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Costa Tropical - Playa Berengueles

Costa Tropical of Granada
With more than 30 stunning beaches and coves

Kayaking in the Costa Tropical

Kayaking Adventure Tours
Book From La Herradura or Nerja

Costa Tropical Coastline

The Cliffs of Maro
Explore the Nature Reserve by boat or Inland Trails

Experience the best of the Costa Tropical, Granada & Malaga!


Welcome to the breathtakingly beautiful Costa Tropical, or sometimes called the Costa Granada or Costa Granadina... If you've never visited this part of southern Spain... now is the time!

Discover first-hand the Costa Tropical's pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, soaring mountains and quaint villages all while experiencing Spain's rich Andalucian culture. You can also visit castles, Roman aqueducts, and other historic sites...as well as taking advantage of the many outdoor adventures that are available here such as kayaking and canyoning!

Unlike the better-known Costa del Sol where the 21st century has already arrived, the Costa Tropical is still very quaint and Spanish. Its people are warm, friendly and family-loving.... Once you've visited this part of Spain, you will probably be back again....and again.... and maybe even stay for good... like so many others before you.

TOP 6 DESTINATIONS

Almuñécar The most popular town in the Costa Tropical and where you will find the most restaurants, hotels, and beaches.
La Herradura The most picturesque of the four Costa Tropical villages, La Herradura is known for its beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay.
Salobreña Salobreña, a classic whitewashed village, sits atop a huge rock crowned by an imposing Moorish castle.
Motril The port city of Motril is directly south of Granada and is the largest town along the Costa Tropical.
Costa Tropical Town ➜ Nerja
Nerja Located just beside the Costa Tropical, Nerja is a gorgeous "pueblo blanco" by the sea and home to the famous Nerja Caves.
Costa Tropical ➜ Marina del Este
Marina del Este The Marina del Este is an up-scale marina with great restaurants, shops, art galleries and beautiful beaches.

MORE ABOUT THE COSTA TROPICAL

Costa Tropical - Cerro Gordo
Costa Tropical - Playa Carabeillo

Why Choose the Costa Tropical?

In the past, the Costa Tropical was commonly overlooked in favor of its neighboring coast, the Costa del Sol. But today, with easier access (due to the new highway), cheaper prices, prettier beaches 🏖️, and more natural surroundings 🌴, more and more people are flocking to the area...

The Costa Tropical is made up of three mid-sized towns and many smaller white villages... but it's mostly associated with the town that sits at its center, Almuñécar, its sidekick La Herradura and their pretty neighbor Salobreña. The well-known white villages of Nerja and Frigiliana sit right on the border, just a 10-minute drive away.

Motril is also a popular destination now and the largest of the Costa Tropical towns with a population of over 60,000.

Read our article on the top Costa Tropical Towns and why to visit...

The Costa Tropical Beaches

Costa Tropical Beaches - Almuñécar
The Almuñécar Beaches From secluded coves to popular, lively beaches, Almuñécar's diverse coastline offers more than a dozen stunning beaches. Explore them all here.
Costa Tropical Beaches - Salobreña
The Salobreña Beaches Salobrena's beaches offer a delightful blend of traditional Spanish charm, soft golden sands and tranquil Mediterranean waters...
Costa Tropical Beaches - La Herradura
The La Herradura Beaches La Herradura's main beach is a crescent of golden sand nestled between stunning cliffs, renowned for its excellent conditions for diving, kayaking and sailing.
Costa Tropical Beaches - Motril
The Motril Beaches Motril, the largest village on the Costa Tropical, combines a high end resort, golf course and many other modern amenities with its 7 inviting beaches.

The Top 8 Sites to Visit in the Costa Tropical

Costa Tropical Site ➜ San Miguel Castle
The San Miguel Castle The Costa Tropical's most prized attraction, the Almuñécar Castle sits above the old quarter keeping a watchful eye over this pretty village.
Costa Tropical Site ➜ Almunecar Aquarium
The Children's Aquarium The Aquarium has more than 3000 fish, across 200 distinct species including sharks, and an underwater observation tunnel.
Costa Tropical Site ➜ Maro Nature Reserve
Maro Nature Reserve A protected natural habitat that stands proudly as one of the only strips of land along the Andalucian coastline that has not been developed.
Costa Tropical Site ➜ Salobrena Castle
Salobreña Castle Once a Moorish royal palace with spectacular views of the sea, the Salobreña castle is just one of three Costa Tropical castles you can visit.
Costa Tropical Site ➜ Aquatropic Water Park
Aquatropic Water Park This water park has 8 giant, adrenalin inducing water slides, jacuzzis, wave pools for the older kids, and a splash pool for the younger ones.
Costa Tropical Site ➜ Junta de los Rios
Junta de los Rios Enjoy this natural park with spectacular waterfalls, hiking trails, and magnificent mountain views hidden within the Costa Tropical Valley.
Costa Tropical Site ➜ Beaches
Costa Tropical Beaches All of the Costa Tropical towns have amazing beaches... Read more about them here and our choice for the Top 10!
Costa Tropical Site ➜ Marina del Este
Marina del Este Just below the well-known Punta de la Mona (home to Andres Segovia) you can visit one of the few luxury marinas in southern Spain.
Costa Tropical Site ➜ Los Moriscos Golf
Los Moriscos Golf Club Currently the Costa Tropical's only golf course, but a beautiful one. The "Los Moriscos" Golf Resort is in Motril overlooking the sea.

