Ɨ













SalobreƱa Spain
Explore SalobreƱa!

Discover SalobreƱa

And its Ancient Castle and Beaches

Experience the best of SalobreƱa

The 5 BEST Hotels SalobreƱa has fewer amenities than its neighbors, but you will find several mid-range hotels with castle views.

Holiday Villa Rentals With wide sandy beaches, wonderful restaurants and a castle, SalobreƱa is the perfect place to spend your holiday.

SalobreƱa Castle
The SalobreƱa Castle Visit the Moorish castle and enjoy breathtaking views of lush sugar cane fields and the Mediterranean Sea.

SalobreƱa Beaches
The TOP 9 Beaches SalobreƱa has 9 long sandy beaches as well as several smaller coves and bays. Explore them all...

SalobreƱa Old Town
Old Town Tour Tour the old town of SalobreƱa and visit the Moorish Castle, La Boveda and the Church of the Incarnation.

SalobreƱa Restaurants & Bars
The 8 BEST Restaurants The restaurants in SalobreƱa focus on traditional Andalucian cuisine. Here are our eight favorite SalobreƱa restaurants.

Where is SalobreƱa?

SalobreƱa is a coastal town in eastern Andalucia. It is situated in the center of the Costa Tropical in the province of Granada.

It is conveniently located less than an hour south of the city of Granada, 15 minutes east of AlmuƱƩcar, and just over an hour east of the beautiful port city of Malaga.

It is also a quick 25 minute drive from the famous Costa del Sol town of Nerja (with its stunning Nerja Caves) and one of Spain's most beautiful villages, Frigiliana.

Keep Reading to Learn More about SalobreƱa ā–¼

SalobreƱa Spain

SalobreƱa Spain
** Old Town - SalobreƱa Spain

SalobreƱa is a beautiful, classic, white-washed village that sits atop a giant rock, capped with an ancient Moorish castle and surrounded by a blanket of lush farmland. It's one of the most attractive towns on the entire Spanish Mediterranean coast.

With a population of just over 12,000, SalobreƱa is much smaller than the neighboring towns of AlmuƱƩcar and Motril... but far prettier, and is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in Southern Spain.

āžœ Continue reading to find out why...


The Jewel of the Costa Tropical

View of SalobreƱa from a distance
**View of SalobreƱa from a distance - Photo Credit @ArÅ«nas

Some people refer to SalobreƱa as the "Jewel of the Costa Tropical"... and they wouldn't be wrong. Spend the day exploring the winding streets and alleys of this pretty little town and you will soon understand why it's one of Andalucia's best-kept secrets.

As you approach SalobreƱa for the first time, it truly is a sight to be seen... The old quarter was built high upon a giant crag wrapping around an ancient Moorish castle and its narrow streets are overflowing with bright pink and purple flowers.

From the old town, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Sierra del Chaparral mountain range behind the village and the Mediterranean Sea just below.

šŸ’” Affiliate Disclosure:Ā  Please be aware that some links on this site are affiliate links, which means that we might receive a small commission ā˜• if you click a link and make a booking. This helps us to keep the site running and will NOT affect the price you pay in any way... ā¤ļø šŸ™ šŸ™ āžœ How does this work?


Everything You Need to Know!


SalobreƱa Highlights - Not to Miss!

  1. The Moorish Castle - Situated at the top of the town and built in the 10th century. SalobreƱa's TOP Site!

  2. The Iglesia de Nuestra SeƱora del Rosario - A 16th-century Mudejar church built on the remains of an old mosque near the top of the town.

  3. The Town Museum - Housed in the former town hall in the old town and containing important relics dating back to Neolithic times.

  4. El PeƱon - The large rock jutting into the sea that served as a prison in the 1st and 2nd centuries and then later as a Christian burial site.

  5. The Sugar Factory - The last working sugar factory in Europe lies just to the west of SalobreƱa, in the small neighboring village of La Caleta.

  6. Los Moriscos Golf Course - An 18-hole golf course located only 5 kilometers to the east of SalobreƱa, adding to the town's growing popularity.


Where to Stay āžœ The Best Hotels

SalobreƱa is a small village in the Costa Tropical, so it doesn't have as many hotels and amenities as some of the larger towns. However, there are several nice places to stay that we highly recommend.

