Costa Tropical

The Costa Tropical of Granada province is particularly picturesque beachside and it is easier to escape crowds than its neighboring regions of Costa del Sol and Costa Almeria. The mountains run right down to the sea and the coastline is a succession of coves and headlands.

Almunecar

Almunecar is a delightful coastal resort town that is becoming increasingly popular with foreign residents. It boasts many attractions and has superb sand beached coves. An arabic style castle, the Castillo de San Miguel, crowns the town and evidence of a roman fortress have been found on the very same spot.

The town also has a botanical park, the Parque del Majuelo, which contains Europe's largest collection of sub-tropical plants. There are also many other attractions, such as the water park and the ornithological botanical gardens. Almunecar is the centre for sub-tropical fruit production with custard apples, papaya, avocados, mango and bananas in abundance.

Nerja

Within 1.5 hours drive from Granada you will find Nerja. This well preserved town still retains much of the character of its Moorish past. On one side is the Sierra Nevada mountains and on the other, the Sierra Almijara and its this location that gives a mild climate to the town. The town has small winding streets and small shops offer local produce such as honey and olive oil for sale.

From the historic town centre the Balcón de Europa (Balcony of Europe), which was formerly a 9th century castle, juts out into the sea and provides glorious views across the Mediterranean coast. There are 13km of coved beaches including the internationally famous Burriana beach.

Close by are the Nerja caves and they are one of the most visited monuments in the whole of Spain.

Granada

It was the Moors that gave this city its present day name but the settlement was first created in the prehistoric period. Nowadays it is a well known university city.

Spains most visited monument, the Alhambra (red or crimson castle) is found in this city. It was originally built in the 9th century for military purposes although was developed to become a fortress, palace and city all in one. Queen Isabel of Castile and her husband Ferdinand of Aragon who liberated the city from the Moors are buried in the Royal Chapel within the Alhambra. Visitors are limited each day to protect the buildings so it is important to book to see this most popular monument.

Granada is steeped in history but it also offers a lot more. There are shopping centres,restaurants, bars and much more to explore.

Salobrena

Salobrena is a attractive white hilltop town topped by a Moorish castle, built in the 10th century, and surrounded by lush sugar cane plantations. Enjoy a moment in the shade in the cool Parque de la Fuente, before taking to the beach.

The Penon, the massive rock jutting out to sea, was a prison in the first and second centuries and eventually became a Christian burial site.

This picturesque town has so much more to offer with its artificial reef for divers and snorkellers, its tranquil paths and trails for walkers and its Spanish custom of serving tapas free with every drink ordered (most bars).

Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada is Spains highest mountain range and consequently they are snowcapped for much of the year. They offer skiing from November until late May and during the rest of the year offer ramblers endless opportunities. The variety of flora is exceptional and there are nearly 100 plants exclusive to the area.

The ski resort of Sol y Nieve is located here and is the most southerly ski resort in Europe. It is small by comparison to other European resorts, but even so, was the venue for the 1996 world ski championships.