COSTA TROPICAL MAP

Where is the Costa Tropical?

This magnificent stretch of Mediterranean coastline encompasses the entire coastal area of the Province of Granada and can be found in the region of Andalucia between two of Spain's most visited cities, Malaga and Granada. (maps)

  • The Costa Tropical sits between the famous Costa del Sol ☀️ and the lesser known, but stunningly beautiful, Costa Almeria.
  • From west to east the Costa Tropical begins at La Herradura and ends with the small village of Albuñol.
  • Stretching northward, the Costa Granada reaches the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains 🏔️ near the Alpujarras and meets the towns of Dúrcal and Padul to the east... at the edge of the Lecrin Valley.
  • The driving time 🚗 between Nerja and Frigiliana, the last two beautiful villages on the Costa del Sol, and Motril is about 30-minutes.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE COSTA TROPICAL?

The Costa Tropical is packed with great hotels with options in every price range, from 4-star hotels to hostels, pensions, and guest houses... there are even campgrounds for the more adventurous spirit!

You will also find a huge assortment of holiday villas and apartment rentals that range in price from top-end luxury homes with private pools and gardens to small beachfront condos with sea views.

SEARCH ACCOMMODATIONS

COSTA TROPICAL ➜ THE SURROUNDING AREAS

When you visit the Costa Tropical you will also find a multitude of new destinations to discover. Being perfectly centered between the two culture-rich cities of Malaga and Granada provides the perfect location from which to explore...

Don't miss the mountains and villages of the Sierra Nevada, the lush region of Axarquia, the Lecrin Valley, the rural villages of the Granada Province, and the famous white villages of Nerja and Frigiliana... all are just a short drive from the coast.

Costa Tropical Excursion ➜ Las Alpujarras
Las Alpujarras A cluster of ancient Berber villages, each with distinctive architecture and culture, resting just behind the Costa Tropical at the foothills of the soaring Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Costa Tropical Excursion ➜ Lecrin Valley
The Lecrin Valley Meaning "Valley of Happiness" in Arabic (coined by the conquering Moors in the 7th Century), the Lecrin Valley is an area of outstanding natural beauty with clear skies and stunning vistas.
Costa Tropical Excursion ➜ Maro Beaches
The Beaches of Maro This nature reserve on the edge of the Costa Tropical boasts 10 lovely beaches, ancient roman towers, wild Iberian ibex, underwater coral reefs, and hidden caves and bays.
Costa Tropical Excursion ➜ Granada Villages
Villages of Granada Discover more villages in the Province of Granada, just a short drive from the Costa Tropical. Explore valleys, mountains, the larger cities and more.
Costa Tropical Excursion ➜ La Axarquia
La Axarquia A land of contrasts where high mountains look down upon lush valleys blossoming with orange, lemon, eucalyptus, banana, avocado, mango and olive trees. Home to Nerja and Frigiliana.
Costa Tropical Excursion ➜ Pueblos Blancos
Pueblos Blancos of Malaga & Cadiz Just two hours west of the Costa Tropical, enjoy an excursion to a string of ancient white villages known as the "Pueblos Blancos". Castles, cathedrals, and hidden towns await you.

THE COSTA TROPICAL A PARADISE IN SOUTHERN SPAIN

What Makes the Costa Tropical so Special?

In recent years, the Costa Granada has been renamed the 'Costa Tropical'. Why? Because of its special micro-climate that only exists in this part of Spain. It's known for being the ONLY sub-tropical area on the Iberian Peninsula... AND it's overflowing with delicious tropical fruits and veggies. What's a sub-tropical micro climate?


What do we love most about the Costa Tropical?

  • ☀️ Its sub-tropical micro-climate with 320 days of sun each year!
  • The tropical vegetation including fruits, vegetables, palms, and flowers 🌺
  • Beautiful landscapes with the soaring Sierra Nevada mountains as a backdrop
  • The turquoise waters 💦 of the Mediterranean Sea
  • And its rich, multi-cultural history from the Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors

All these things make the Costa Tropical one of the most interesting areas to visit in Spain... and in Andalucía in particular.

