The province of Granada has a range of climates, from the snowcapped Sierra Nevada mountains right through to the Costa Tropical. A perfect all year round destination as these Granada beach resorts have average winter temperatures of 15ºC.

Amongst all the Spanish Costas, the Costa Tropical is one of the less developed resorts. This stretch of Andalusia coast remains authentic and not as built up as other seaside places.

The Costa Tropical of Granada

Where is the Costa Tropical?

South of Granada city, the coastline of Granada is called the Costa Tropical due to its mild climate.  There are 75 kilometres of coastline (just under 50 miles long) to enjoy on this lesser known Spanish Costa.

Best flight connections are to Granada (GRX) and Malaga (AGP)

The `Tropical Coast´ is a fantastic location for watersports and also for discovering the local history which goes back to the Bronze age. Phoenicians, Romans and Arab settlers have left archaelogical remains in this area which you can explore.

As well as the climate, the history and the sea views, I shouldn´t miss out the fabulous local produce. Tropical fruit grown in the region gives the coast its name Costa Tropical. As with most coastal areas the local seafood is fabulous. Not only that they also have locally produced wines and the area even has its own Rum factory.

The villages and towns of Costa Tropical are Salobreña, Almuñecar, La Herradura, Calahonda and Velez de Benadualla. Motril is the largest town in the region. Inland locations such as Murtas, Jete, Los Guajares, Polopos, Lújar, Otivar and Albuñol make up part of this Costa Tropical community.

Motril, Spain

Motril is the second largest city in Granada province. With a population of over 60,000 its 69 kms from Granada, thats 43 miles. This is the main city on Costa Tropical. The beach resort here is called Playa Granada.

Connected by road the A-44 motorway, the local bus service ALSA also connects the coast to the city with buses leaving throughout the day.

Best flight connections are to Granada (GRX) and Malaga (AGP)

Motril has an significant port for cruise ships, ferries and cargo. Routes to Tangiers, Nador and other North Africa destinations are popular with passengers. For Cargo trade routes to the middle east, Canary Islands and even further afield sail from here.

The city has a shopping area around the streets of Calle Nueva and Calle Cuevas. Some are pedestrianized.

History of the Costa Tropical

Due to the geographical location of the region, this was a strategic point between Africa and Europe throughout the ages. So unsurprisingly there are many roman ruins, ancient castles and interesting relics from the past to discover. (photo above Salobreña Castle)

In Almuñecar one of the most impressive examples of local history is Castle.

Almuñecar

Castillo de San Miguel dates back to the 7th Century. Established by the Phoenicians, it has been restored over the years. The views from the top over the coast and town are fabulous. Well worth the hike up the hill.

Located between two rivers and on the coastline. This vantage point was a powerful one for the miltary to control the fortress and city.

The Majuelo Park is also home to the Salting Factory which dates back to Roman times. Sturgeon and Tuna were the favourite fish for salting in these pits all those centuries ago. Sexi was the original phoenician name for the town. The locals are still known as Sexitanos today.

Castillo de San Miguel

To protect the area watchtowers were built along the coastline. These towers were there to prevent pirate attacks. Communication along the coastline was by smoke signals which proved very effective. In 1764 the towers were reinforced and improved as Spain was defending itself from British attack at the time. Today 9 watchtowers and the castle still stands, dating from 16th – 18th centuries respectively.

Salobreña

Xalubina is the old name for the white town of Salobreña. This quaint white coastal town is topped with another 10th Century Castle. This Moorish fortress makes it well worth the hike up the hill. The views from there are endless.

It was also the summer residence for the Nasrid Kings, who lived at the Alhambra Palace in Granada for the rest of the year.

The old town is a maze of whitewashed streets and plantpot filled balconies. This street below caught my eye as I wandered through the town on my way back down from the castle. It´s worth taking a stroll down and getting lost amongst the narrow streets of the Albayzin quarter of Salobreña.

You will come across cute squares, the odd tapas bar and some gorgeous houses decorated with flowers and ceramics.

Local Food on the Costa Tropical

Some of the typical dishes and local produce that you should look out for when you visit the area.

• Leche Rizada – This refreshing milky drink with a sprinkling of cinnamon made to a recipe for the last 50 years in Motril by the Perandrés family. Try this at their Ice cream shop Heladeria Perandrés in Motril on Av. de Salobreña, 35 or in Avda Mediterraneo 16 in Salobreña
• Typical in the area is the delicous almond cake called Torta Real de Motril. Information about this sweet dessert was first recorded back in 1854 although this has been passed on through 5 generations of bakers. Almonds are locally produced in Granada and the culinary use is directly inherited from the arab influence of the Costa Tropicals history. Buy one at Pepe Videras, C/ Nueva, 54, 18600 Motril,
• Quisquilla de Motril is a local shrimp. Plesionika edwardsii is found in the marine area around the Granada coast (and Almeria) slightly smaller than Camarones they are also sweeter.

