Costa Tropical holidays

Costa Tropical holidays

Deals from £194 per person

Get away from it all in Costa Tropical

East of the busy Costa del Sol, holidays to Costa Tropical offer fewer crowds and more charm. With no high rises in sight, this quiet coastline is your ticket to unspoiled beaches, whitewashed villages and authentic Spanish culture. 

Unlike other Spanish holidays, the Costa Tropical is mostly unaffected by mass commercialisation. So you can enjoy lazy lunches of genuine tapas at lower prices. 

It’s also home to a unique microclimate, hence the name. Which is why you’ll see acres of papaya, mango, and avocado. 

Best Things to Do in Costa Tropical

Discover the top attractions and activities on Costa Tropical holidays. This lesser-known Costa retains loads of its heritage and is peppered with archaeological sites, from Roman baths to cave paintings.

With its scenic coastal cliffs, mild weather, and reliable winds, Costa Tropical is also a popular destination for paragliding, sailing, windsurfing, golf and hiking. Whilst its secluded coves are perfect for paddle boarding and scuba diving. 

Cultural and Historical Attractions

  • Almuñécar Old Town: Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, explore the ancient San Miguel Castle, and visit the Roman Aqueduct. 
  • Salobreña Castle: Atop a whitewashed town, this Moorish fortress offers 360 views over sugar cane fields and the Mediterranean. 
  • Nerja Caves: Just outside the Costa Tropical border, these awe-inspiring caves are home to prehistoric paintings and incredible stalactites.


Natural Attractions

  • Hiking: Check out Las Alpujarras for mountain trails, whitewashed villages, and epic views from Sierra Nevada’s slopes. Or head to Maro-Cerro Gordo for coastal cliffs and secret coves.
  • Parque Botanico El Majuelo: Stroll through tropical plants, Roman ruins, and scenic paths. Plus, catch cool cultural events year-round.
  • Scuba diving: La Herradura is a must-visit for divers - swim through sea caves and under dramatic overhangs.


Best beaches in Costa Tropical

  • Calahonda Beach: Arguably one of the best in Granada, with an intimate, old-world charm, small fishing boats, rugged cliffs and a great selection of local tapas bars.
  • Playa de La Herradura: A serene, crescent-shaped bay, ideal for families and watersports enthusiasts. You can snorkel, kayak and windsurf, or stroll along the promenade.
  • Walk from Playa del Cañuelo to Cantarriján and you’ll come across many secluded coves and wild beaches. You can also hop on a bus back from either spot. Also note: The hip and trendy Cantarriján is a nudist beach.


Shopping in Costa Tropical
Markets are an integral part of Spanish culture. In Costa Tropical, you’ll find hand-woven rugs, handmade guitars, pottery, and fine silks.

  • Frigiliana Market: Every Thursday from 8am to 2pm, this local market in Plaza de las Tres Culturas, buzzes with life. Shop for tasty local cheeses, honey, and handmade crafts.
  • Nerja Flea Market: A great place to find vintage treasures, artisan goods, and locally made ceramics.
  • Craft Market of Salobreña: Open Thursday to Saturday during the summer, next to El Peñón de Salobreña.


What & Where to Eat and Drink in Costa Tropical

Costa Tropical’s food scene might not be Michelin-starred, but it makes up for it with authentic, local eateries, serving up fresh Mediterranean seafood.

  • Fried fish: Fried squid and cuttlefish are a coastal classic at the tapas bars here. 
  • Tropical Fruits: Known for its subtropical climate, Costa Tropical is also famous for its mangoes, avocados, and papayas.


Top Dining Spots

  • Chiringuitos: No trip to Costa Tropical is complete without a meal at a beachside chiringuito. Enjoy fresh fish and seafood with a view.
  • El Peñon, Salobreña: This beachfront restaurant pairs local seafood dishes with stunning views of Salobreña Castle.


Nightlife in Costa Tropical

Costa Tropical’s nightlife scene is laid-back but lively, offering a mix of beachfront bars, local taverns, and cultural events.

  • Plaza Kelibia: This square in Alumunecar’s old town is lined with bars staying open until the early hours.
  • La Herradura Bars: Sip cocktails at one of the local beach bars, with some venues offering live music and DJ sets in the summer.
  • Cultural Events: Throughout the summer, Costa Tropical hosts open-air concerts, and festivals celebrating local music and dance. Don’t miss the Flamenco Festival in La Herradura. 