Costa Tropical - Playa La Herradura Costa Tropical - Playa Berengueles

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE COSTA TROPICAL

COSTA TROPICAL ➜ TOP TOURS AND EXCURSIONS

Costa Tropical Tours --> kayaking Tours
Kayaking Tours in the Maro Nature Reserve On any given day, hundreds of brightly colored kayaks paddle gently along the Costa Tropical / Maro coastline... past hidden caves, coves, and waterfalls. Tours leave from La Herradura and Nerja.
Costa Tropical Tours --> Day Trips & Excursions
Day Trips & Excursions From Nerja There is a LOT more to see nearby in Andalucia; the Camino del Rey, the Alhambra in Granada, the Mudejar-style white villages, and much more... See our FULL list of excursions from Nerja to take advantage of your time here!
Costa Tropical Tours --> Sightseeing Cruises
Sightseeing Cruises in Malaga & Granada Here is our list of the TOP 10 Sightseeing Cruises in Malaga and Granada. Cruise the coast in a catamaran or yacht with a captain, food, and drinks included... and, in some areas, dolphin watching!

COSTA TROPICAL ➜ RECENT ARTICLES

Best Costa Tropical Beaches The 10 Best Beaches in the Costa Tropical. Explore Them All Here...

The Costa Tropical is known for its stunning beauty and its beaches are the reason why... plus the high soaring cliffs that meet the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Things to do in the Costa Tropical 15 Experiences You Must Have in the Costa Tropical - Get Ready!

With delicious foods, a rich culture, historic monuments, and an area famous for its outdoor lifestyle, here is a list of 15 things not to miss on your next visit to the Costa Tropical.

Free things to do in the Costa Tropical 10 Things You Can Do for FREE While in the Costa Tropical

We know some people are on a budget, but that doesn't have to stop you from having a good time. Some of the best things to do in the Costa Tropical are FREE.

Best Costa Tropical Hotels The BEST Hotels in the Costa Tropical that the Kids Will Love!

The Costa Tropical is jam-packed with great hotels, hostels, and villas...Some are very family-focused with swimming pools, waterslides, and bowling alleys.

Costa Tropical Towns Top Coastal Villages to Explore, That You Will Never Forget!

Just east of the Costa del Sol, the Costa Tropical towns are known for their beautiful beaches, historic old towns, soaring mountains, and national parks.

Things to do with Kids - Costa Tropical 10 Fun Things You Can Do with Your Kids in the Costa Tropical

From skiing to scuba diving, waterparks and bouncing to their heart's content... There is no end of fun things for your kids to do in the Costa Tropical.

COSTA TROPICAL ➜ WEATHER

☀️ ☀️ ☀️ Geographically located between Africa and the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, the Costa Tropical is sheltered from cold northerly winds resulting in the only totally protected, subtropical zone on the southern coast of Spain.

The climate varies greatly, but we enjoy a more tolerable range here along the coast compared to more severe summers and winters elsewhere. This area is usually 10º - 20º cooler during the summer months and 10º - 20º warmer during the winter than even some of our closest neighbors (Costa del Sol, Granada City, or Almeria).

Together with approximately 320 days of sunshine yearly and an average temperature of 20ºC, this strip of coastline is indeed special. ☀️ ☀️ 😎

COSTA TROPICAL ➜ HOW TO ARRIVE BY TRAIN

In general, the rail system in Spain is fantastic and usually runs smoothly, you can easily and quickly travel all over the country and at a low cost to you.

Both Granada and Malaga have large train stations that are accessible from anywhere in Spain 🚆... which makes it very easy to get to the Costa Tropical!

From each of the train stations (Malaga or Granada), you can get a direct bus to the Costa Tropical towns.

Costa Tropical - How to Arrive Costa Tropical - Getting Around

COSTA TROPICAL ➜ HOW TO ARRIVE BY PLANE

✈️ Flying into the Costa Tropical is also easily done. Both Malaga and Granada have airports that service all of Spain. Malaga's airport is international with direct flights coming in from all over the world 🌎.

Important! The BEST place to find cheap flights is Cheapoair.com!

COSTA TROPICAL ➜ GETTING AROUND

Buses ➜

🚍 The Spanish bus system is also great. Unlike some countries, buses are often used here and they tend to be large, comfortable, and dependable. You will find buses that go directly from the larger cities to the Costa Tropical towns and local buses that run from small town to town.

You can purchase most bus tickets online and compare prices, but you must pay for the local buses when you get on.


Taxis ➜

🚖 Each town has a taxi stand where taxis are always present. You can either go there or call and they will come to you. There are also several private taxi services with larger vehicles that will take you to and from the bigger cities and airports. More about Taxis in Almuñécar.

Rental Cars ➜

🚘 One of the preferred ways of getting around is, of course, renting your own car 🚗. Car rentals in Spain tend to be very reasonably priced. You can either pick up a car in Granada or Malaga (at the airport) or in town. More about car rentals in Almuñécar.

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Costa Tropical - Andalucía - Spain