If you have spent time on the Costa del Sol and experienced the rugged mountains of Malaga Province and the busy coastline you will be surprised by the contrast of Malaga's neighbour Cadiz. When following the coastline west, slowly the intensity of construction eases and the ambience slows. You may get a good view of Gibraltar, literaly a huge rock sticking out of the sea, an interesting day trip, then on to Algeciras that doesn't look so appealing with it's oil refining plants.
Really it's when you approach Tarifa that you can get a sense of what to expect in the Province of Cadiz. As the road begins to rise you start to see the wind turbines that gives away one of the elements that characterises the region. Wind and especially the wind from the south east Levante has a big influence on this area, significantly in Tarifa as it is funnelled through the gap between the Spanish mainlands most southerly point and Africa. If you look south across the straits of Gibraltar you will see the Morrocan coast what seems like a stones throw away, it is only a 35 minute ferry crossing. It is noticeably greener here and more virgin, still relatively uncommercial as you approach Tarifa town, definately worth a visit, if anything to see the divide between the Meditteranean and the now Atlantic Ocean. 
Head north on the excellent near empty roads and look out for Bolonia where you can find the ancient Roman City of Baelo Claudia. A Roman City that established itself virtually on the beach 22 centuries ago based on the trading of the Tuna that passes by on this coast in late Spring. Keep alert for low key signposting that may lead you to a deserted beach or even a busy one and stop at one of the many Ventas (bars) for an authentique Spanish meal and a crisp refreshing beer. Places to look out for are Zahara de los Atunes with a good beach and seafood restaurants. Canos de Meca, El Palmar for Surfing, drive inland a little from here and you have the fabulous hilltop white village of Vejer de la Frontera where you can have a great view of the area. Further still along the coast is Conil de la Frontera another white village with still more excellent beaches and restaurants. If you enjoy busier more commercial beaches then you head into Chiclana de la Frontera and it's famous beach, La Barrosa. Casa la Dehesa is inland between Conil and Chiclana.
If you need to get some City life then keep heading north and you will find the ancient City of Cadiz a definate must see. There is also Jerez with the worlds top Flamenco Festival. The production of Sherry making along with Puerto Santa Maria and Sanlucar de Barrameda. Other highlights, the world famous Royal School of Equestrian Art and of course the home of the Spanish Motorcycle championships the Jerez race circuit also used for F1 testing.
Inland you will find the Sierra de Cadiz the more mountainous area where you can explore the Pueblos Blancos.
Still there is the great city of Sevilla and from here go and explore the Province of Huelva, dicover Aracena one of the best preserved mountain areas in Andalucia where you can find the Jabugo ham, air cured meats from free range black pigs, Pata Negras feeding on acorns. From here why not head to Portugal...
This region offers you top beaches, endless history and culture, beautiful countryside, great weather, a short crossing and another continent! whilst still maintaining it's Spanish charm.
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