With a Costa de la Luz holiday, you can explore the intricate streets of mediaeval villages, enjoy freshly-caught fish in seaside restaurants, marvel at the wildlife in the protected natural parks, visit the beautiful and historic cities of Cádiz, Jerez and Seville, which are all within easy reach. And, of course, relax in your holiday villa with its own private pool.

Those in the know return to this Coast of Light year after year, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Our clients’ comments explain why you’ll fall in love with a Costa de la Luz holiday in this delightful area of Andalucía.

“Tim loved the day trip to Tangiers; Kerrie loved the flamingos on the boat trip to the Doñana nature reserve; Flo loved having a beach 5 minutes away; Uncle Richard loved the fish and wine; Stephy loved going on a horse and cart in Jerez; George loved going on the train at the Tio Pepe bodega in Jerez. And we all loved swimming in the pool every day!”

The Grant Family (and Uncle Richard) stayed in Casa Almendro, El Colorado, Conil (pictured).

“We had a magical time and I can’t begin to describe how perfect everything was. The swimming pool and surroundings were stunning and protected by the most amazing climbing plants and fruit trees. At night we could hear owls hooting. I actually cried when I had to leave.”

Ms. S. Roberts stayed in Casa de la Fuente, Vejer de la Frontera

“We had a wonderful week. Fuente del Gallo is a great location – a single, palm tree lined road that leads to a quiet beach. The garden is a great size, the boys kicking a ball around – and safe.1 minute from the house is a neighbourhood restaurant that has good food. Cadiz is only a 30 minute drive away, the Torre Tavira and its Camera Obscura was loved by the boys.

The Woodard family stayed in El Chozo, Conil de la Frontera

“Great house and great pool! Fab barbecue and amazing chameleons on the poolside fence. We loved El Palmar and Caños de Meca beaches. Don’t really want to go home…..”

The Jacobs and Woods families stayed at Finca Cigüeña, Hozalejos, Chiclana

“The cove at Roche was our favourite with rocks for shade and great swimming. Bolonia was a great day out, the beach and Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia were impressive and lunch at the bar on the beach was friendly and tasty.”

The Sharman family stayed at Casa Olivo, El Colorado, Conil de la Frontera

“A beautiful place to stay in quality accommodation. We loved the house, the grounds and the luxury of a decent-sized pool. Thank you for your generosity, Jean Pierre.”

Lyn and Jo stayed at La Olivilla, Vejer de la Frontera.

“Our highlights were Gibraltar – take the cable car to the top of the Rock for amazing views (including the mountains of Morocco) and of course the apes – Vejer, which is a lovely town (we thoroughly recommend the Jardín de Califa restaurant) and Jerez, where we visited the Tio Pepe sherry bodega which was very interesting.”

Fiona, Julian, Katherine and Lexie stayed at Casa Abeto, El Colorado, Conil de la Frontera

“We had a lovely stay and managed to relax as well as see some of the lovely places nearby: Cádiz, Jerez, El Puerto de Santa María. We also had a lovely drive along the coast to Cape Trafalgar and on to Vejer. Everyone has been very friendly and helpful. We hope to be back soon, perhaps for a wedding anniversary as we got engaged at Casa Manue on this trip!”

Charlie and Andy stayed at Casa Manue, El Colorado, Conil de la Frontera.

For those who have been to Andalucia in the months of February and March, the region is usally blessed with some fantastic weather. Unlike in the summer months when the temperatures are usually in the 30s and often 40s, late winter and early spring can be the perfect time to get active in Andalucia’s great outdoors.

It is at this time of year that the Andalucia Bike Race is held; enabling riders and spectators alike to enjoy the great weather amidst some of the most stunning scenery Spain has to offer.

From February 26 – March 2, the Andalucia Bike Race 2012 will take place in the provinces of Jaen and Cordoba. This six-day race is split into different stages and categories. There is an elite men’s race, an elite women’s race, and a mixed and masters race, in which each competitor has to be aged thirty or over.

