The new must-go destination in Andalucia is its west coast, known as the Costa de la Luz, where there are mountainous white sand dunes, stunningly clear waters and views across to Africa. Explore the charming small towns of Vejer and Tarifa, or experience the faded grandeur of old town Cadiz, so reminiscent of Havana. On the Costa del Sol, you can wander the backstreets of Marbella, enjoying the prosaic charm that has attracted so many people over the years. Or, visit the picturesque village of Benahavis, a joy for food lovers with its wealth of good restaurants. The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.

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  Amanhavis Hotel

  Benahavis, Malaga, Andalucia

  Distinctive small hotel/restaurant with comfortable rooms and charming owners in a Moorish mountain village, a short drive from the sea. Good food and pool in historic hilltop village location.

  9 rooms from $130

  Beach nearby  -  Just a few kms frome the beaches of the Costa del Sol

  Swimming Pool  -  Small outdoor pool

  Romantic  -  Good for couples.

  Quirky  -  An experience!

  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
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  Hotel CasaCinco

  Vejer de la Frontera, Cadiz, Andalucia

  A tradtional Arabic-style house with superb views. Spectacular views of San Miguel. Beautifully decorated rooms, library, roof terrace, and organic breakfasts.

  Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
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  Hotel El Escondite Del Viento

  Tarifa, Cadiz, Andalucia

  Funky design hotel with colourful rooms in the Old town of hip and happening Tarifa. The best rooms have terraces.

  8 rooms from $118

  Full of character

  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.

  Cooking classes  -  Check for timings.

  Surfing  -  Suitable beaches nearby.

  Recommended by  -  I Escape
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  Hotel Claude

  Marbella, Malaga, Andalucia

  Restored 17th century townhouse with seven chic and individual suites. Sunlit interior patio, gourmet dining, a real gem in the Old Town of lively Marbella. Perfect for a romantic weekend.

  7 rooms from $196

  Beach nearby  -  5 minutes from the beach

  Sights nearby  -  Located in the heart of Marbella's old town

  Hideaway  -  Tranquil and intimate.

  Fishing  -  Excellent fishing nearby.

  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet, Kiwi Collection
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  Hotel Punta Sur

  Tarifa, Cadiz, Andalucia

  Contemporary, beachside hotel with views of Africa. Spacious rooms, tennis court, small lake, large pool, and an array of sporting activities. Ideal for families.

  34 rooms from $114

  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor/outdoor

  Views  -  Great views from hotel

  Lively  -  Hip and happening.

  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
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  Hotel Sindhura

  La Muela, Vejer de la Frontera, Andalucia

  Simple, modern hotel with traditional architecture. Good value, set in open fields with magnificent panoramic ocean views. Good for families, short drive to the beach.

  14 rooms from $79

  Birdwatching  -  Good birding near the hotel.

  Views  -  Great views from hotel

  Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.

  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor/outdoor
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  Hotel Hurricane

  Tarifa, Cadiz, Andalucia

  Wonderful, relaxed beachside hotel in sub-tropical gardens, with views to Africa from the pool. Simple rooms, easy access to sporting activities, many repeat guests, ideal for families.

  33 rooms from $114

  Windsurfing  -  Ideal windsurfing beach.

  Lively  -  Fashionable in high season.

  Views  -  Seaviews to Africa

  Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.
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  La Casa del Califa

  Vejer de la Frontera, Cadiz, Andalucia

  Small charming hotel with a strong Moorish influence, with authentic decoration and food. Vaulted dining room sunlit garden. Pretty light rooms, a great base for exploring the medieval old town.

  from $96

  Great walks  -  You can walk to the beach through lovely countryside.

  Sights nearby  -  Close to historic Cape Trafalgar.

  Birdwatching  -  Birdwatching excursions.

  Kayaking  -  Available locally.
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  Posada de Palacio, Sanlúcar de Barrameda

  Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Andalucia

  Rambling and quirky Andalucian pousada full of collected antiques and curios. Tiled courtyards, large reception rooms, white-wash, airy and spacious wooden-beamed bedrooms. Swimming pool and big sun terrace. Close to the sea and activities, including sherry tasting. Full of character.

  34 rooms from $105

  Birdwatching  -  Can be arranged locally.

  Romantic  -  Good for couples.

  Full of character

  Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
• Enquire direct

  Hotel Argantonio

  Cadiz, Andalucia

  Renovated and tranquil hotel in Mozarabic style, full of character. Classico-colonial styled rooms with historical decoration, in the centre of old Cadiz. Great for local exploring.

  16 rooms from $124

  Sailing  -  One week sailing courses.

  Fishing  -  Deep sea fishing trips.

  Full of character

  Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.

Written by  Tristam Templer, posted Friday, 12th February 2010