Granada Coast - A Practical Guide to the Costa Tropical of Granada

The coast of Granada, known as Costa Tropical, owes its name to its exceptional climatic conditions, protected from north winds by the high peaks of Sierra Nevada.



The region is distinguished by its beaches, which are almost entirely composed of black sand or pebbles with a thick texture.

Seventeen municipalities share the denomination of Costa Tropical de Granada. Some of them are inland, nestled in a surprising enclave between mountains and tropical valleys, where delicious avocado and mango thrive, such as Jete, Molvízar or Ítrabo.


Motril, Almuñécar and Salobreña are three of the most prominent beach towns on the coast of Granada, each with a rich history dating back to the time of the Carthaginians and even further back to the Iberians.

While the beaches along the Granada coast may not be as developed as those in Malaga, there are still plenty of charming spots and small coves waiting to be discovered.

Along this exotic stretch of the Costa Tropical, there are 26 beaches, spanning a length of 19 km.

Throughout most of the year, you can admire the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada from these beaches, creating a picturesque scene and offering travelers the unique opportunity to experience both the sea and the snow in a single day.

Location of the Costa Tropical of Granada

Weather

The weather on the coast of Granada is considered subtropical, making it the only region in Europe where crops such as the famous chirimoyas in Motril, along with avocados and mangos, thrive.

The annual average temperature is 20ºC, with winter lows of 14ºC and summer highs reaching 33ºC.

Villages Along the Way

Some small roads along the route lead to several interesting villages.

A local road branching off to the right of the national road, on the route from Granada to the coast, just after Vélez de Benaudalla, leads to Los Guájares, comprising the three white villages of Guájar Faragüit, Guájar Fondón, and Guájar Alto. These villages are nestled in a mountainous area adorned with lush ravines and subtropical crops.

Vélez de Benaudalla is a place that preserves the ruins of an Arab castle and a sixteenth-century church.

Typical Cuisine of the Costa Tropical

The cuisine of the Costa Tropical is based on ancient traditions, as there are many civilizations that have arrived to its shores: the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, etc.

Granada's Tropical Coast is famous for its fish: marinated blue fish and squid.

Sardines are cooked in a very special way, that requires a lot of technique. It´s the "espeto", a traditional way of cooking sardines that looks like a barbacue made in a boat filled with ashes. You will find it in the "chiringuitos" or restaurants on the beach.

Paella, gazpacho and salads. All washed down with Costa wine, elaborated in the surrounding mountain villages. Enjoy also a cane rum made in Motril, the only European rum!

But what stands out the most in the Costa Tropical are the fruits: chirimoyas, mangoes, avocados, etc.

Also, you should try Moorish-inspired desserts such as the Torta Real, with almonds and sugar, and some roscos fritos or pestiños from Vélez.

We also want to mention the amazing home-made ice creams you can buy in the local ice cream shops or "heladerías".

You should try the famous "leche merengada" made at Perandrés since 1900. They are in Salobreña, Torrenueva and Motril.

Also see The Alpujarras Food y Food of Granada.

How to Reach the Costa Tropical of Granada

How to Get to the Costa Tropical by Car

From Granada take the highway A-44, known as Autovía de Sierra Nevada, going to Motril.

Then it joins the highway A-7, Autovía del Mediterráneo, where you can choose to go west, in the direction of Malaga, or east, in the direction of Almería.

Taxi to the Costa Tropical of Granada

Approximate taxi fares from Granada to the Granada coast villages:

Granada - Salobreña: 80 (fare 1), 95 € (fare 2).

Granada - Motril: 85 (fare 1), 100 € (fare 2).

Granada - Almuñécar: 100 (fare 1), 120 € (fare 2).

Granada - La Herradura: 110 (fare 1), 120 € (fare 2).

Fare 1: Monday-Thursday from 7:00 to 22:00 h, Friday from 07:00 to 21:00 h.

Fare 2: Monday-Thursday from 22:00 to 07:00 h, Friday from 21:00 to 07:00 h. Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

More information, phone numbers and addresses in Granada taxis.

Buses to the Costa Tropical of Granada

The buses between Granada and the Costa Tropical are run by Alsa.

It costs between 7 and 10 euros to go to the villages of Salobreña, Motril, Alnuñecar or Herradura.

More information in Granada buses.

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