Province
& Villages - Granada - Tropical Coast
The Tropical Coast Information
The Tropical Coast
The coast of Granada - the Tropical Coast - spans two regions;
the Alpujarra strip on one side and the plains or low-lands
of Motril and Almuñécar on the other. The proximity
of the mountains always makes this coastal area seem narrow
and winding, but at the same time it is protected from cold
fronts and enjoys the intense sunshine. This Tropical Coast,
which consists of around 100 kilometres of beaches and cliffs,
offers some truly beautiful locations.
Almuñécar, in the valley of the river Verde
where tropical crops such as custard-apple, avocado, and papaya
add colour to the countryside, has an old, unequely enchanting
quarter around the parish church and the castle also enjoys
vantage points such as the Peñón del Santo;
botanical gardens; an ornithological park, and a museum of
archaeology of ever growing importance. Nearby is the Herradura
which is an attractive sheltered bay. In total, the Tropical
Coast offers 26 beaches of a very different characteristics
and dimensions. The typical white-washed village of Salobreña
covers the side of a mountain and extends to the edge of the
sea. The old fortress stands on the summit which allows contemplation
of the exquisite paronamas with the sea to one side and the
fertile plains to the other.
These plains, whre sugar-cane for rum-making is cultivated,
offer, together with the local capital of Motril, a string
of little, charming villages like Molvízar and Itrabo.
Further inland, the Güajares represent one of Andalusia's
most difficulty accessible regions with its wild landscape
and characteristic charm. Motril is a large and comfortable
town which is dominated by the Shrine of Nuestra Señora
de la Cabeza. The Biggest Churhc, the Encarnación,
has the double function of church and fortress, essential
in areas which, historically, have always been exposed to
the attacks of Barbary pirates.
These three towns offer ports and locations which lends themselves
especially to water-sports, such as Marina del Este in Almuñécar
and the western beach at Motril, which has a port, nautical
club and a nearby golf course.
The rugged coast of the Alpujarra offers solitary coves, impressive
cliffs, and areas which are particularly favourable for snorkeling,
sailing and windsurfing as well as hang-gliding and parapenting.
Tourism in the little villages - Castell de Ferro, La Rábita
- does not detract from the ambience of the intensive farming
of the neighbouring hill-sides.
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