Costa Tropical
Although not nearly so well known as the neighbouring Costa del Sol to the west. The Costa Tropical of Granada province is particularly picturesque beachside, and easier to get away from the crowds.
The mountains run right down to the sea and the coastline is typically a series of coves and promontories. There is La Herradura which is pretty and unspoilt and located betwen the two attractive promontories of Punta de la Mona and Cerro Gordo.
Nearby in a protected cove east of Punta de la Mona is the impressive Marina del Este yacht harbour. Water sports and scuba diving are popular here, thanks to the variety of sea life and clarity of the water.
The jewel of the Costa Tropical Salobrena is a whitewashed township clinging to huge lump of rock just back from the shoreline, topped by a Moorish castle and surrounded by lush sugar cane plantations.
A mere 45 minutes from Granada, and just over an hour to the Sierra Nevada, Salobrena is also ideally situated for exploring the Alpujarra, some forty minutes away. From October to April, you could be in the happy position of being able to ski during the day and return to sunbathe on Salobrena's long, clean beach in the evening.
Salobrena has witnessed 6000 years of human history, thanks to its privileged position and benign climate. Its Moorish castle was built in the 10th century, and its Mudejar 16th century church, Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Rosario is built on top of the old mosque. Roman remains turn up everywhere.
In the heat, it can be an exhausting climb to the top of the old town, but it's well worth the effort. From various viewpoints, you can drink in the rugged landscape of the Sierra del Chaparral which cradles the town to the back, while under the cliffs are orchards of sub-tropical fruit trees and expanses of sugar cane spreading to the shoreline. The tiny village of La Caleta directly to the west houses the last sugar factory in Europe.
The best way to get to know the town itself is on foot, perhaps joining in one of the Tourist Office's excellent guided tours (what to do link) The flower-filled streets contain centuries of history, some of it captured in the town's spotless new museum in the former Town Hall building in the old town.
Beneath the old town on the rock, spreads Salobrena's modern development, low-rise, attractive apartments to house its increasing population (10,500) You'll find plenty of bars and restaurants to slake your thirst and regale you with the enticing tapas which come with every drink. You'll be offered anything from prawns and clams to morsels of juicy fried fish, slices of jamon and wedges of cheese.
Making your way to the shore you could pause for a while in the cool Parque de la Fuente to enjoy a moment in the shade, before taking to the beach for a sun session, or a walk around the Penon, the massive rock jutting out to sea, a prison in the first and second centuries, eventually a Christian burial site.
Salobrena enjoys a lively cultural scene, with year round concerts, plays and films. In summer, outdoor shows are held in the Arab Castle, and other activities take place in the Old Town and Parque de la Fuente. It also has colourful annual fiestas and ferias. (see Fiestas)
Golf, tennis, football, mountain biking and fishing, along with air and water sports are all within easy reach. A real treat for snorkellers and divers is the artificial reef built two years ago off the Penon rock to shelter and encourage sealife, now showing remarkable results.(what to do)
Salobrena has also recently opened a Film Office, to link into a global network to encourage television and film-makers to exploit its wealth of visual possibilities.
Becoming increasingly popular among foreign residents. It is an attractive costal resort town that is particularly popular in the summer with Spanish holiday makers. The interesting seafront promenade is divided into many sections by the small coves and headlands that are typical of this part of the Costa Tropical.
Among the numerous attractions of Almunecar is the Loro Sexi bird park which will delight adults and children alike. Some 1,500 birds of 120 different species are on display here, including doves, peacocks, parrots, cock-a-toos, macaws, swans, ducks, ostriches, etc. The "Loro Sexi" Ornithological Park is open from 11.00 to 14.00 and from 16.00 to 18.00. Entry for adults is 1.95 Euros and for children and senior citizens 1.35 Euros.