Remember, if you can't find what you're looking for in SalobreƱa, make sure to check out the options in AlmuƱƩcar, La Herradura, and Motril... they are just minutes down the coast.


See our guides below for some great ideas:


These are the TOP Four Hotels we recommend in SalobreƱa

La Miba The modern Hotel Miba features an outdoor pool overlooking the sea, a furnished terrace, and a sun deck with beautiful sea and castle views. It is equipped with a bar, restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and each room comes with a private terrace.

La Roka La Roka in SalobreƱa provides adult-only accommodations with a restaurant, bar, and a terrace. The property has free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and beautiful sea views. It is located just 600 m from the best SalobreƱa beaches.

The Hotel SalobreƱa Suites Located on top of a cliff with views of the sea and the village of SalobreƱa in the distance, this hotel is equipped with a pool, terrace, buffet-style restaurant, free Wi-Fi, and free parking.

Playa Granada Club Resort Located between Salobrena and Motril on Playa Granada, this 4-star resort has tennis courts, swimming pools, nightly entertainment, views of the Mediterranean and private beach access.

The Top 25 Things to See & Do in SalobreƱa

There is no shortage of things to do in Salobrena, from exploring the ancient Moorish castle, to strolling through the bustling local markets, or relaxing on the beautiful beaches along the coast. But that's not all...

Below are SalobreƱa's TOP 25 attractions, sights, activities, and excursions....


1

Take a Guided (or Self-Guided) Tour

Old Town SalobreƱa Streets in Old Town SalobreƱa
**The Old Town in SalobreƱa

This is a MUST DO while in SalobreƱa! The most interesting and historic sites are found in the old town, as well as great restaurants, miradors overlooking the Mediterranean, and beautiful flower-filled streets that you would only find in a classic Andalucian village.

The old town of Salobrena is a maze of bougainvillea-lined streets and alleys that climb steadily toward the old Moorish castle. It can be quite a climb, but once at the top you will be rewarded with incredible views...

Imagine the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra del Chaparral, the green and yellow of the surrounding farmland fanning out to touch the sea, and the small village of La Caleta gently rising from the sugar cane fields on the neighboring hillside.

It is a sight not to be missed! ... So, let's go!

Guided Tour of the Old Town Step into one of the most beautiful towns on the Costa Tropical with white-washed houses, an imposing Moorish castle, and charming narrow streets... much awaits you on this tour of SalobreƱa. (Spanish Guide) - Guided Visit 15ā‚¬

SalobreƱa Old Town
**SalobreƱa Old Town


2

Paseo de las Flores

View of houses on the cliff from the Paseo de las Flores
**View from the Paseo de las Flores of the SalobreƱa coast

This beautiful terrace was once home to SalobreƱa's earliest settlers. We know this because of the many important artifacts that have been found here dating to 3000 - 2000 BC.

The patio is adorned with beautiful flowers and shrubs, exploding palms, and a small sanctuary where candles are lit each morning.

Take a stroll around the super-sized patio and enjoy the incredible views of the sea and impressive castle towering above.

View of houses on the cliff from the Paseo de las Flores
** View of the houses upon the SalobreƱa Crag


3

Mirador "El Postigo"

el Mirador Postigo in SalobreƱa
** View from El Mirador Postigo to the mountains behind SalobreƱa

From the Paseo de las Flores, go back out to the main road and walk across to the other side. Just in front of you, you will see the "Mirador El Postigo" with a plaque denoting its location on the wall to the left.

Where today you will find an observation deck with incredible views of the Sierra del Chaparral Mountains, during the middle ages this would have been a second gate into SalobreƱa.

At that time, it was called "Postigo del Mar", which means "Door to the Sea". It was given this name because the gate led from the village center to the port and beaches below.


4

Stop for a Quick Drink

SalobreƱa Old Town
** SalobreƱa Old Town

From the Mirador "El Postigo", make your way down the street away from the Paseo de las Flores. As you round the corner there will be a quaint little cafe on your right. This is a great place to stop and have a snack and a cool drink. The area around the cafe is beautiful.


