Costa Tropical of Granada - Charming Villages, Top Attractions and Beaches

Why is it called Costa Tropical? The Costa Tropical of Granada (tropical coast), owes its name to its exceptional subtropical climatic conditions, protected from north winds by the high peaks of Sierra Nevada mountains.


Seventeen municipalities share the name Costa Tropical (or Granada Costa). 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.

Below, you can find detailed information about each of these villages, including what to see, how to reach, where to eat, and their beaches:


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.


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 and boundaries of the Costa Tropical of Granada

The Costa Tropical is a coastline situated between the eastern part of the province of Málaga and the western part of the province of Almería.

On this map you can see the boundaries of the Costa Tropical. Some municipalities are inland while others are situated next to the coast.

The villages located next to the seaside are: La Herradura, Almuñécar, Salobreña, Torrenueva, Carchuna, Calahonda, Catel del Ferro, Castillo de Baños, La Mamola, Los Yesos, Melicena y La Rábita.

Weather of the Costa Tropical

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.

Each year, Costa Tropical gets noticeably hotter, with summers growing warmer and the heat lasting longer. The rising temperatures are becoming a defining feature of the region’s climate.

The annual average temperature is 20ºC, with winter lows of 14ºC and summer highs reaching 33ºC. In extreme cases, temperatures can sometimes soar as high as 40°C.

Villages Along the Way from Granada to Costa Tropical

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

We definitely recommend visiting the Valle de Lecrin, which resembles an orchard of blooming orange trees, with many small white towns scattered across the landscape until you reach the Beznar Dam. The area offers numerous hiking trails and rural accommodations.

A local road branching off to the right of the national road, 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.

Distinct Features of the Costa Tropical

Due to the climatic conditions, it's not surprising that exotic tropical fruits, unique in all of Europe, are grown here. For instance, the cherimoya, which holds a denomination of origin, thrives in this region.

This South American fruit is exclusively grown in this area of Europe, with Spain being the world's leading producer. Additionally, there is an abundance of papayas, avocados, mangoes, guavas, and so on.

Another defining characteristic of the Costa Tropical is sugar cane. In these lands, where the alluvium of the Guadalfeo River is located, sugar cane has been cultivated for many centuries.

Apparently, sugar cane entered Europe through the Iberian Peninsula, specifically from the Kingdom of Granada, the only place where it took root and where it was cultivated until 2006.

Unfortunately, the sugar factories on the Costa Tropical closed, one after the other, and sugar is no longer produced in the area, although rum is still produced: Ron Montero.

A visit to its factory will unveil a part of the history of sugar cane cultivation in Granada.

Historical and Cultural Heritage

The charm of many of its corners makes this coast a very special place, both for its landscape full of contrasts and for its historical and cultural heritage.

The Costa Tropical of Granada has such an ancient history that dates back to the times of the Carthaginians. There are remains of Roman walls and aqueducts, Arab castles, and churches from the 16th century.

Don't miss the sunset at the Peñón del Santo, in San Cristóbal Beach, where you can contemplate the sea and a large part of Almuñécar.

Visit the Paseo de las Flores, in Salobreña, and enjoy its beautiful medieval streets in the vicinity of the Moorish Castle.

Although there are many other small towns of special interest, not only on the coast but also inland, such as Los Guájares, Molvízar and Vélez de Benaudalla, which are worth visiting for their lush vegetation and historical monuments.

Typical Cuisine of the Costa Tropical

The cuisine of the Costa Tropical is based on ancient traditions influenced by the many civilizations that have arrived on its shores, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs.

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 called 'espeto', a traditional method of cooking sardines that resembles a barbecue made in a boat filled with ashes. You can find this delicacy in the 'chiringuitos' or beachside restaurants.

Enjoy dishes like paella, gazpacho, and salads, all washed down with Costa wine, produced in the surrounding mountain villages. Don't miss the cane rum made in Motril, the only rum produced in Europe!

However, 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, made with almonds and sugar, as well as roscos fritos and pestiños from Vélez.

We also want to mention the amazing homemade ice creams you can buy in the local ice cream shops, or 'heladerías'.

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

Also, check out the Food of the Alpujarra and Food of Granada pages.

How to Reach Costa Tropical of Granada

How to Reach Costa Tropical by Car

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

Then it connects to the A-7 highway, known as Autovía del Mediterráneo, where you can choose to travel west towards Malaga or east towards Almería.

Taxi to the Costa Tropical of Granada

Approximate taxi fares from Granada to Granada Costa Tropical villages:

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

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

Granada - Almunécar: 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.

For more information, including phone numbers and addresses: Granada taxis.

Buses to the Costa Tropical of Granada

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

It costs between 7 and 10 euros euros to travel to the villages of Salobreña, Motril, Alnu&ñéecar or Herradura.

More information in Granada buses.

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