The Village of La Rábita

La Rábita, a small Costa Tropical village of just over 1500 year-round inhabitants, is located on the Mediterranean seashore. La Rábita is named after the Ribat or fortress-monastery, built during the Nasrid period of Arab or Moorish domination. This settlement was an important strategic point of defense along the coast. In the area surrounding the castle, the population of La Rábita grew, and in the XVIII century the Watch Towers of Punta Negra, Rabita and Huarea were constructed.

With the construction of each tower, the marine defense of this town was fortified and extended. Presently, the better conserved tower is the Torre de la Rábita or Tower of the Rábita. A viewing of the summer dusk is very rewarding from this tower. Another attraction in La Rábita is the Parochial Church of Nuestra Señora de la Natividad de la Virgen, in whose main altar there is a great altarpiece that shows the images of San Isidro, San Antonio, the Virgin of the Sea and San Juan, among others.

There is an interesting open-air market held in La Rábita every Friday. In addition there are many interesting fairs, festivals and circuses that visit La Rábita the whole year round.

La Rábita is on the easternmost edge of the Costa Tropical and borders on the Almería province, a desert area that offers incredible attractions of its own. Access information on the Almería province for more recommended tourist destinations.

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Where is La Rábita located?

La Rábita of the Costa Tropical in the Granada province is a traditional small fishing village located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain in the Andalucia (Andalus) region, east of the cities of Motril and Almuñécar along the N-340 highway and about a one-hour drive from the cities of Granada and Malaga. La Rábita is easily accessible by main highway.

Getting There

From Granada, take the major N-323 highway to the coast. Once at the Costa Tropical town of Salobreña, take a left on the principal Costa Tropical highway N-340 heading east towards Motril and Almeria. In about 30 minutes, there will be exit signs for La Rábita.

From Malaga, take the N-340 highway going east towards Almuñécar, Motril, and Almeria. About 35 minutes after passing the Motril (located east of Almuñécar and Salobreña), look for the exit signs for La Rábita.

Who are we? An American expat with over 20 years of experience living and traveling in Spain, specifically in Malaga and Granada. Darsey is a seasoned explorer of Andalucia. Drawing from decades of immersive experience, she offers deep insights into this enchanting region of Spain, including off-the-beaten path destinations, the best places to stay, and the top bucket list activities to try! More...

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La Rabita on the Map