The spotlight is shining firmly on Spain's latest hot golfing destination. The Costa De La Luz, which means the Coast of Light in Spanish, stretches from Ayamonte on the Portuguese border eastwards to Gibraltar and is often referred to as the Spanish Algarve. It's a region that is rich in landscape and tradition as well as golf. The rapid growth of new golf courses over the past decade - there are now 23 - means the area is ideal as a golfing destination. Here are just a few of the great courses - and nearby hotels - that can be experienced pretty much year-round. Isla Canela golf course is situated on the estuary of the river Guadiana, which separates Spain from Portugal. Just over the road bridge and back into Portugal you will find the delightful Castro Marim golf club high in the hills with spectacular views of the sea and border towns. Ayamonte has now built its very own golf course at the rear of the town in a splendid hillside location. Islantilla some 8 miles from Ayamote was the first of the new generation of courses to be developed and with its 27 holes found favour immediately with the Spanish golf federation when they chose it in 1995 to host the Spanish Open. There are eight courses within half an hour's drive of Islantilla, making it an ideal location for a golfing holiday. The golf clubs have been supported by some of the biggest hotel groups who have built a variety of four and five star hotels close to the courses. Huelva, the capital of the eastern region, lies on the Rio Tinto. Here you will find Bellavista golf club, which was founded in 1916 by a group of migrant workers from Scotland, and one of the oldest golf courses in Spain. Also close by is Club De Golf Nuevo Portil and El Rompido, which now has two 18 hole courses, and for those who don't mind an hour's drive to Seville there are the splendid Real Club De Golf Seville and Club Zaudin. The Huelva area is renowned throughout Spain for its cuisine; the many fishing ports take advantage of the Atlantic varieties of seafood, and the strong agricultural background of the region makes for a food loving culture. But most famous of all is the much sought after Serrano ham, called Pato Negra, and cured from a special breed of black pigs. Matalascanas lies some 30 miles east of Huelva and is in the heart of the Donana national park, which is one of the the most important preservation areas in Europe and houses some of the rarest wildlife in Spain. Safari trips through the park leave from the local hotels three times a week and make for a great day out. Here you will find Club De Golf Dunas De Donana, a delightful setting, which is a very playable course with some outstanding holes. People return year after year to Matalascanas. The town is quiet and peaceful too. The Hotel Tierra Mar overlooking the magnificent beach, is only 800 metres from the golf course. The hotel has the most welcoming atmosphere, and the bar and restaurant has terrific views over the sea. At night the fishing boats' lights can be seen bobbing about in the water and the flickering of the lighthouse at Cadiz can be plainly seen. Jerez, situated in the west, is also an ideal golfing location, with golf clubs at Costa Ballena, Sanlucar, El Puerto, Sherry (Jerez), Villanueva, Novo Sancti Petri (36 holes) and of course the renowned Jack Nicklaus-designed course of Montecastillo, which has hosted the Volvo Masters. The old port town of Puerto Santa Maria, situated on the gulf of Cadiz, is the closest port to Jerez, where the Sherry industry flourished and shipped the golden nectar throughout the world. Many bodegas still remain, and daily guided tours are available. The town is truly Spanish with a wonderful atmosphere. There are dozens of Tapas bars and busy restaurants and if you like staying up late the nightlife goes on until the early hours the whole year round. The port of Sanlucar has the most prolific fishing fleet on the Costa De La Luz and the widest variety of shellfish imaginable - making it a real gourmet's wonderland. It is worth mentioning the Hotel Monasterio de San Miguel, in puerto Santa Maria, this converted 15th centaury Monastery has all the ambience that epitomises this unspoiled part of Spain. Puerto Santa Maria, is the ideal base for an unforgettable golfing holiday Local travel agents Northumbria Golf Breaks have specialised in providing golfing holidays to the Costa De La Luz since 1996 and have an intimate knowledge of the whole region, providing professional advice and help in selecting the ideal holiday to suit each individual requirement For more information or a colour brochure contact Brian Mabbott on 01207-562322 or send an email to: brian.mabbott@golfnorthumbria.com --------------------------------------------------------- Isla Canela
5* Hotel Canela Golf situated on the golf course
4* Islantilla Resort hotel situated on the golf course
4* Confortel situated on the beach
4* Gran hotel Antilla situated on the beach Golf courses close by: Islantilla Isla Canela El Rompido Castro Marim Ayamonte Bella vista Nuevo Portil. 5* Hotel El Rompido & 4* hotel Marismas situated on the golf course (other golf courses available as above) 4* Tierra Mar Hotel Matalascanas 800 meters from Dunas De Donana golf club Nuevo Portil is 1 hours drive 4* Hotel Monasterio, Puerto Santa Maria situated in the town 3* Hotel Santa Maria, overlooking the estuary in the town 5* Hotel Duques De Medinaceli situated in the town Hotel Vincci Costa Golf situated next to Novo Sancti Petri golf course Courses to play: Costa Ballena , Sherry, El Purto, Sanlucar, Montecastillo, Villanueva, Novo Sancti Petri | 
Golfing Destinations
