you really want to get off the coast and head for the hills, the Santa Catalina Castle in Jaen is the place for you. A romantic getaway indeed as it’s a 13th century castle converted into a state run hotel or Parador. The dining room is reminiscent of bygone banqueting days and the views are to die for. This is a venue for sunrises rather than sunsets, so you have the perfect excuse for an early night to be up in time to see the spectacular sunrise over the Sierra Magina mountain range. A magical, romantic moment not to be missed.
www.paradores.es
This week Michelle Chaplow of Andalucia.com was on hand to direct our traveller to some gorgeous places to stay
The question:
We're off to Andalucia fairly soon, however we haven't booked any accommodation. Does anyone have any tips on coastal areas which would be isolated from the main beaches of the Costa de Sol? We are a couple, so we are looking for something cosy, perhaps even romantic!
Zuzana Burakova, Slovakia
Reader replies:
You have two options: Cabo de Gata at the far south-eastern tip of Spain/Andalucia - little white villages and towns in a protected natural park, great walks and wonderful sea. Or the far south-western end of the country beyond Algeciras, the Costa de la Luz and westwards which is beautiful but the winds off the Atlantic can be very strong - it's windsurfing paradise.
Charlotte Gray
I can recommend flying into the town of Jerez de la Frontera, the home of sherry and flamenco. Once there, take a very romantic special treatment (clay is best) at Hammam Andalusí, staying at La Fonda Barranco just around the corner (small but very intimate) and then maybe head to the coast (de la Luz, not del Sol). I'd recommend staying in Vejer de la Frontera (hilltop delightful town) where I recommend staying at El Escondrijo, and eating at El Califa. You would regret not one minute, and return even more in love - at least with Andalucia!
Nuria and Matt
Head to Vejer de la Frontera, one of the prettiest and romantic hill top towns in Andalucia on the Costa de la Luz. There are a number of small hotels to choose from and its just a 10 minute drive from some of the best beaches in Europe.
Linda
If you want remote beautiful beaches you have an unlimited choice on the Costa de La Luz (Coast of light), virtually an uninterrupted strip of white sand running from the southern tip of Spain at Tarifa to Cadiz. Although it's only two hours bus ride west of Malaga, it's as far from the vulgariy of Costa del Sol as it's possible to imagine. There are numerous small coastal towns and villages dotting the coastline with a wide choice of accommodation. Finding a quiet spot shouldn't be a problem even in high summer.
Malcolm
What the expert said:
Michelle Chaplow, co-founder of Andalucia.com
When it comes to hotels you're spoilt for choice in Andalucia.
El Rompido – Hotel Fuerte Rompido
In the west of Andalucia in Huelva Province there is an interesting off the beaten track destination called El Rompido. Adding to its uniqueness is a 10km long sand spit which runs along the coast creating a natural harbour.
The hotel Fuerte Rompido is part of a Spanish family run hotel group (also in Conil and Marbella) with many Spanish family visitors. This new, spacious and reasonably priced hotel has large swimming pools, sea views and prides itself on being eco friendly.
Catch the little ferryboat across to the narrow spit and walk over the dunes to discover secluded hideaway beaches with fine golden sands. In the evening take a romantic stroll down to the village and dine in one of a great selection of little fish restaurants overlooking the Piedras river.
www.fuertehoteles.com
Tarifa – Hotel Punta Sur
Hotel Punta Sur is a stylish and contemporary hotel just north of the town and close to miles of unspoilt Costa de la Luz Atlantic ocean beaches. Chalet-style rooms lead out into mature gardens with all kinds of exotic species of flowers. Evening meals are served within the gardens on a candlelit terrace to the sounds of trickling water and hip chillout tunes. The cuisine is fresh and unpretentious, the atmosphere is unsurpassed.
www.puntasurhotel.com
Jerez - Viña de Alcantara
Viña de Alcantara was an old gatehouse on the estate of Gonzalez Byass which has been lovingly restored by Gonzalo del Rio y Gonzalez-Gordon and his charming mother. She was inspired by the Andalucian landscape of the province of Cadiz to paint and has seized nature’s palette in a series of harmonious, earth-toned paintings for the rooms. A car is a must for this venue as the only meal served is breakfast however, what a breakfast. Delicious local ingredients served by an attentive butler with white gloves. Each of the rooms has a homely, cosy uniqueness to its design; it’s more like a private colonial home than a hotel. The highlight of the hotel is its saltwater pool carefully placed amongst the expansive Mediterranean gardens and vineyards; your own personal secret garden, half an hour’s drive from the coast.
www.vinadealcantara.com
Casares – Finca Cortesin
If you’re looking for luxury the newly opened Finca Cortesin nestling on the road to the white village of Casares is just the thing. The hotel has views to probably the most remote region of the Costa del Sol and everything is new from the towels to the terracotta plant pots. The service is as you would expect from a top class hotel as are the prices, however, savvy surfers can often find great deals online. The highlight of this hotel is their immaculate spa with first-rate therapists, steam baths saunas and even an ice room to cool off in. The Andalucian patios have the most wonderful array of Mediterranean flowers, everything from geraniums and agapanthus to climbing bougainvillea. The interior design is superb creating a truly harmonious ambience. The restaurant manager Isaac Mariscal is one of the hospitality industry’s true professionals; he is guaranteed to make any romantic dinner a truly memorable occasion.
www.fincacortesin.com
Tolox – Cerro de Hijar
Cerro de Hijar is run by three enthusiastic young Spanish entrepreneurs and as it’s an hour and a half away from the Costa del Sol, you’re safely out of danger from the bucket and spade brigade. This hotel is extremely well priced and is ideal for those who enjoy hiking as it’s on the edge of the Sierra de las Nieves natural park, home to the only tree in Europe that survived the ice age; the Pinsapo. The hotel can also arrange 4x4 drives to explore the Sierra. The nearby village of Tolox has a quirky and historic medicinal spa where patients breathe in gases carefully extracted from the mountain streams of the Sierra. This is no luxurious glossy magazine spa; it’s accessible to all pockets as the family who own it have a socialist sharing philosophy. The highlight of the hotel is their modern and innovative cuisine which is a gastronomic delight in the mountains of Andalucia.
www.cerrodehijar.com
Jaen - Parador
If you really want to get off the coast and head for the hills, the Santa Catalina Castle in Jaen is the place for you. A romantic getaway indeed as it’s a 13th century castle converted into a state run hotel or Parador. The dining room is reminiscent of bygone banqueting days and the views are to die for. This is a venue for sunrises rather than sunsets, so you have the perfect excuse for an early night to be up in time to see the spectacular sunrise over the Sierra Magina mountain range. A magical, romantic moment not to be missed.
www.paradores.es