El Rompido Holidays

The Costa de la Luz is one of Spain’s most chilled-out regions. And El Rompido is calm even by its easy-going standards. This dinky fishing village is so laidback it’s practically horizontal – which is exactly what you’ll be on its make-up-free beaches. In this neck of the woods, bird-watching and long lunches are the norm. Plus, you can get your big city buzz fix from nearby Huelva or Cartaya.

El Rompido’s beaches are as snoozy as a sloth. For those in search of a quick tan top-up, a biscuit-coloured belt of sand skirts the Piedras River. But if secluded’s more your bag, then Flecha del Rompido’s the one. This sandy spit of land stretches its legs for over 13 kilometres, so you can give crowds the cold shoulder. Just remember to pack a picnic as it’s not a beach bar kind of place.

The village is a popular stomping ground for bird-watchers. They come to ogle the wildlife at the protected salt marshes along the Piedras River. Over on the neighbouring Odiel River, you’ve got the city of Huelva, a half-hour drive from El Rompido. You can pick up the pace here while sightseeing around its Baroque cathedral, museum and famous red river.