5

SalobreƱa Castle

SalobreƱa castle from the Paseo de las Flores
** View of the SalobreƱa castle from the Paseo de las Flores

Once you've cooled off, keep heading down the same street in the same direction. Take your first right just after the cafe and walk up the hill. You will come to a gorgeous little street on the right-hand side, bursting with pink and purple Bougainvillea.

There is an art gallery on the left-hand side with signs pointing towards the Arabic Castle above. Climb to the top of the street / stairway and you will find the entrance to the SalobreƱa Castle.

The Castle was built by the Moorish people who inhabited this area in the 10th century and later reformed by the Christians. The castle has been used as a prison, a military defense structure, and as a palace for Muslim nobility.

Read the SalobreƱa Castle Guide for more information.


6

Iglesia de Nuestra SeƱora del Rosario

Iglesia de Nuestra SeƱora del Rosario in SalobreƱa
** Iglesia de Nuestra SeƱora del Rosario - SalobreƱa Spain

When you are done visiting the castle, come back down the same stairway that you went up. At the bottom, take a right. You will come across the Iglesia de Nuestra SeƱora del Rosario on your left.

This MudƩjar style church was built on what was once the town's only mosque. MudƩjar refers to a style of ornamentation and decoration in post-Islamic Christian Spain that was strongly influenced by Moorish taste and workmanship.

The square in front of the church was used as a cemetery until 1789. In 1821, much of the church's roof was destroyed in a fire but was later rebuilt.

Walk around the church and enjoy the beautiful views from the terrace towards the sea. From there, walk along the side of the church and down the steps, take a right and you will find the next site on our tour, "La Boveda".


7

La Boveda / The Vault

La Boveda in SalobreƱa
** La Boveda - SalobreƱa Spain

The tunnel vault or "La Boveda" was built in the 16th century using the existing fortified wall of the town. It is thought that the vault was built to create more space for the church and its atrium above. It was built while the new Rosary Church was being constructed on top of the existing Muslim mosque.

La Boveda was once a passageway that connected the Muslim living area or "AlbaycĆ­n" to the commercial area of town or "Medina". The doorway on the left-hand side would have been the only secondary entrance into the fortified town. This is where supplies would have been brought in.

Explore this area and then head back to the beginning of the tunnel, take a right and you will find yourself in the old town square. This is a good place to stop for a bite to eat.


8

The History Museum in the Plaza del Antiguo Ayuntamiento

Plaza del Antiguo Ayuntamiento
** Plaza del Antiguo Ayuntamiento - SalobreƱa Spain

Now that you have found the Old Town Hall Plaza, you can do a quick tour of the History Museum located in the building in front of you (the former Town Hall or Ayuntamiento).

The History Museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts that have been found all over SalobreƱa, dating from Neolithic times. Here you will see the oldest human remains found in the Cueva del Capitan, ceramic urns, ancient coins, and much more.

There are also miniature models of the castle, church, and its tower.

Under the building, you can also tour the old town jail that was built in the 16th century.


ā­ This is where our tour ends, but there is so much more to see and do... Read on to learn more about the top things to do in Salobrena and other places of interest.


MORE āžœ Things to Do in SalobreƱa

9

Visit the Small Village of La Caleta

SalobreƱa & La Caleta
**La Caleta, a small village near SalobreƱa

Just 5-minutes to the west of SalobreƱa is a small fishing village called La Caleta. It's an area that grew up around the old sugarcane factory which at the time was the pride of SalobreƱa. The factory has since closed its doors, but the little town is still a great place to visit.

Take a walk through its winding streets and grab a cold drink and tapa at one of its charming cafes. Afterward, make your way to Lavadero Square where you will find a pretty stone pathway that takes you around the cliffs to CaletĆ³n Cove, a small cove and beach with amazing views of SalobreƱa and the PeƱon!


10

Spend the Day at One of the Beaches

SalobreƱa PeƱon Beach
** El PeƱon Beach - SalobreƱa Spain

SalobreƱa is known for its long, wide sandy beaches... there are at least six... each with its own unique charm. The waters are generally calm, thanks to the protection of the bay, and are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. During the summer months, they're patrolled by lifeguards for the safety of beachgoers.

