A lot of people don’t realise it, but Granada has a coastline, and a lovely one at that. In under an hour from the city you drop down to the Costa Tropical, that stretch of coast between cliffs, coves and white villages where the water is crystal clear and the sun shines almost all year round. Let me talk you through the best beaches, which village to pick and the little tricks for enjoying it like a local.
The Costa Tropical at a glance
- Almuñécar: the coast’s capital, with beaches, history and buzz.
- La Herradura: a gorgeous bay, perfect for diving and snorkelling.
- Salobreña: a white village with a castle and long beaches.
- Calahonda and Castell de Ferro: coves and a quieter feel.
- Motril: the largest town on the coast, with city beaches.
And beyond the beach, each one is a town with its own charm: I cover them in the guide to coastal towns of the Costa Tropical.
Almuñécar: the coast’s capital
It’s the liveliest town on the Costa Tropical. It has beaches for everyone (San Cristóbal and Puerta del Mar, right in the centre), Roman ruins, a castle and a lovely old quarter for getting happily lost in at sunset. If you’re coming with kids, the water park and the bird park are a winner.
La Herradura: the diving bay
Right next to Almuñécar, La Herradura is a crescent-shaped bay tucked between two hills, with clean, calm waters. It’s one of the best spots for diving and snorkelling in all of Andalusia. And just beside it you’ve got Marina del Este, a cove full of charm.
Salobreña: a white village by the sea
Salobreña is the picture-postcard one: a white village crowned by a Moorish castle, surrounded by sugar cane and with long, dark-sand beaches. Climb up to the castle for the views and have a dip at La Guardia beach or La Charca.
Quieter coves and corners
If you’re escaping the crowds, head east to Calahonda and Castell de Ferro, with their pebbly coves and a more village-like feel. And between Almuñécar and La Herradura there are small coves (Cantarrián, La Caletilla) that are an absolute treat if you don’t mind walking a bit.
Sea and mountains on the same day
This only happens to you in Granada: you can ski in Sierra Nevada in the morning and swim on the Costa Tropical in the afternoon, all on the same day. It sounds like an exaggeration, but people do it. If you’re planning your trip, take a look at what to see in Granada and the things to do to combine it all.
Tips for enjoying the coast
- When to go: the climate is mild all year, but for swimming, June to October. In spring and autumn the beaches are half empty and it’s blissful.
- How to get there: by car along the A-44 from Granada, around 60-70 km. There are buses, but a car gives you the freedom to hop from cove to cove.
- Dark sand: a good part of the beaches are grey sand or pebbles (it’s volcanic), so a pair of water shoes comes in handy.
Frequently asked questions
Does Granada have a beach?
Yes. The province of Granada has around 70 km of coastline, the Costa Tropical, less than an hour from the city. Almuñécar, La Herradura, Salobreña and Motril are its main spots.
Which is the best beach on the Costa Tropical?
It depends on what you’re after: La Herradura for diving and calm waters, Almuñécar for having everything on hand, Salobreña for the white village with a castle, and the eastern coves for peace and quiet.
How long does it take to get from Granada to the beach?
Between 50 minutes and an hour by car along the A-44. It’s one of Granada’s great advantages: you’ve got the mountains and the sea at almost the same distance.
Why is it called the Costa Tropical?
Because of its mild microclimate all year round, which makes it possible to grow tropical fruits like mango, avocado and custard apple. Hence the name, and hence why it’s so pleasant in almost any month.