-	All photographs of Costa Ballena

Costa Ballena is one of the most advanced tourist resorts in Europe. It was set up ten years ago by the Andalusian Tourist Board, who bought the land off the Orleans and Bourbon family. It was built on a 400 hectare (4,000,000 square meter) plot of land on the Costa de la Luz, between Rota and Chipiona. It's right in the heart of sherry country and has more than four kilometres of untouched beach with crystal clear waters. At peak season it can accommodate 20,000 people with at least 30 square meters per person in each house.

Only 25% of the 400 hectare is occupied by buildings. The rest of the land is taken up by green or natural areas such as parks, gardens, orchards, lakes, beaches, and golf courses. The planning of the resort was very strict; the environment was a crucial factor. Houses have to be less than three storeys high and a minimum of 300 metres from the shoreline. Neumatic rubbish collection systems are used in order to avoid noise and smell.

Facilities include hotels, social centres, swimming pools, horse riding areas, windsurfing and surfing, tennis courts, fibre optic networks, and beach defense systems.


The design, geographic location, and construction quality are unbeatable. The aim has been to make sure inhabitants enjoy the highest quality of life while at the same time protecting the environment. Costa Ballena is a fine example of an environmentally friendly leisure resort, possibly one of the best in the world.