The coast of Granada - the tropical coast -
apans two regions; the Alpujarra strip on one
side and the plains or low-lands of Motril and
Almuñecar 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 intense
sunshine.
This Tropical Coast, which consists of around
100 Kilometres of beaches and cliff, offers some
truly beautiful locations.
Almuñecar, 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 uniquely 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 archeology of ever growing importance.
Nearby is the Herradura which is an attractive
sheltered bay. In total, the tropical coast offers
26 beaches of 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 comtemplation
of the exquisite panoramas with the sea to one
side and the fertile plains to the other.
These plains, where sugar-cane for rum-making
is cultivated, offer,together with the local capital
of Motril, a string of little, charming villages
like Molvizar and Itrabo. Further inland the Güajares
represent one of Andalusia´s most difficultly
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 Church, 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
lend themselves especially to water-sports, such
as Marina del Este in Almuñecar and the
western beach at Motril which has a port nautical
club and a nerby golf course.
The rugged coast of the Alpujarra offers solitary
coves, impressive cliffs and areas which are particularly
favourable for snorkling, sailing and windsurfing
as well as hang-gliding and parapenting. Tourism
in the little villages- Catell de Ferro, La Rábita-
does not detract from the ambience of the fishing-village
nor does it hide the presence of the intensive
farming on the neighbouring hill-sides.
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