Andalucia
To sail is to be at one with nature. Nowhere is this more apparent than on Spain’s Costa de la Luz, where the Atlantic wind and waves have shaped maritime journeys for centuries.
The sea is ever-present in Cádiz. Perched at the tip of a narrow peninsula, the town is surrounded by kilometres of sandy beaches on one side and major harbours on the other.
It’s from here that Christopher Columbus set sail on numerous voyages and still today remains a popular starting point for many a maritime excursion. Leave bright and early, and you’ll journey past local fishermen ferrying their catch of the day – giant scampi, squid, almadraba-caught bluefin tuna – into Cádiz’s well-known Mercado Central.
As the city fades behind you, drop anchor along the Costa de la Luz’s peaceful 200 km-long stretch of coastline, much of which is backed by picture-perfect dunes, pine trees and cliffs. Or, simply let the wind dictate your course. After all, sailing is not about where you’re headed but about the journey taken to get there.
01.
Casa Lamar
Ana Sánchez and Daniel Vazquez’s stylish Cádiz boutique stocks made-in-Andalucía crafts and the couple’s own line of silk scarves and womenswear. It’s the perfect pitstop for stocking up on Torres Novas bath towels and Cordobes sun hats to bring aboard.
02.
Aponiente
At his three-Michelin-starred restaurant in El Puerto de Santa María, chef Ángel León has designed a tasting menu around the theme of sailing. Expect the freshest local seafood in immaculate dishes such as cuttlefish and potato stew and shrimp-topped tortillita.
03.
La Caleta
Featuring panoramic vistas of the San Sebastián and Santa Catalina castles, this city playa holds a special place in the hearts of Cádiz residents, who flock here for anything from picnics to sunset swims. Plant your parasol and join in with the locals.