The main beach, Playa de SalobreƱa (which is made up of three beaches separated by dry riverbeds; Playa Molino, Playa Salomar and Playa Mayorazgo), is right next to the town and is characterized by its smooth white sand and gentle surf. Here you'll find the iconic PeĆ±Ć³n de SalobreƱa, a rocky outcrop that juts out into the sea.

This beach is usually lively, with many amenities nearby, such as restaurants, cafes and shops. From here you have a fantastic view of the whitewashed houses of SalobreƱa rising up to the castle.

To the west of the main beach is Playa del PeĆ±Ć³n, a small cove created by the PeĆ±Ć³n on its eastern side. It's one of the busiest beaches and is popular for rock jumping. Further along the coast you'll find Playa de la Guardia, which is quieter and more secluded, offering a peaceful retreat with the same dark sand and clear waters.

Smaller coves and bays can also be found between the cliffs along the coast to the east... CambrĆ³n Cove, Pargo Cove, and CaletĆ³n Cove.

The beauty of this area, coupled with the views of the old town and the Moorish castle, make the beaches of SalobreƱa truly unique in the region.


11

Take a Walk Through the Tropical Valley

Tropical Valley - SalobreƱa Spain
** Tropical Valley - SalobreƱa Spain

SalobreƱa is surrounded by sugarcane farms and fruit plantations. Several interesting walks take you through these areas where you will learn more about the tropical fruits and other products that are grown locally.

Because the land is flat the walks are easy and very relaxing...

Try one of these walks:
SalobreƱa Castle āžœ Fertile Sugarcane Fields āžœ Coastal Path - 3.44 miles
Camino del Canal Pathway āžœ Botanical Walk through the Countryside - 3.08 miles


12

Cycle Down the Beach Promenade

Bike Paths - SalobreƱa Spain
** Bike Paths - SalobreƱa Spain

In recent years, SalobreƱa has done a lot in terms of modernizing and updating its beachfront promenades and bike paths. A completely new promenade has been added to the western end of the beach while new bike paths have been installed around the main SalobreƱa crag.

These new paths connect to existing paths along the beachfront going east, this is a fabulous area to cycle around and the perfect way to explore SalobreƱa!

Several local companies specialize in bike rentals:
costatropicalcycling.com


13

Enjoy Tapas and Drinks at a Seaside Chiringuito

Tapas  - SalobreƱa Spain
** Tapas - SalobreƱa Spain

In SalobreƱa, like in most of the Costa Tropical towns, delicious chiringuitos line the beaches. These are great options for a mid-day snack or a leisurely lunch with friends.

One of the best and most festive areas to enjoy a good Spanish meal is right beside the great SalobreƱa PeƱon, between Playa Guardia and Playa Molino. Here you will find three great chiringuitos, Sunem Playa, La Bahƭa and El PeƱon.

El PeƱon is built right into the front of the giant rock and has beautiful views of the bay and the SalobreƱa Castle in the distance. Here are our picks for the Eight BEST SalobreƱa Restaurants...


14

Visit the Cueva del Capitan Outside Lobres

Village of Lobres, near SalobreƱa
**Village of Lobres, 5-minutes from SalobreƱa

If you're a history buff, you might enjoy seeing the cave where the first human remains were discovered, dating back 6000 years ago. The cave lies just behind the small town of Lobres, to the west of SalobreƱa.

āžœ For more information on the cave and the town of Lobres, read our guide.


15

Take a Stroll Through the Markets

Market - SalobreƱa Spain
** Market - SalobreƱa Spain

Everyone loves a market! Markets have always been a big part of life in AndalucĆ­a and even though the larger grocery chains are gaining in favor, most locals still prefer to do their shopping in the specialty markets each morning... where the produce is fresh, and the faces are familiar.

While in SalobreƱa, take a stroll through one of its many markets, from the daily farmers market to the monthly craft and specialty markets. You will find a schedule of all the SalobreƱa Markets below.


SALOBREƑA MARKETS - DAYS, TIMES & LOCATIONS

SalobreƱa Markets Times / Locations
SalobreƱa Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Market: Tuesday to Sunday (9:30 - 14:00) /
Avenida del Mediterraneo
SalobreƱa Open Air Street Market: Tuesday and Friday (9:30 - 14:00) /
Avenida del Mediterraneo
SalobreƱa Night Market: July to September /
Next to La Fuente Park
SalobreƱa Eco-Rastro / Antique Market: Monthly / La Fuente Park
SalobreƱa Main Shopping Area: Poets' Street / Open Daily

16

Get Sporty!

