Las Maravillas, is in the hamlet of Patria near to Vejer de la Frontera on the Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light)– a wonderfully unspoilt stretch of Atlantic coastline and countryside between Tarifa and Cadiz in western Andalucia. Las Maravillas is accessible from a range of airports including Jerez (45 mins), Seville (1hr 45 mins), Gibraltar (1hr 30 mins) and Malaga (2 hours).
Situated in a traditional part of Spain, unspoilt by mass tourism, it is a perfect base for holidays all year round; with gentle changes of season there is always something to do from the beach, surfing, exploring ancient cities, horse riding or just watching the world go by sitting on the terrace at Las Maravillas. There are excellent restaurants serving local produce simply cooked.
The Costa de la Luz beaches here are beautiful, unspoilt and natural and are generally backed by sand dunes and pine trees. The resorts are popular with Spanish tourists in August who are escaping from the heat of Seville and Madrid. The summer temperatures are slightly milder than the Costa del Sol and the often strong Atlantic winds and waves are favoured by wind surfers and surfers alike.
Vejer de la Frontera was one of a string of fortified towns of Moorish Al Andalus. It is one of the famous pueblos blancos, the striking white towns of Andalucia which cling to mountainous outcrops. An Arabic stronghold high over the plain of the River Barbate, defending the approach to Africa, it today provides beautiful views of Cape Trafalgar (site of the famous Battle of Trafalgar) and the surrounding countryside. On a clear day it is possible to see the coast of Morocco in the distance. The town is a national monument, and was described by Jan Morris as the finest pueblos blancos in Spain. Vejer is moving into the 21st Century slowly. The traditional way of life is still visible with small local shops, narrow streets and a leisurely way of doing everything. The town becomes full of life during its many fiestas especially Easter’s bull running and the August feria and flamenco competition.