Most people don't realise Granada has a coastline — and that it is unlike anywhere else in mainland Spain. Sheltered by the wall of the Sierra Nevada, the Costa Tropical enjoys a genuinely subtropical microclimate, warm enough that farmers grow mango and avocado on the hillsides above the sea. Small coves, dark-sand beaches, Moorish castles and far fewer crowds than the Costa del Sol next door make it a wonderful day out from Cortijo Bujio — and, in spring, the other half of a "ski and swim" day.

A coast with its own climate

The Costa Tropical takes its name literally. The Sierra Nevada shields it from cold northern air while the Mediterranean keeps it mild, giving it some of the warmest, most stable year-round temperatures in Europe and around 320 days of sunshine. That is why the terraces above the coast grow crops you will find nowhere else on the European mainland: mango, avocado, cherimoya (custard apple), guava and papaya. A drive down to the sea takes you from olive groves through a landscape that suddenly feels tropical.

The three coastal towns

• Almuñécar — the liveliest of the three, and one of the oldest. Founded by the Phoenicians as Sexi and later an important Roman town (its aqueduct and salting factory survive), it has a Moorish castle, a lovely old quarter, a subtropical botanical park and a string of beaches and coves.
• Salobreña — a brilliant-white village spilling down a hill beneath a Moorish castle, ringed by green sugar-cane and now tropical-fruit fields, with a long sandy beach below.
• La Herradura — a horseshoe bay between two headlands, the quietest of the three and a favourite for swimming, snorkelling and diving in its clear, sheltered water.

What to do

• Swim and laze on the beaches — dark volcanic sand, warm calm water, and chiringuitos (beach bars) grilling the day's catch, especially sardines on a skewer (espetos).
• Explore the old towns — the castle and Phoenician-Roman remains of Almuñécar, the white lanes of Salobreña.
• Eat the seafood — this is a coast of fresh fish, grilled prawns and cold local wine.
• In spring, combine it with the mountains — ski or walk the Sierra Nevada in the morning, and be on the sand by afternoon.

From the villa

The Costa Tropical is roughly 1.5 hours from Cortijo Bujio, the fastest route running past Granada and down to the sea. It makes a lovely change of pace from the inland countryside — a day of sun, salt water and subtropical greenery, and one of the region's best-kept secrets.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Costa Tropical? Granada's stretch of Mediterranean coast, around Almuñécar, Salobreña and La Herradura, named for its subtropical microclimate — sheltered by the Sierra Nevada and warm enough to grow mango, avocado and cherimoya.

Why is it called "tropical"? Because the mountains and sea combine to give it exceptionally mild, sunny weather year-round, allowing subtropical fruit to grow that thrives nowhere else on the European mainland.

Is it better than the Costa del Sol? Different — quieter, greener and more low-key, with dark-sand beaches, coves and historic towns rather than big resorts. Many visitors prefer it for exactly that reason.

How far is it from Cortijo Bujio? About 1.5 hours by car, via Granada — an easy and rewarding day at the sea.

Cortijo Bujio is about 90 minutes from the Costa Tropical. Read on about the Sierra Nevada & Alpujarras, the best day trips and food & drink around Granada.

Sources: Turismo de Granada / Costa Tropical; Wikipedia, "Almuñécar" and "Salobreña"; Andalucía.org, Costa Tropical.

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