SalobreƱa Kayaking
**Kayaking - SalobreƱa Spain

Kayaking, scuba diving, and parapente are just a few of the sports that are popular along the Costa Tropical. SalobreƱa, like other nearby towns, has its fair share of companies that will cater to all your sporting needs.

Most of the Snorkeling / Kayaking tours take place in nearby La Herradura.

Kayaking Tours near SalobreƱa
Kayaking & Snorkeling Tours Experience the natural beauty and explore the caves of the Cliffs of Maro-Cerro Gordo while getting a good snorkeling and kayaking workout with this tour.


Excursions and Tours

Excursions and Tours from SalobreƱa - Almeria Spain
** Excursions and Tours from SalobreƱa - Almeria Spain

Just 5 minutes west of Salobrena are the beautiful Andalucian towns of AlmuƱƩcar and La Herradura, both of which have gorgeous beaches, traditional Andalucian restaurants and many other historic sites to see.

If you have time, take the N-340 coastal road and visit these two charming villages, then continue through the stunning Maro / Cerro Gordo National Park with your final stop in Nerja and Frigiliana.

Heading east you will reach Almeria, a port city and the capital of the province of Almeria. It's not as popular a destination as Malaga or Granada, but it's an interesting place to visit. Being on the sea and surrounded by a vast desert and natural parks, it has a unique combination of landscapes rarely found in other places.


Here are 5 of our favorite places to visit:

17

Visit Almeria & The Tabernas Desert

AlmerĆ­a is home to the Alcazaba, a magnificent Moorish fortress dating back to the 10th century. With its numerous towers, beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea... it is one of the most remarkable historical monuments in Spain.

Walking around Almerƭa you will notice that there is still a large muslim presence in the city with wonderful Moroccan restaurants and tea houses in the area around the castle. (1 h 14 min from SalobreƱa)

Tours Near SalobreƱa - Almeria Tabernas Desert
Fort Bravo Entrance Ticket The region around Almerƭa boasts striking landscapes, including the Tabernas Desert (the only desert in Europe). It is home to the Fort Bravo-Texas Hollywood movie set that is famous for its spaghetti westerns. (1 h 30 min from SalobreƱa)

18

Visit AlmuƱƩcar

AlmuƱƩcar, another charming coastal town on the Costa Tropical, offers a wonderful blend of ancient history, idyllic beaches and natural parks. Its main attractions include the majestic Castillo de San Miguel, a fortress with stunning views of the city and the sea, and the Majuelo Botanical Gardens, a lush garden that houses a Phoenician fish salting factory.

Another popular attraction in AlmuƱƩcar, especially in the summer, is the Aquatropic Water Park. (20 min (14,5 km) from SalobreƱa)

Tours Near SalobreƱa - Aquatropic Water Park
Aquatropic Water Park Aquatropic Water Park offers a fun-filled day of exhilarating waterslides, a wave pool and a relaxing Jacuzzi in a beautiful tropical setting, making it the perfect escape for both the parents and the kids.

19

Visit La Herradura

La Herradura, a picturesque village just 25 minutes down the coast from SalobreƱa, is known for its wide blue bay and surrounding points crowned by ancient watchtowers. It is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering excellent opportunities for scuba diving, kayaking and snorkelling, while its beautiful beaches, lined with tapas bars and restaurants, provide an authentic taste of Spanish coastal life.

20

Visit The Beaches of Maro

The Maro-Cerro Gordo Nature Reserve is a protected natural area that offers a mix of stunning cliff views, crystalline waters, untouched beaches, and rich biodiversity, including a variety of rare bird species. The reserve, which extends both on land and underwater, is also a popular spot for hiking, snorkeling, and scuba diving, making it a must-see for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. (25 min from SalobreƱa)

Tours Near SalobreƱa - Maro Nature Reserve
Maro Nature Reserve & Beaches For lovers of nature take a look at these activities that can be enjoyed in the Maro Nature reserve. From kayaking along the cliffs, to hiking, or exploring the coast by boat...

