Costa Tropical Beaches
Your guide to the best beaches
The Costa Tropical has 28 kilometres (18 miles) of beaches. The mountains run right down to the sea in this area, creating a series of coves and promontories along the coastline, and making this one of the most picturesque sections of the southern Spanish coast. It is also one of the least populated, as the beaches here are less known to foreign visitors than those of the Costa del Sol further along the coast to the west. For the time being, at least, the Costa Tropical is still off the beaten tourist track.
Barranco de Enmedio Beach
Almúñecar
A small but pleasant beach of dark sand and pebbles. A popular swimming spot.
Los Berengueles
La Herradura
Sand beach next to the leisure Port de Marina del Este. The calm, sheltered bay is also a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. It offers convenient amenities, including beachside restaurants and facilities.
Cabria Beach
Almuñécar
Located away from the bustling crowds, Playa Cabria provides a sense of seclusion and intimacy, making it a favored spot for those in search of tranquility. The rugged cliffs that surround the beach add a touch of natural grandeur, enhancing the breathtaking coastal scenery. Beachgoers can also enjoy the convenience of amenities such as beachside restaurants and facilities, ensuring a comfortable day by the sea.
Calabajio Beach
Almuñécar
This small 300 m long beach has fine sand, of the kind that is perfect for building sandcastles, and areas of pebble. The water here is shallow, making it an ideal beach to bring children. Rarely crowded.
Calahonda Beach
Motril
It is a fairly large beach, with sandy shores, shallow waters, and very few currents. The beach is well-equipped with facilities like restaurants and bars, making it convenient for visitors. The calm waves make it suitable for swimming, and there are also opportunities for water sports. The surrounding area has a pleasant promenade, ideal for leisurely strolls and taking in the sea breeze.
La Caletilla Beach
Almuñécar
Small, narrow beach located in the main area of Almuñécar, adjacent to San Cristóbal Beach. It is approximately 100 meters long with coarse sand. Situated next to the promenade, it tends to be quite crowded. Visitors can enjoy the convenience of nearby restaurants and cafes, providing a taste of local cuisine and refreshments.
Cantarriján
Almúñecar
Isolated cove with beach bars. Access is by a steep 2km path through a nature reserve. Access from the coast road is to the west of the Cerro Gordo road tunnel. Nudist beach.
Carchuna Beach
Review pending.
Casarones
Small whitewashed coastal village close to Castillo de Baños, with a small beach..
Castell de Ferro Beach
Review pending.
Cotobro
A small beach at the foot of the Cotobro hills, surrounded by rocks. Rarely crowded, even at high season. A popular sea-fishing spot.
Curumbico Beach
A very nice cove with fine dark sand, accessed via a path through the rocks from neighbouring Cabria Beach.
La Herradura Beach
Large bay sheltered by two rocky promontories. A popular seaside destination for Granadinos.
La Mamola
A popular fishing spot, with several jetties. Bars, restaurants, supermarkets, souvenir shops, etc.
Motril
Playa Granada
A long, fine sand beach that is usually fairly quiet and peaceful. Beside it is the 18-hole Los Moriscos golf course.
El Muerto Naturist Beach
Secluded cove beach surrounded by rocks which can only be accessed on foot from the Cotobro beach (at the western end of the Almuñ promenade). Officially designated a nudist bathing area.
Melicena
Review pending.
Playa de Poniente
This Motril beach is large, pebbled, and always full of activity. It is popular with water sports enthusiasts who frequent the marina and nautical club. People also come here to water-ski, paraglide, scuba-dive and so on. There is also a fish and seafood auction, which is open to the public. The beach-front and surrounding area is well served with shops, bars, restaurants, camp sites etc.
Playa de la Joya, Motril
Review pending.
Puerta del Mar Beach
One of Almuñecar town’s two main beaches (the other being the Playa San Cristóbal). The two beaches are separated by the cliffs of the Arab citadel, and three large rocks extending out into the sea. The Puerta del Mar is a long beach of pebbles and sand with a superb promenade running alongside it.
La Rábita
A popular resort for Spanish people. The Beach has a children’s play area, tapas bars, restaurants, supermarkets and small shops. La Rábita has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Salobreña Beach
Review pending.
San Cristóbal Beach
A fine sand beach to the west of Almuñecar town. The promenade has shops, bars, restaurants and hotels along its length.
Playa El Tesorillo
A fine sand inlet framed by rocky promontories. It’s name derives from the fact that gold coins were once found at the water’s edge. There is an ancient Morisco watchtower at one end.
Pozuelo Beach
A small beach near Rábita (6 km from Albuñol and 12 km of Adra), that is still largely undiscovered by tourists.
El Ruso
Torrenueva Beach
Review pending.
Velilla Beach
A long, fine brown sand and shingle beach located just one kilometre east of Almuñecar, just beyond Aquatropic (see Places to Visit). There are shops, bars, restaurants and hotels all along the seafront. There is a water sports centre on the beach, in addition to various other services and facilities including showers, equipment hire, diving excursions etc. Velilla is a Blue Flag beach.
Los Yesos
Review pending.
Playa Calaiza
Playa Cambriles
Playa de Castillo de Baños
Playa de El Gaiterillo
Playa de la Playiya
Playa de Castillo de Baños