Tropical Fruit

• Papayas, Mango, Chirimoya & pomegranates are all grown locally. Avocadoes are also grown along the Costa Tropical too. Many restaurants have Tropical salad on their menus, so you can taste some local fruits as a starter.
• Finca San Ramon is a local producer that offer visits to their farm in La Herradura. (by request only)
• Find out more here about Seasonal Fruit in Southern Sain

• Espeto the typical way to enjoy fish on this part of the coast. You can see old fishing boats along the beach with ashes in. The fresh fish and octopus are prepared on stakes on put onto this bonfire style barbecue.
• Local Rum, Ron Montero has been produced from Sugar cane grown in Motril and Salobreña for many years. This excellent quality rum can be purchased in most of Spain. Ron Montero has a white version, the traditional one and a special 50th anniversary limited edition matured in American oak. (Seen below) The Rum factory in Motril is open for visits. Guided tours are done in Spanish and English language daily.
• Look out for the Pionono cakes which are typical in Granada. These sweet cinnamon rolls with a custard style topping are made slightly different in Motril. The Palomares Borthers make them with local Rum. Find them at Pasteleria Palomares is on Avda. Salobreña, 10, Motril.

Daytrip to Costa Tropical

Costa Tropical Daytrip from Granada city is a good option as it´s a short drive down to the coast (40 minutes aprox)

Enjoy a daytrip to the Costa Tropical. You can even see the famous Nerja caves too.

Where to Eat in Costa Tropical

Sunahra Beach Club, Playa Granada

This beach hut restaurant is open from midday until the early hours. You can watch the sun go down while sipping a mojito or have lunch watching the waves on the beach on a cushioned wicker chair.

I ate there in March 2019. (photo above) The whole meal was delicious, but I especially enjoyed the Chirimoya Flan dessert. I want to go back to Sunahra Beach Club sometime as they had some delicious looking burgers too.

Restaurante Miba, Salobreña

Located in Salobreña, just off the main coast road. The restaurant inside Hotel Miba boasts stunning views over to the old town.

The food is contemporary cuisine and done to a very high level. A refreshing change from the fried fish thats so typical on the coast.

Here I tried a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad to start, Corvina fish in a lemon sauce, and chocolate mousse for dessert.

Finca Bodega 4 Vientos, Murtas

This winery is high up from the coast on the very edge of the Costa Tropical region. Located in Murtas, on the wine route it is a great place to head out for the day for lunch. Portions are enormous. Their speciality are barbecued meats such as Chorizo, pork loin and steaks.

This countrystyle dining room is a comforting place to eat out at the weekend. Book ahead as it gets busy.

As well as the restaurant it´s a vineyard so you can taste wine or buy wine and local specialities in the shop on their grounds.

Restaurante Katena, Motril

This family business in Motril has be trading since 1960. Probably the best fish restaurant in the area the ultra fresh seafood is on display as you walk in. Set up like a market stall it grabs your attention before you are seated at your table.

Here I tried a delicious tropical salad. Locally produced fruits with lettuce and olive oil. Followed by some delicious grilled fish.  In Summertime they do the espetos outside on the terrace. It gets pretty busy so if you go in July or August i´d recommend booking your table.

La Ventura, Almuñecar

This restaurant is right in the town centre of Almuñecar, a short walk from the beach. The have Flamenco performances in the evenings and serve local dishes such as the one shown above, Salmon with local avocadoes. It was a quaint little place with friendly service.

Restaurante Verdejo, Salobreña

On the seafront in Salobreña, Restaurante Verdejo serves traditional food and seems to be very popular with the locals. All the dishes I tried here we delicious, the fried fish (cazón) was so fluffy and fresh.

When to go to Costa Tropical

As the temperatures in the part of the world are mild all year around, you can visit anytime of year. Local festivals are celebrated throughout the year. However the middle weeks of August are very high season and coincide with the Local festival.

• On the first weekend of Summer, Mid June Motril celebrates with its International Air Show. For more details see: Motril Air Show – Acrobatics on the Costa Tropical
• Day of the Virgen del Carmen is celebrated on July 16th in both Almuñecar & in La Herradura. A procession of the Virgen in boat and on the beach, accompanied with a firework show and other festivities such as gastronomic and musical events.
• Jazz on the Coast is held Mid July. Live concierts are held in Almuñecar´s Parque El Majuelo. Celebrated in the summer season this festival attracts important jazz musicians. The castle makes a dramatic backdrop to the stage.
• 15th August in Almuñecar there is a huge firework display on the beach. This coincides with the local festivities of Virgen la Antigua. During the whole week there is a funfair and different activities. As Spain has a national Bank Holiday on 15th August it will be very busy. (difficult to park, hotels are full etc.) So if you want to be there on these dates plan ahead.
• International Classic Guitar Competition and also the Andrés Segovia composition Competition. Entries are sent in each November. Then the competition actually takes place during the first week of the year. This annual event attracts leading classical guitarists under 35 years of age from around the world, promoting the study of guitar music and well as commemorating the Andalusian virtuoso guitarrist Andres Segovia.

Costa Tropical – What to do

RioVerde Canyoning

A fun activity for those looking for something more sporty is the Canyoning activity at Rio Verde. You can choose the level of difficulty. The route reaches Almuñecar. This is bascially hiking down a knee deep river and jumping into the green water. On the 4 hour Rio Verde Canyoning Adventure some parts of the routes are more challenging than others.

