Costa Tropical Spain is effectively the coast of the Granada province along the Mediterranean Sea. It is mainly agricultural, but there are also some authentic Spanish villages, resorts, and cities. The entire Costa Tropical is a bit unique as compared to the other Costas of Spain. This area is where the Sierra Nevada mountain range meets the sea, with a more hilly coastline, excluding the vega of Motril.
Table of Contents
- Costa Tropical Towns
- Costa Tropical Spain
- Holidays, Ferias & Fiestas
- More about the Granada Coast
- Costa Tropical Weather
- Airports Closest to Costa Tropical
- Best Car Rental Malaga Airport
- Restaurants
- The Best Views!
- Costa Tropical Properties
- Where to Stay
- Tours & Activities in Costa Tropical
- Dog Friendly Costa Tropical
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Los Rastros de Costa Tropical – Flea Markets
- Delicious Local Produce!
- Health Care In Costa Tropical
- Where To Golf near Costa Tropical
Costa Tropical Towns
There are 17 municipalities in the Costa Tropical area, running along this coast or inland behind the coast, and listed below from west to east. Usually the municipality is named after one of the Costa Tropical towns and then within that municipality are localities, barrios, neighborhoods, the main city, or small villages. The chart below is from wikipedia.
| Municipality | Area (km²) | Population 2011 | Population 2018 | Includes localities of |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almuñécar | 83.4 | 26,969 | 26,377 | La Herradura, Velilla-Taramay, Marina del Este, Punta de la Mona, Cotobro, Torrecuevas |
| Lentegí | 23.8 | 338 | 328 | |
| Otívar | 57.5 | 1,193 | 1,029 | |
| Jete | 13.9 | 876 | 909 | |
| Ítrabo | 19.0 | 1,061 | 1,002 | |
| Molvízar | 21.5 | 3,174 | 2,759 | |
| Los Guájares | 89.3 | 1,152 | 1,028 | Guájar Alto, Guájar-Faragüit, Guájar Fondón |
| Salobreña | 34.9 | 12,582 | 12,396 | Alfa Mar, Costa Aguilera, El Pargo, Lobres, La Caleta, Monte de los Almendros |
| Vélez de Benaudalla | 79.1 | 2,864 | 2,870 | |
| Motril | 109.8 | 60,460 | 60,592 | El Varadero, Carchuna, Calahonda Torrenueva Costa (as of 2018 separate from Motril) |
| Lújar | 36.9 | 475 | 462 | |
| Gualchos | 31.0 | 4,530 | 5,210 | Castell de Ferro |
| Rubite | 28.6 | 430 | 382 | Caserones |
| Polopos | 26.6 | 1,789 | 1,703 | La Mamola, Castillo de Baños, La Guapa, Haza del Trigo |
| Sorvilán | 34.3 | 557 | 545 | Alfornón |
| Albondón | 34.5 | 911 | 729 | |
| Albuñol | 62.9 | 6,610 | 7,128 | La Rabita |
| Totals | 786.9 | 125,971 | 125,449 |
Costa Tropical Spain
We will provide you a bit more information about the main areas within Spain’s Costa Tropical and hope that you want to come visit or even move to the area. We offer consulting and offer many services to help you with either process.
Almuñécar Spain (La Herradura & Velilla / Taramay)
Almunecar Spain is located in the heart of the Tropical Coast Costa Tropical. With a rocky and coarse sand shoreline with picturesque beaches and pristine coves, complemented by the beautiful backdrop of the mountains, and the warm waters of the Mediterranean. This is an agricultural area, with a cherimoya farm in its center. It is located within the Province of Granada in the Autonomous Community of Andalucia. Read more here.
Motril Spain The Biggest City in Costa Tropical
Motril is the second-largest city in the province of Granada and the largest on the Costa Tropical, with a population of about 60,000. This area is more industrial and known more for agriculture and manufacturing. The beach area has a few resorts and golf as well. The municipality of Motril includes the city of Motril, as well as the neighborhoods of El Varadero, Carchuna, Calahonda, Puntalón, Playa Granada, Las Ventillas, La Perla, La Garnatilla, and La Chucha. Motril is also the capital of the region on the Coast of Granada.
Read more here.
Salobreña
Salobreña is a quaint village where you may experience traditional Spanish culture and soak in the sun and scenery. The old town is a small hill topped with the castles and surrounded by homes painted in white. Read more here.
Otivar
Otivar is nestled within the foothills of the Sierra Cazalus and the park of Tejeda, La Almijara and Alhama. With plenty of outdoor hiking and activities.
Itrabo
Itrabo is a small white village tucked away in the foothills of the Sierra de Los Guájares and the Sierra de Ubrite. It is a great destination for rural tourism and the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. The drive up from Almuñécar gives you a day out to enjoy the countryside with fresh mountain air and stunning views.