21

Visit The Nerja Caves and Frigiliana

If you're in the area of SalobreƱa, you have to visit the white village of Nerja and the incredible Nerja Caves (listed in the Guinness Book of World Records)... (30 min from SalobreƱa)

The tiny mountain village of Frigiliana, just 5-minutes from Nerja, is also a place that can't be missed! (35 min from SalobreƱa)

Tours Near SalobreƱa - Nerja Caves
Nerja Caves Entrance Ticket - Skip the Lines! Enjoy one of the Costa del Sol's most impressive natural spectacles and its unbelievable rock formations. Visit the Nerja Caves and discover an incredible subterranean world!


MORE āžœ Must-See Sites in SalobreƱa

22

The Mirador "Enrique Morente"

Mirador Enrique Morente in SalobreƱa
** Mirador "Enrique Morente" - SalobreƱa Spain

The Mirador "Enrique Morente" can be found just below the Paseo de las Flores. From the top, climb down the steps at the far end of the terrace.

The Mirador is 98 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. A monument to one of the 20th centuries most important Spanish musicians "Enrique Morente" is the focal point.


23

The Calle Mas Estrecha or Narrowest Street

La Calle Mas Estrecha in SalobreƱa
** La Calle Mas Estrecha - SalobreƱa Spain

Another fun little site to see in the old town is the "narrowest street" in SalobreƱa. At 60 cm wide, there is just enough room to squeeze your shoulders through this tight little alley.

This narrow street connects the "La Fuente" neighborhood with the rest of the old town.


24

La Casa Roja

The Casa Roja was once the exquisite home to the wealthy owner of the sugarcane factory in La Caleta. It was built in 1905 and the interior has been carefully maintained in the original style.

Today the building houses a foundation honoring a famous Spanish playwright and author that was born and lived in the town of SalobreƱa.


25

Parque "La Fuente"

Parque La Fuente in SalobreƱa
** Fountain in Parque La Fuente - SalobreƱa Spain

Just at the bottom of the SalobreƱa crag, you will find this quaint little park. It lies on both sides of the main road that connects the town with its beaches.

The park has at its center, and derives its name from, a beautiful fountain that resembles the lion head fountain found in the nearby Alhambra Castle in Granada. There is also a small children's park, refreshment stand, and a small pond with interesting wildlife.


26

El PeƱon

El PeƱon in SalobreƱa
**El PeƱon - SalobreƱa Spain

The giant rock that juts out into the sea and divides the main SalobreƱa beaches is called El PeƱon. At one time in history, this rock was completely surrounded by water and was known as the "Island of the Rock".

Over the years, it has been used for fishing, as a cemetery, and as a sanctuary to the goddess Tanit.

Today, one of the best chiringuitos is built on top of the PeƱon. During the summer you will find many holiday goers jumping from its rocks, feeding the fish within its coves, and enjoying the spectacular views of the castle from the top.


SalobreƱa Village Information

Region: Costa Tropical
Post Code: 18680
# of inhabitants: ~ 11,750
Inhabitants: SalobreƱos
Distance to Granada: 68 km

SalobreƱa Tourist Office

Address: Plaza de Goya, s/n, 18680, SalobreƱa, Spain

Open Daily:
Winter Hours
10:00 am - 2:00 pm &
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Summer Hours
10:00 am - 2:00 pm &
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Phone: 605 694 826 / +34 958610314
Email: turismo@ayto-salobrena.org
Website: http://www.ayto-salobrena.org

Map & Planning

Be sure to plan a visit to the small, picturesque village of SalobreƱa on your next trip to Andalucia. It's the perfect place to stop between a visit to Malaga and Granada. The entire Costa Tropical area is not to miss!

Where to find SalobreƱa

Distances Between Cities and Towns

From To Distance(k)
SalobreƱaLa Herradura21
SalobreƱaAlmuƱƩcar24
SalobreƱaMotril10
SalobreƱaNerja35
SalobreƱaGranada69
SalobreƱaMalaga89


How Do You Get There?

From Malaga: Take the A-7 going east just over an hour. After passing the town of Almunecar start looking for the SalobreƱa exit signs. Once off the highway, follow the signs to the old town.