The race consist of a short urban prologue that will be held on the streets of the magnificent and historical city of Cordoba, a mountain bike stage, which will take place in the Mediterranean forests of the Sierra Morena, a mountain stage that will take riders up into the Sierra Nevada, inland Spain’s highest mountain range that is capped by snow for most parts of the year, and the final stage where riders will find themselves riding through the beautiful and diverse province of Jaen, notorious for its endless meadows of olive trees.

The first edition of the Andalucia Bike Race saw riders from 15 different countries participate, including the former cross country world champion, Jose Antonio Hermida. Although the second edition, the organisers promise, will be better than ever, saying that “we are discovering a new Andalucia, which we didn’t expect.”

If you’d like to discover Andalucia like you’ve never discovered it before, make sure you are in the city of Cordoba next February 26 for the Andalucia Bike Race 2012.

You should also take a look at Vintage Travel’s collection of luxury villas in Andalucia.

The report investigated and compared the cost of 16 common purchases from supermarkets, such as milk, eggs, bread, water and vegetables, in 13 different popular European holiday destinations. The research found that Mallorca was the most cost-effective destination where 16 supermarket items cost £44.23.

The Algarve proved to be the second cheapest country for food and drink, with the 16 items costing a marginally more £44.36. Whilst third place went back to Spain with the Costa Blanca’s supermarket forage totalling £47.28.

Vintage Travel’s outstanding portfolio of self-catering accommodation includes many villas, ranging from the magnificent and modern to the traditional and rustic and includes many properties in Mallorca, the Costa Blanca and Portugal. For example, in the Algarve, a beautiful region in southern Portugal, we have plenty of villas offering sensational views, first-rate accommodation, all with their own private pools.

One such property is 2 bedroom Algarve Villa Gazeio, a beautifully maintained large detached house less than five kilometres from the interesting and historical maritime town of Lagos. Gazeio has been decorated and furnished to an extremely high spec and this welcoming and unpretentious villa is the perfect place to enjoy a ‘budget conscious’ self-catering holiday.

Whilst over in Mallorca, the most economical destination for a self-catering holiday according to the report, Vintage Travel’s portfolio of villas covers many of the stunning island’s diverse towns and villages.

For example, the two bedroom Mallorca villa of Serelleta (pictured) tucked away in the wooden and tranquil slopes of the Ca’n Bosc valley, provides the perfect accommodation for a peaceful, rural getaway in the least expensive European holiday self-catering destination. Serelleta is blessed with sensational panoramic views of some of the most varied and picturesque landscapes on Mallorca.

This two bedroom, two bathroom villa is located several kilometres from the town of Pollenca which is plentiful of bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets, enabling guests to take advantage of buying the most inexpensive produce in European holiday destinations.

Despite the fact that Spain has an average altitude of 660 metres, with 24% being above 1000 metres and 76% between 500 and 100 metres, the knowledge that Spain is the second most mountainous country in Europe, comes as a surprise to many, who tend to presume that after Switzerland, it must be France.

With this knowledge onboard, it should come as less of a surprise that Andalucia, so vividly abundant in mountains and ranges, ranging from the serrated to the smooth, the gentle to the severe, could be described as being a “mountaineer’s paradise”.

And none more so rapturous and ‘crying out’ to be explored than the variegated mountains circling a vast stretch of plain lands known as the Hoya de Baza, where although the soil is poor from long and harsh summers, olive and almond trees proudly obtrude the vista, existing only by the patient nurture of the local farmers.

When 71-year-old Bill Douglas decided to escape the miserable British winter and embark on a trip to a rural inland area in the eastern corner of Andalucia, he did not know what to expect.

This sentiment of anticipation was reciprocated by the owners of the accommodation Mr Douglas had booked to stay in, whom, although their guest had told them he was a fit and ‘young’ 71-year-old, keen on mountaineering and cycling, had not prepared themselves for the sprightly chap who walked in, with a gusto and nimbleness normally lost in one of such years.

In compliance with his affirmations of physical fitness and spirited activity, Bill Douglas, with the help of his more than accommodating host, Chris Whitehead, spent much of the duration of his stay, climbing many of the “lesser known peaks of Andalucia”, making the most of, not only the sensational weather Andalucia was blessed with this winter, but also the scenery, so magnificent, that even a tourist of Chamonix in France or Wengen in Switzerland would be satisfied with.

