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THE
COSTA TROPICAL, SITUATED BETWEEN THE COSTA DEL SOL AND THE
COSTA DEL ALMERIA, IS A PRIVILEDGED STRIP OF COASTLINE WHICH
BOASTS THE VERY BEST CONDITIONS AND ATTRACTION NECESSARY
TO PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT HOLIDAY.
Its situation on the Mediterranean, its
closeness to Africa and to the Sierra Nevada, with the highest
peaks on the Peninsula, protect the Costa Tropical from
the cold northerly winds, creating a subtropical micro-climate,
with 320 days of sunshine a year and an average temperature
of around 20ºC, where all kinds of tropical fruit is
grown in its lush valleys.
 Cliffs,
coves and long beaches make up the landscape of this coveted
coastline, conquered by numerous civilisations. Phoenicians,
Romans and Arabs have fought over it and left behind traces
of their cultures.
The Costa Tropical has six tourist centres - La Herradura,
Almuñécar, Salobreña, Motril, Castell
de Ferro and La Rábita - boasting a good tourist
network where countless sports can be practiced: windsurfing,
surfing, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, waterskiing, golf,
tennis, squash and horse-riding. The Sierra Nevada, at more
than 3,000 metres high and only a short distance from the
coast, is a paradise for alpine skiing and mountaineering.
 Sheltered
by a small hill, Almuñecar is the westernmost town
along the Costa Tropical. 3000 years ago, the seafaring
Phoenicians discovered a paradise in Almuñecar and
settled here. The Arab Castle, is built upon Roman fortifications,
standing on a hill overlooking the whole town.
From the same period, the town centre contains the remains
of houses as well as of the town walls, arches and water
tanks. A long flight of steps built on the Peñon
(Rock) leads up to the Mirador de la Cruz, a marvellous
viewing point over the bay. A well developed tourist infrastructure
covering 26 beaches is enough to satisfy the most demanding
visitor.
Moving out from Almuñecar, the road winds upwards
along a cliff leading to the viewing point over Salobreña;
the town is built upon a hill, crowned by a strategically
placed fortress. Below the town, a leafy plain of tropical
crops runs along the coastline of transparent blue.
It is worth admiring the marvellous architectural ensemble
of white houses, church and castle. In the steep, winding
streets, sprinkled with the colour of geraniums, one may
breathe in the town´s Arab past.
A half-submerged rock in the Mediterranean separates Salobreña´s
two main beaches: La Playa del Peñon, which caters
for the majority of the population (most services and atmosphere
are to be found here), and the Playa de la Guardia, a long,
wild beach stretching out between fields of crops and the
sea. Beautiful coves, easily accessible from the sea, make
for great locations for diving or sunbathing. 
 Crossing
6 km of the green plain, one arrives in Motril, nerve centre
of the area. With 50,000 inhabitants, the town is undergoing
constant development due to its port, the diffusion of its
tropical fruits and the trade in flowers.
The most summer atmosphere in Motril is to be found at the
Playa de Poniente, where an extensive tourist infrastructure
caters for all needs. One may practice water sports in the
marina and nautical club, or attend an agitated auction
session along the front in the fishing port. The Playa de
Granada provides a relaxing contrast to the Playa de Poniente.
Next to the fine sands of this beach is the Costa Tropical´s
only golf course. Towards the east is found Torrenueva,
and further on, Carchuna and Calahonda, separated by a wide
bay between El Cabo Sacratif and the impressive cliffs of
Calahonda.
Castell de Ferro, a typical coastal village, has an Arab-origin
castle-fortress in the centre, a witness to the historical
past of this part of the Costa Tropical. The route continues
through Castillo de Baños, La Mamola, Los Yesos,
Melicena, and finally, La Rábita, the easternmost
town of the Costa Tropical. Here, the most authentic flavours
of rural and seafaring life alternate with excellent tourist
installations.
Only a few kilometres to the north is situated La Alpujarra.
Scattered with almond trees, vines and chestnuts, the area
possesses a varied landscape with the interplay of the white
of the snow, the blue sky and the greenery of the plant
life.
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