Granada Tropical coast - Granada beach - Spain

The coast of Granada - the Tropical Coast - spans two regions; the Alpujarra strip on one side and the plains or low-lands of Motril and Almunecar on the other. The proximity of the mountains always makes this coastal area seem narrow and winding, but at the same time it is protected from cold fronts and enjoys intense sunshine.



This Tropical Coast, which consists of around 100 kilometres of beaches and cliff, offers some tmly beautiful locations. Almuñecar, in the valley of the river Verde where tropical crops such as custardapple, avocado, and papaya add colour to the countryside, has an old, uniquely enchanting quarter around the parish church and the castle also enjoys vantage points such as the Penon del Santo; botanical gardens; an ornithological park, and a museum of archeology of ever growing importance.



Nearby is the Herradura which is an attractive sheltered bay. In total, the Tropical Coast offers 26 beaches of very different characteristics and dimensions. The typical white-washed village of Salobreña covers the side of a mountain and extends to the edge of the sea. The old fortress stands on the summit which allows comtemplation of the exquisite panoramas with the sea to one side and the fertile plains to the other.



These plains, where sugar-cane for rum-making is cultivated, offer, together with the local capital of Motril, a string of little, charming villages like Molvizar and Itrabo. Further inland, the Gtiajares represent one of Andalusia's most difficultly accessible regions with its wild landscape and characteristic charm. Motril is a large and comfortable town which is dominated by the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza.



The Biggest Church, the Encarnacion, has the double function of church and fortress, essential in areas which, historically, have always been exposed to the attacks of Barbary pirates. These three towns offer ports and locations which lend themselves especially to water-sports, such as Marina del Este in Almufiecar and the western beach at Motril, which has a port, nautical club and a nearby golf course.



The rugged coast of the Alpujarra offers solitary coves, impressive cliffs, and areas which are particularly favour able for snorkeling, sailing and windsurfing as well as hang-gliding and parapenting. Tourism in the little villages -Castell de Ferro, La Rabita- does not detract from the ambience of the fishing-village nor does it hide the presence of the intensive farming on the neighbouring hill-sides.