Holidays, Ferias & Fiestas
The Holiday calendar provides you with the days and dates for La Herradura and Almuñécar public holidays (local & national), ferias, fiestas, and additional public school days. Over time we will add more fiestas in Costa Tropical.
More about the Granada Coast
Costa Tropical Weather
Many people ask us about the weather in Costa Tropical, so that means it time to make a post about it! Let’s first start by saying that the sun is usually shining, but it too needs to take a siesta once in a while. The weather we have described in this post is what we’ve experienced from 2012 and we consider it to be “usual”. That said, for the past few years, there has been a little more “unusual” weather, with cold snaps in October and a warm February. This is only meant as a rough guide for each month, as we obviously can’t control Mother Nature.
Read more about the microclimate.
Airports Closest to Costa Tropical
What are the airports closest to Costa Tropical? If you’re flying from another country, or from within Spain, there are a number of airports to use. There are three main airports within 90 minutes (Malaga, Granada, & Almeria). We will also touch on other airports that can be used when traveling to Costa Tropical. Read more here.
Best Car Rental Malaga Airport
As you know Malaga is the nearest airport to Almuñécar, and if you want to explore Spain while you are here, then a car rental from Malaga airport is a great option. You will be able to get off the beaten path and discover small villages, move on your own time schedule, and likely get a better deal by renting a car at the Malaga airport. We will review with you some of your options for your car rental Malaga Airport.
Restaurants
If you are looking for wonderful places to eat in Almuñécar or La Herradura, then you have come to the right place. We share some favorite La Herradura restaurants, La Herradura restaurants, restaurants with flamenco, Vegetarian-friendly restaurants & more! Over time we will add more options in Costa Tropical.
The Best Views!
You have come to the right place if you are looking for those breathtaking views from a rooftop bar or perhaps the ambiance of outdoor dining in terrace restaurants. We will share with you some of our favorite Terrazas de la Costa Tropical. There are many restaurants, chiringuitos, and bars with a terrace or outdoor space. But we’ve created a list of those with something extra special to offer; ambiance, charm, and views. Some of them are our little secret, so don’t tell too many people.
Costa Tropical Properties
Looking to buy a luxury home? Here is a new housing development in La Herradura, at the luxury villas Sanntonio.
Where to Stay
There are also many realtors, estate agents, and property managers to help you out. Here is more info for you.
Tours & Activities in Costa Tropical
If you are looking for things to do in Costa Tropical Spain, this should get you started. There are tours and activities for all ages and plenty to do and see. From exploring the mountains to the sea, you will make lasting memories. It’s likely you will have some amazing photos to walk away with as well.
Dog Friendly Costa Tropical
Traveling with your pet is wonderful and slowly but surely, the pet-friendly tourism is on the rise in this region. You will find some areas which are very welcoming to your pets. These include a dog park, pet-friendly hotels, campsites, and more throughout Andalucia, but not on most of the beaches in Costa Tropical. There are however limited dog-friendly beaches not too far away. Read more here.
Volunteer Opportunities
Why volunteer? It is a great chance to give something back to the community and make a difference to the people around you. It can also be an opportunity to develop new skills, create new relationships. Choose to volunteer with schools, environments, animals, and more. Here are some volunteer opportunities in La Herradura, Almuñecar & Costa Tropical. It is also a fun way to interact with the locals and meet new people.
Los Rastros de Costa Tropical – Flea Markets
We all love a good bargain, but it is even better to discover a good find at a flea market or thrift shop! There is something fun about rummaging through second-hand goods to find that hidden gem you’ve been looking for or didn’t even realize you needed. Check out more on the car boot sales and flea markets in Costa Tropical.
Delicious Local Produce!
Time to have a healthy snack and learn the names of some fruits & vegetables in Spanish. For some of us, there are unfamiliar items at the produce stands that can be confusing. Not to worry, we will translate some of the most common fruits & vegetables in Spain for you. If it doesn’t look familiar, don’t be afraid to give something new a try. You may just like it! Spanish fruits and veggies.
Health Care In Costa Tropical
We all want to stay healthy and be able to enjoy our lives to the fullest. Sometimes that means we need to visit a medical professional to keep us from getting ill or help us when we aren’t feeling well. We have a few options listed for general health care in Almuñécar, (general medical doctor, optometrist, dentist, pediatrician, clinical analysis, and more).
Where To Golf near Costa Tropical
If you are looking to golf in Spain, there are plenty of options to golf Costa del Sol and you will even have some choices for golf Granada too! We will provide you with a listing of golf courses nearest to Costa Tropical and also provide a reference list for more options to golf Andalucia.
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