More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Benalmadena | Fuengirola | Marbella | Nerja | Torremolinos

Map of Costa Tropical

world_map
11-35 ℃

Costa Tropical has a mild Mediterranean climate with over 320 sunny days a year. The best time to visit is May to October for warm weather and perfect swimming, with summer temps around 25°C to 30°C.

View live forecast

Roughly three hours

Flights to Costa Tropical land at Málaga Airport (AGP), which is about an hour's drive from the centre of the resort.

Costa Tropical is best for...

Beach Lovers: Enjoy pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling, sunbathing, and watersports.

Nature Enthusiasts: From hiking in the Alpujarras to exploring hidden coves, Costa Tropical is all sea and mountains.

History Buffs: Dive into the region’s rich Moorish history, with ancient castles, fortresses, and historic towns to explore.

Fast facts for Costa Tropical

Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.

Currency: The Euro (€) is the currency used.

Local Time: Costa Tropical operates in the GMT+1 time zone (CET).

Fly to: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP).

Flight Time from UK: Around 2-3 hours, with direct flights from major UK cities.

Tourist Information: For more details, visit the official Spain tourism website.

Visa and Health: For EU citizens, no visa is required. Check local travel guidelines for health and safety recommendations.

 

Getting around Costa Tropical

Local Buses: Being close to Malaga and Granada means buses are always coming and going. Regular buses connect Almuñécar, Salobreña, and La Herradura.

Taxis: Taxis are quick and easy, with most towns just minutes away.

Car Hire: Renting a car is the easiest way to explore Costa Tropical’s beaches, towns, and surrounding natural attractions.

Events in Costa Tropical

Costa Tropical has a vibrant events calendar throughout the year, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and local traditions. Here are some of the top events to look out for:

Fiesta de San Juan (June): Celebrate the summer solstice with beach bonfires, fireworks, and midnight swims at a traditional festival along the beaches of Costa Tropical.

Almuñécar Jazz en la Costa (July): A big hit jazz festival held in the open-air gardens of Majuelo Park in Almuñécar.

Feria de Almuñécar (August): This summer fair bursts with Andalusian traditions - flamenco shows, horse parades, food stalls, and a carnival vibe.

Costa Tropical weather

Temperatures: 15°C - 30°C

Dry Season (May to October): Enjoy sunny, warm days perfect for swimming and outdoor fun, with average temperatures between 25°C and 30°C.

Cooler Months (November to April): Expect mild weather and fewer crowds, with temperatures around 15°C to 20°C. It’s still great for exploring but maybe pack a light jacket!

Best hotels in Costa Tropical

Costa Tropical FAQs
Costa Tropical FAQs
Where is Costa Tropical Spain?

Costa Tropical is on the southern coast of Spain, in Granada, Andalusia. It’s right between the Costa del Sol and Costa de Almería. With its tropical weather and beautiful beaches, it's just a 45-minute drive from both Malaga and Granada, making it super easy to get to.

What is the closest airport to Costa Tropical Spain?

The closest airport to Costa Tropical is Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), which is about a 1-hour drive from Costa Tropical. Another option is Granada Airport (GRX), just 45 minutes out. Malaga’s bigger with more international flights, but both work great!

Where to stay in Costa Tropical?

Globales Costa Tropical is about a 10-minute drive from Fuerteventura Airport (FUE). A family favourite All Inclusive is also only a 10-min drive from Fuerteventura Golf Course and Dreams House Museum. Or slip and slide at Ibersol Almuñecar Beach & Spa, with themed swimming pools

What is the climate in the Costa Tropical?

Costa Tropical is one of the rare spots in Europe growing sugar cane. Summers hit the high 20s, and winters stay mild around 17-19°C.

Which Costa in Spain is best?
  • Costa del Sol: Super popular, the lively Costa del Sol is the place to be for bustling beaches, great nightlife, and tons of golf. 
  • Costa Blanca: Known for white-sand beaches, Costa Blanca is home to party towns like Benidorm.
  • Costa Brava: Famous for its rugged coast, Costa Brava boasts cute villages, and a mix of beaches and culture.
  • Costa Tropical: A quieter coastline, Costa Tropical is your answer to a subtropical climate in a laid-back town. 
What is the most tropical part of Spain?

The Costa Tropical is the most tropical part of Spain. With warm winters, hot summers, and over 320 days of sunshine a year. Its unique climate allows tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and avocado to thrive.

Are there things to do with the kids in Costa Tropical?

Absolutely! Check out Aqua Tropic Water Park in Almuñécar for a fun day of slides and pools. There’s also the Castillo de San Miguel, great for a bit of history with cool views.