Santa Barbara

At 2,268 metres high, Santa Barbara is the highest peak in the Sierra de Baza, and being surrounded by a panoramic maze of fragrant pine trees, veiling a host of flora and fauna, surrendering to some easy-angled slopes, Santa Barbara tenderly beckons one to her summit. Talking of his experience on Santa Barbara’s summit, Bill Douglas commented:

“From the summit the panorama of the surrounding sierras was stunning. To the south the Sierra Nevada lay under a thick duvet of snow glistening in the sun, while to the north La Sagra, reared up in isolation out of the surrounding terrain.”

La Sagra

Inspired by its lonely posture, three days later Bill and Chris reached the summit of Mount La Sagra, whose severed situation and slightly portentous name, allows climbers of La Sagra to justifiably conclude that accomplishing this peak may be more than a little challenging. Although its veneer is worse than its bite, and climbing Mount La Sangra, although a little rocky and steep in places, is neither difficult nor intimidating.

“An easy path through shallow snow led to the summit of la Sagra, from where there were once again spectacular views in all directions. If I thought our day on Santa Barbara could not be bettered our ascent of Santa Barbara proved me wrong. At the age of seventy-one you relish such days with a fervour which might appear exaggerated or pretentious at thirty.”

Rapa and San Sebastian

What could be a better activity to do to mark the feast day of San Sebastian than climb the peak of San Sebastian?

Another significant peak of the Sierra de Baza at 2227.5 metres tall, the steep and rocky summit of Rapa is reached through an open forest of pine trees.

“Under our feet low-growing myrtle-like bushes gave up to a sweet aromatic scent as we crushed them. It was not long before we were at the cylindrical stone pillar which marked the summit,” Bill commented.

Criss-crossing their way across a snowfield, Bill and Chris made their way to the summit of San Sebastian. Although, despite the atmosphere of solitude being in these Spanish sierras invokes, the ramblers were not alone on their quest to conquer the peak of San Sebastian, as the tracks of deer in the snow were detected.

The Picon de Gor

The Picon de Gor is even less visited and discovered than the summit of Santa Barbara, which is of advantage to any walker in the area, whose venture is often accompanied only by a flock of alpine choughs seen flying overhead. Accessed via the village of Gor, the Picon de Gor, also in the Sierra de Baza, affords a truly memorable climb.

“The view from the summit seemed even more extensive and spectacular than from any of the other seven thousand foot tops we had already visited. To the east-north-east snow-capped Santa Barbara glistened in the sun. The summits of San Sebastian and Rapa to the south-east reminded us of the great day we had climbing them,” Bill fondly mused.

Bill Douglas and Chris Whitehead are justifiably proud of their achievements this winter, in conquering the lesser known peaks of Andalucia, and in doing so, defying the snow, the sometimes treacherous terrain and not to mention age.

The Sunday Times also made the point that there are too many bogus holiday firms that are ready to take your money for non existent overseas properties.

ABTA / ATOL bonded tour operator Vintage Travel were named as a preferred solution by The Sunday Times in ensuring a safe holiday booking.

Here’s those 3 villa’s from the cool 50:

Cortijo Alcornucosa, Andalucia – Set in the Alcornocales National Park, this villa has the most amazing views.

Casa do Lagar,  Minho (Northern Portugal) – This former olive press has charm, impressive interior design and privacy.

Markandoni,  Kefalonia – One of the most impressive villas in Kefalonia, not least for the stunning views from the infinity pool.

Vintage Travel have more than just 3 cool villa’s! Have a look at the complete luxury villa portfolio, you will not be disappointed.

Easter will soon be upon us and with it some incredible religious celebrations, which will be taking place across Europe. None could be more incredible than the enactment of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, in the otherwise sleepy Andalucian town of Cuevas del Campo.

Having been described as being one of the “most unique religious spectacles in the world”, this annual event sees a crowd of 15,000 plus congregate around a small church, all scuffling for a view. Little noise from the crowd interrupts the dramatic gladiator music, loudly filling the air, intensifying the anticipation and build-up.

