Costa Tropical
The sun shines on the Costa Tropical for 320 days a year, with temperatures averaging around 20 degrees. These remarkable conditions are put to agricultural use: sugar cane, dates, pineapples, bananas, avocados and other tropical fruits flourish along this coast – something found nowhere else in Europe.
The Granada coastline enjoys the "finest climate" in Andalusia: thanks to a blend of mild North African winds, the warmth of the Mediterranean and the shelter of the Sierra Nevada peaks, a subtropical microclimate has formed that you will find nowhere else in Europe.
Until a few years ago this stretch of coast was still a true insider's tip among holidaymakers, but its popularity is climbing steadily. The reason is simple: the climate makes the Costa Tropical an ideal year-round destination. The proximity of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada even means you can enjoy the ski slopes in the morning and take a warm dip in the sea in the afternoon.
With more than 30 beaches along 60 kilometres of coastline, the Costa Tropical on Spain's southern shore is a holiday paradise. Lively coastal towns invite you to shop and stroll, and thanks to the mild winters, outdoor pursuits such as golf, tennis, diving and swimming are possible all year round.
The Costa Tropical is also among Europe's premier areas for flying. Paragliders can choose from 13 different launch sites around Almuñécar. In the hills and valleys, visitors can set out on hours-long hikes, watch birds and enjoy the unspoilt flora. On a clear day, the view from the higher villages stretches all the way to Africa.
Almuñécar – At the Heart of Paradise
The old town enchants with its winding lanes, crowned majestically by the Moorish castle. Together with Salobreña and Motril, Almuñécar ranks among the most popular holiday spots on the Costa Tropical. This town of 26,000 inhabitants is also the unofficial capital of this stretch of coast.
The Phoenicians were the first to settle in Almuñécar and founded a community here. But it was under the Moors that the town truly flourished, under the name Al-Munakkap (fortified town). Since the death of Franco, Almuñécar has been regarded as one of the most important tourist destinations in the province of Granada.
San Miguel Castle, the Cueva de Siete Palacios Archaeological Museum, the El Majuelo Botanical Park and the 1st-century aqueduct are among the most impressive sights. Almuñécar boasts 19 km of magnificent beaches to suit every taste.