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When we talk about the Costa Tropical, we are referring to an area of the Spanish coast that is located less than an hour from Granada. With a beautiful tropical climate, especially in summer, it is ideal to spend a few days participating in different water sports, such as sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Or, if you prefer, it can be days to stay calm and relaxed on the beaches.
This coastline is famous for the number of beaches it has, some of them are quiet, with clear water, family beaches, with adequate services such as a walkway and shower, and others are adapted. In addition, they have the advantage of being very close to the capital, which facilitates even a round trip the same day, without much effort thanks to the proximity.
Then, Granada offers more or less 75 kilometers of different beaches, between the province of Almeria and the sandy beaches of Nerja, such as Salobreña, Motril, Almuñécar, among others, and coves of a few meters. Below, we will name some of them.
Beaches in the town of Salobreña
- La Playa del Peñón, in the municipality of Salobreña: this town has beaches with transparent, wide waters and one of the best known is this one, which is attached to a rocky promontory and promontory, hence its name. That is to say, this beach is formed between the rock of Salobreña and this salient, forming a bay in this municipality.
It is recommended to climb to the top of the rock, since access has been facilitated by stairs to the right side. From there you can appreciate beautiful views of the bay and the entire surroundings, including the medieval castle, which is located on the cliff of the municipality. The beach also offers a good variety of its gastronomy and is an ideal place for the whole family, including kayaking, diving, windsurfing, paddle boarding, among others.
- La Guardia Beach, in the municipality of Salobreña: this beach has an extension of about 1100 m long and 25 m wide, and is separated from La Charca beach by the Peñón de Salobreña. It is a beach of dark sand and coarse gravel, surrounded by many agricultural crops and huts. Its popularity increased as a result of the promenade, which crosses the entire beach.
It is a beach where you can have a great time, because everything you need is here, such as restaurants, kiosks, beach bars and many accessible accommodations for all tastes and budgets. It is an inlet in the shape of a “U”, accessible by car and bus. In addition to enjoying the gastronomy, there is also a kayak rental service.
Beaches in the town of Motril
- Calahonda Beach, in Motril: this beach is located in the Sacratif cape. It receives many people in the summer season and its surface has light, dark and thick sand; also chinarros or loose and polished rock fragments. Its waters are generally calm and blue, crystal clear. It also has a promenade that reaches the pier.
It also has beach bars, parking and access for people with some mobility impairment, as well as toilets, showers, Red Cross post and a beautiful viewpoint. It is said that this beach is a true paradise, since, due to its proximity to the sea, it lacks the winter. Some areas are favorable for the practice of sports such as diving, fishing, among others.
- La Joya Beach, in Motril: this beach is located 1 Km from Torrenueva and is hidden between cliffs. With an extension of approximately 600 m of sand with gravel, it is ideal for visitors who like to enjoy nature. It is a virgin and little exploited beach, it has no facilities or services; and as its name says, it is a jewel.
To reach it, leave your car in the parking lot and walk down about 200 steps in very good condition; it has recently increased in popularity, but remains virtually untouched; pets are welcome.
Beaches in the town of Almuñécar
- La Herradura Beach in the Municipality of Almuñécar: in the Sierra de Almijara is located this beach, with an extension of about 2050 m. It has a promenade, parking and different types of services, including beach bars, which is why it is very popular. In addition, the port of La Marina del Este is located a kilometer and a half away. It is a beach of dark sand and some gravel, with vegetation around it.
We can locate it between Punta de la Mona and Cerro Gordo, creating a horseshoe-shaped bay. It has received the distinction of Tourist Quality, for the conservation of the species in the coral reefs. Its somewhat moderate waters are ideal for snorkeling sports, for example, as it has a rich flora and fauna, being part of the Natural Marine Park, protected by UNESCO.
- The beach of San Cristóbal, in Almuñécar: it is also known as La China. It occupies an extension of about 1100 m of length of its coast, with dark but fine sand, gravel and its waters are crystalline. It is a well-equipped beach, urban type, which has parking service, security, showers, toilets, hammock rental, beach bars and access for disabled people.
It is famous because it borders the Peñones de San Cristóbal, that is to say, with 3 rocks of different dimensions and very peculiar form, that go into the Mediterranean Sea, separating the waters; and they are visible from any place of the beach. They are considered a national monument in Andalusia. The largest, 30 m high, is called the Peñón del Santo, which is reached by stairs. It has vegetation, a viewpoint and a cross.