From Granada: Take the A-44 going south for 55-minutes until you reach the town of Motril. From there, get on the A-7 going west towards SalobreƱa. Once off the highway, follow the signs to the old town.

You can also drive to SalobreƱa on the old N-340 coastal road from AlmuƱƩcar going east. This is the most scenic route. The views of the SalobreƱa castle as you get closer to town are stunning!

Check out!: You will find the cheapest most reliable car rentals in Spain here!


Getting to SalobreƱa by Train & Bus:

Granada and Malaga both have great train stations and are accessible from anywhere within Spain.

From each of the train stations (Malaga & Granada), you can get a local bus to SalobreƱa.


Remember! The BEST place to find cheap bus and train tickets is thetrainline.com!


The History of SalobreƱa

The history of SalobreƱa, like most of the towns in the Costa Tropical, dates to Neolithic times when this area was populated with semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers. Remains of these people and their culture have been found in the nearby cave, La Cueva del Capitan, in Lobres. If you are interested, you can still visit this cave today.

The oldest human remains that have been found in the area, date back 6000 years.

Since that time, the area has been inhabited and influenced by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Moors. They have all left their special mark on the town of SalobreƱa and as a result, it is a fascinating place to visit.


A Major Geographical Transformation

Geographically, SalobreƱa has transformed over the years as well...

  • From Neolithic times and well into the Roman era, the area around SalobreƱa was a bay.

  • The PeƱon, the rock that today divides the main SalobreƱa beaches, was at that time an island. A giant rock jutting out from the sea.

  • The rocky promontory, where the castle and town currently reside, was also surrounded by water. There was only a tiny sliver of land connecting it to the mainland. It was essentially a peninsula, looking out towards the PeƱon or ā€œIsland of the Rockā€, as they called it.

  • Over thousands of years, the Guadalfeo River, which runs south from Granada, deposited sand and silt into the SalobreƱa basin. This buildup gradually created a large area of flat land, that was perfectly suited for agriculture.

  • This process continued well into Roman times and beyond, where only in more modern times was the process complete. Today SalobreƱa sits atop a fertile plain of sugar cane plantations and groves of sub-tropical fruit trees.


The Phoenicians

The Phoenicians created small settlements in SalobreƱa, dating back to the 8th century BC. Remains of their existence have been found in the ancient necropolis, which was located on what is now the great SalobreƱa rock. At that time, SalobreƱa was known as Selambina.

The Romans

SalobreƱa joined the Roman Empire in 206 BC. During the Roman period, El PeƱon (which was an island at the time) was used for fishing, as a cemetery and as a sanctuary. A temple was built on the rock to honor the goddess Tanit (a Punic and Phoenician goddess that was later worshipped by the Romans).


The Moors

The first written records of Muslim presence in SalobreƱa date to the 10th century. It was the Moors who are believed to have built the SalobreƱa Castle. They also introduced the cultivation of sugarcane, which became an especially important part of the local economy and made SalobreƱa essential to the Kingdom of Granada. In 1489, SalobreƱa (and the rest of coastal Granada) came under the rule of the Christians, after the Moors were defeated in a battle in Almeria.

The Christians

The Christian population in SalobreƱa lived in the old quarter where the current town hall is located and around the area of the church of Our Lady of the Rosary. The cultivation of sugarcane in the sixteenth century continued to be an important part of the local economy.


Modern Day

In the second half of the nineteenth century, the final remains of the old townā€™s walls were destroyed. The town was experiencing a boom in sugar cane production and as a result needed to expand.

It wasnā€™t until the 70ā€™s and 80ā€™s that the town expanded into the plain below, where today you will see many modern buildings, parks, hotels and restaurants by the sea.


photo of Darsey and Izzy

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...

Want to Save on your Next Trip?

Save money on your next trip with our favorite travel websites!

Find the Cheapest Hotels:
The Largest Selection of Villas & Apartments:
Cheapest, Most Reliable Car Rentals:
Best Bus & Train Fares:
Huge Selection of the BEST Tours & Activities
Discount Tickets to Museums & Attractions

See our Full List of Travel Deals & Site Recommendations.


If You Liked It.. Please, pin me!
Click for full size...

SalobreƱa- Andalucƭa - Spain

SalobreƱa- Andalucƭa - Spain