Andalucia's ?s 900 kilometer stretch of coastline is a magnet for tourists looking out for beautiful, sunny beaches that not just offer natural scenery but also provide avenues for water sports and social activities. No wonder that most of Andalucia's major coastal areas are quite well developed and boast of a number of clubs, pubs, discotheques and high rise hotels. But in case you are one of those people who look for solitude and peace on their holidays, then you might like to visit the Costa Tropical. Christened because of its sub-tropically warm weather and bountiful tropical produce, this 60 km stretch of coastline in Granada is a world apart from other major coastal resorts of the Costa del Sol and Almeria. This is because the main resorts in Costa Tropical?Almunecar, Salobrena and Motril boast of beaches that are away from the crowds.



While Almunecar, which is the largest resort on the Costa Tropical, boasts of all the modern amenities of a large town, it's largely native population and old town give you a feel of being in the real Spain. A visit to the old town is especially recommended for anyone who likes quaint cobbled streets, bazaars and boutiques with an old world charm. On the other hand, any beach lover can feel privileged here, what with the 25 beaches on Almunecar's 19km long coastline. While the place is developing at a very fast pace for the tourist tribe, it is recommended that you try other coastal areas if you are on the lookout for a swinging nightlife. Come to Almunecar only when you want to be one with nature on its peaceful and solitary beaches.

In the middle of the Costa Tropical, 10 kms away from Almunecar, lies Salobrena, a typical Andalucian locality offering the beautiful scenery characteristic of any white village. Full of many Moorish historical structures including the ruined winter palace of Alhambra kings, Salobrena is full of narrow streets and passages that define the town's medieval character. While the town is located on a rocky crag, sandy beaches lie at the bottom. One of the best parts about Salobrena is its? access to golf, tennis, football, mountain biking and fishing, along with air and water sports. Thse are all within easy reach. A real treat for snorkellers and divers is the artificial reef which was built only a few years ago off the Penon rock to shelter and encourage sealife, which is now showing fantastic results

At the heart of the Costa Tropical lies Motril, which is Granada's second most important city after the capital. The town is complete with all modern amenities and amusements and is well equipped with all kinds of tourist facilities. At the same time, its two beaches, the Playa Granada and the Playa Poniente are much quieter than most beaches on the other coasts. Unofficially considered the capital of the Costa Tropical, the town of Motril also has a quite busy port and is quite productive in terms of agricultural produce. Once you have visited the beautiful beaches of the tropical coast, it is recommended that you do not miss the scenery of the nearby Sierra Nevada, Alpujarras and Contraviesa, which are undoubtedly considered some of the most beautiful places in Andalucia.