Like the calm before the storm, silence briefly reigns, sharply followed by the galloping of horse hooves. Roman warriors’ then penetrate the scene, their spears and helmets glistening in the sun, their devilish red uniforms contrast with the serene blue sky above. Following the judgement of Jesus, the procession makes its way to the highest point of the town, overlooking the mountainous natural beauty, unique to Andalucia.

With Jesus hurled onto a cross, the Roman guards then hammer nails into his hands, convincingly looking like they are relishing every moment. The final act of the heart-rending display is the resurrection and Jesus Christ standing high on the hillside, beneath the cross, his arms out-stretched, embracing the thousands of onlookers.

Since 2001 more than 600 professional actors and villagers have been acted out ‘Passions of Christ’, showing an extraordinary expression of faith. What makes this religious event particularly vivid and memorable, is the seriousness of both the actors and the crowd. Adults and children of different nationalities watch with such intense sincerity that nobody can afford to take their eyes off the action for a minute. This is partly due to the emotional and realistic performances of the actors, the dramatic music against periods of solemnity and silence, and natural scenes of incredible beauty.

The town of Cuevas del Campo is located in the north-east of the province of Granada in Andalucia. If you are planning a trip to Andalucia this Easter be sure to take a detour to this usually sleepy, rural village, to witness one of the most striking representations of an event normally kept in the imagination.

Are you looking for villas in Andalucia?

Taking a break to the Costa Brava in early spring to participate or watch an exciting Catalonia event can be easily and economically achieved, with many of the budget airlines’ Spanish routes remerging from their winter time break. Vintage Travel has uncovered two particularly ‘pulsating’ events on the Costa Brava this March.

40-kilometre walk, Playa de l’Estany – First fortnight of March

What could be a more idyllic location for a walk than the verdurous and varied Costa Brava? Since 1963 the Centre Excursionista de Banyoles has organised a 40 kilometre walk. For the first two years, the walk was 80 kilometres, but in 1965 was quickly changed to a more realistic 40 kilometres after it proved to be a little on the excessive side for most of the participants. With more than 2,000 people of all ages, abilities and both genders participating each year, the walk is a popular, relaxed and enjoyable event.

Unlike most sporting fixtures in Spain, there is no competitiveness involved with this leisurely but rather lengthy walk. In fact, so ‘unhurried’ is the atmosphere that participants often take breaks to take in the stunning scenery that surrounds them.

Rally Catalonia, March – Girona, Selva, Alt Emporda, Baix Emporada

Rally racing in Spain can be traced back to the spring of 1904 with a race from Paris to Madrid. For more than a century the sport has grown in popularity and prestige. The Rally Catalonia is held in March each year in the towns of Girona, selva, Alt Emporada and Baix Emporada. The race has grown in significance and status and is now one of the most important rallies in Spain, which now includes a World Championship circuit. The event attracts large crowds, many of whom, jostling to secure the best spot, walk for hundreds of yards and even camp out the night before in improvised campsites.

Looking for a luxury villa holiday in Costa Brava?

Make sure you get to see Ronda's exquisite bull ring

Ronda is the birthplace of modern bullfighting, a historical feat, which the town, with its devotion to the pastime, is obviously extremely proud of. Despite its relatively small size, in the early 21^st century, Ronda overtook Cordoba in being Andalucia’s top three tourist locations, behind only Granada and Sevilla.

With its dramatic panoramic views of the Sierra de Ronda mountains, the yawning yet beautiful El Tajo gorge and the eighteenth century ‘Puente Nuevo’ – New Bridge’ – that bestrides 100 meter abysses below, it is easy to gauge why Ronda became one of Andalucia’s ‘top three’ tourist destinations.

The famous Ronda Canyon is deffinately worth visiting

Ronda’s blatant natural beauty, momentous history and commitment to keeping one of Spain’s most archetypal traditions alive, means the town remains a tourist hotspot. In the summer months, Ronda’s attractive streets are brimming with people of all nationalities, giving the town a unique blend of tradition and sophistication.