The surroundings of the Sierra de la Almijara make a perfect outdoor setting.  I have done a very gentle route both times I visited just paddling through the stunning green waters part of the way. (rather than doing the jumps)

Golf Course

Los Moriscos Golf Club is a stunning seaside course. Just outside of Motril this 18 hole course has a driving range, club house and a lovely restaurant.

Watersports

Underwater diving in the clear turquoise waters in this area is particularly good. The best dive sites are located around Punta de la Mona. There is plenty of marine life to see when you dive or snorkel. There are also some underwater caves and grottos to explore with a guide.

Get more details at AquaMarina Granada

Boat Ride

Rent a boat (with or without capitain) to sail around the Costa Tropical. Choose half day or full days out from Marina del Este.

Companies like Alquiler de Barcos Elite basaed in the harbour can arrange private activities. Sunset is a particularly good time, and sometimes you get lucky and even spot dolphins near to your boat.

In March when I went out in a private boat charter, we could see the snow capped Sierra Nevada Mountains (South face) from the sea as the sun warmed our faces. Quite a surreal experience. It didnt seem possible that we were at 25C and could see so much snow.

Maro Natural Park is a protected area.

These waters are particularly clear and good for snorkelling and swimming.

Archaelogical Museum

The Cueva de los Siete Palacios in the old town of Almuñecar is a museum with lots of ancient exhibits.

Pieces span the ages with the most impressive being the Apophis Canopic Jar. Dating back to 16th century BC, this Egyptian jar is the oldest written object on the Iberian Peninsula. It probably reached Almuñecar via the sea trading routes.

Parks & Gardens

With such a moderate climate along the tropical coast, its no surprise that they have some stunning gardens to visit.

• Jardin Nazari in Velez de Benadualla is a historic garden from the muslim period of Al andalus. Located on different levels, this garden has lots of water features and a variety of plants and flowers. On the bottom level of the garden there are natural caves worth seeing.  (photo above)
• Parque Botanico El Majuelo in Almuñecar – This park in the centre of Almuñecar has beautiful modern sculptures and lush plants. It also has views to the San Miguel Castillo and Roman Fish Salting Factory ruins. Free to go in, its open daily from 8am until 10pm. There are small shops in the park, selling local handicrafts.
• Bonsai Garden in Almuñecar on C/ Andrés Müller 2 is open from 10.30h to 2pm and 5pm to 8.30pm with over 200 bonsai trees on display to admire.

• Charca Suarez is a nature reserve in Motril. This wetland is home to over 100 bird species including the rare crested or red-knobbed coot.  All visits are guided by the staff. Opening times are only in morning hours. Check times according to the time of year as they vary. More details: Charca Suarez Bird Reserve Motril
• Kitti Harris Sculpture Garden in Molvizar is a place where art and nature meet. This artist has created a unique space where sculptures populate the large garden which is in the hills above the coast. There is a 10 euro charge to go inside and visit the garden. Some weekends they have live music on and they also have a bar too. (photo below)

Activities for families

Depending on the ages of the children there is a good offer of family activities in the area.

• Aqua Tropic Almuñecar is a small water park. Located on the Paseo Vellila just off the beach.
• Bird park Loro Sexi has over a thousand birds to see such as Parrots, swans or ostriches.
• Acuario Almuñecar located right in the town centre. Children will love being able to touch the rays and starfish at the end of the visit.
• Windsurf La Herradura on La Herradura beach offer Stand up paddle classes, windsurfing and kayaking activities.

Where to Stay

Hotel Miba This modern hotel is situated on the main road and has great views from its location.  (photo below of one of the rooms)

Perched on the side of the town you can see the castle and old town from the hotel and gaze over the coastline as the sunsets.

The hotel has a contemporary restaurant serving excellent food (midday and evenings)

Hotel Bahia Tropical Almuñecar

This large hotel is opposite the beach in the Veililla area of Almuñecar. It is a great option for families. Plenty to do but in a quieter area of Almuñecar.

Playa Granada Resort Motril

This resort set on the beach is a great option for families and golfers. With its own golf course and gardens leading out onto the beach at Playa Granada.

The hotel puts on plenty of activities for guests and has its own poolside bar. (photo below)

Hotel Suites Albayzin Del Mar Almuñecar

This hotel in Almuñecar has a great pool area.

Located on the main road in Almuñecar the beach is a 15 minute stroll away.

Travel Resources to Plan Your Visit

Here are a few resources to help you plan your visit to Granada:

• Find the perfect hotel or apartment on Booking.com
• Get the perfect Hire Car deal.
• Plan your trip to with these Guide Books
• Find out more from Local guides and Experiences.
• Don´t forget to arrange your Travel Insurance cover

Disclaimer: Please note that I have visited Costa Tropical on a promotional trip and I have experienced all the activities I wrote about in this post complimentary. However, all the opinions in this article are my own and I would not recommend anything that I wouldn’t have enjoyed myself doing or think it was a great place to visit.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. All thoughts, feelings and opinions shared on this blog and in this post are my own.