In the winter, whilst Ronda is not overwhelmed by a consistent whirr of new arrivals, it remains a lively and vibrant town, with its warm and friendly atmosphere never ceasing. Although climatically, Ronda’s winters can be extremely cold. Whilst it is located just 100 kilometres from Malaga and the Costa del Sol, Ronda is situated at almost 2,500 feet and all roads to the ancient Spanish town twist, traverse and ascend, taking enthusiastic travellers through the beautiful but bitterly cold Sierras de las Nieves – Sierras of the Snow.

If you are planning on heading to the province of Malaga, regardless of the time of year, a visit to the fascinating town of Ronda is imperative. Although with a significantly less number of people sightseeing its many marvels, winter is perhaps a preferable time to visit Ronda. That’s if the Sierra de las Nieves permit it!

Looking for a villa in Ronda?

Malaga has a huge amount on offer

One of the most visible traces of Malaga’s reluctance to wholly relinquish its past are the hundreds of horse-drawn carriages that glide through the city’s streets, impassive to the many big, swanky and expensive cars impatiently belting past to accomplish their fast-paced lifestyles.

Horse drawn carriages first arrived in Malaga in the late 1880s, when the city’s and even Spain’s most famous son, Pablo Picasso, was still present in his native city. Today the horse drawn carriage tours in Malaga take tourists past the influential twentieth century artist’s birthplace and past the Pablo Picasso Museum, evidence of the longevity of this antiquated method of transport.

It seems somewhat ironic that despite Spain’s determination to clutch onto traditional gender inequalities, it is the women who, like in many other nations, are increasingly becoming the household ‘bread-winners’ and securing the top-notch jobs, such as lawyers and mayors. Although this long-established inequality regarding women is still prevalent through Malaga’s thriving horse powered transportation network. Since the early 1970s, Juan Gallardos has been rallying tourists round Malaga in horse drawn carriages. Whilst he admits that he ‘loves his job’ and ‘could not imagine doing anything else’, Juan Gallardos also admits that steering horse-drawn carriages through a busy city’s streets is most definitely ‘man’s work’ and that he has never known a female driver in Malaga.

Of course old-fashioned carriages full of enthusiastic tourists being pulled along by elegant-looking horses is not the only feature of Malaga that grips hold to the city’s tradition and heritage. Malaga’s stunning cathedral, which started to be built in 1528, stands proudly in the plaza de la cathedral, a grand emblem of Malaga’s dynamic history.

Many cities in Spain retain an historical identity, which provides them with uniqueness autonomous from the rest of Spain. But few cities combine an historical beauty with modernity that rivals any modern city of the 21^st century. And what better way to discover this truly fascinating Spanish city than by horse-drawn carriage.

Looking for a luxury villa holiday in Malaga?

The Calar Alto Observatory is positioned on the zenith of the Calar Alto Mountain at an altitude of 2168 meters in the Sierra de los Filabres, in the Almeria province of Andalucia. Although the drive to reach the Observatory is not for the faint-hearted, as the narrow road zigzags around a myriad of hairpin bends precariously poised upon the mountain’s edge.

Arriving near the summit one by one the domes emerge through the forest, framed by panoramic views of the Almeria and Granada provinces; a colony of science amongst a backdrop of nature. Being in this silent spot in the dark is the best time to appreciate why Calar Alto was chosen as the location for the Observatory, as the light from the moon and the stars lights up the road in front with such radiance and vivacity without being interfered by the intrusion of any other light.

This German-Spanish Astronomical Centre is jointly operated by Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Heidelberg, Germany, and the Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia (CSIC) in Granada. The site was proposed in the 1970s and was officially inaugurated in 1979 by King Juan Carlos I of Spain. This was the first time an observatory was available to German astronomers and their Spanish colleagues that enabled them to catch up with the international astronomical standards after World Wars I and II. Since Calar Alto’s opening, four telescopes of different sizes as well as high-tech spectrographs and cameras are working there at the very frontiers of research.

To experience the cosmic enormity of the Calar Alto Observatory, the centre is open to visitors, who can stay in there at the hotel. Although just driving to the saddle of Los Sierras de los Filabres to take a closer look at these scientific marvels, which continue to be instrumental to a worldwide community of astronomers, is an experience in itself.

To find out more about the Calor Alto Observatory visit the official webiste: www.caho.es