There’s a reason you may not have heard of the Costa Tropical, sometimes called the Costa Granada.

In contrast to the neighbouring Costa del Sol it is relatively unspoilt and Spanish in character. You will experience more of the authentic Spain and fewer fish and chip shops, all day English breakfasts and Irish pubs! But you should get a free tapas with every drink (Tapas are a truly Spanish tradition as they represent a wide range of tasty tidbits that accompany your cocktail or beer. Tapa bars are numerous and busy mainly during the summer tourist season, but can be enjoyed year-round.)

This stretch of coastline takes its name from its sub-tropical climate, which allows the cultivation of exotic fruits and crops such as avocadoes, mangoes, bananas and chirimoyo. Chirimoyo , along with nispola, are widely grown local tropical fruits that are certified and are being exported throughout the world.

Aside from being a tropical fruit basket, there is an abundant selection of fish and seafood that are prepared in typically Spanish fashion for you to savor.

However, recent road improvements now mean it is hardly more than an hours drive from Malaga airport for example.Almuñécar and its environs may lie on a less well-known part of the southern Spanish coast, but it is within an hour´s drive east of Malaga, south of Granada and west of the industrious city of Almeria. With the advent of the new highway (late 2006), the drive will be even quicker. But taking a drive along the soon-to-be old highway is refreshing and breathtaking as it winds it way along the Mediterranean coast.

And if you really want to venture away, Morocco and Gibraltar are exciting places to spend a weekend. (take a ferry to Morocco, drive to Gibraltar and shop!)

It is a very diverse Coast, with the 11,000 foot high Sierra Nevada mountains to the north shielding the coast from the worst weather. It is not unusual to have a 10º difference on the Costa Tropical, either warmer or colder than cities a mere 20 minutes away. So you can enjoy a sunny day on the beach and in less than an hour, be skiing in the Sierras. Talk about having it all! There are tall cliffs, long sandy beaches and small coves, the coastline is a bit like Cornwall, but with better weather!

Granada

An hours drive inland, near to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. City with a lot of historical monuments, cultural events, “bar de tapas” and good restaurants. The Alhambra Palace - One of the most brilliant jewels of universal architecture. The Alhambra website

The Sierra Nevada mountains

Principal mountain area with The Sierra Nevada national Park and Pradollano, the Sierra Nevada’s popular winter sports resort. Also many sporting activities all year round.

The Alpujarras

A very beautiful mountain region that forms the southern flank of the Sierra Nevada. Steep and narrow valleys overlooked by small villages. Possibilities of hiking, guided walks, horse trekking, 4x4 and parascending. The area described by Chris Stewart in "Driving over Lemons"

Nerja

Nerja caves and Frigiliana: Attractive white villages in the typical Andalucian style about 20 minutes from Almuñecar. Panoramic views over the coastline. The caves are just before entering Nerja. Nerja Caves website

Ronda

A beautiful spanish city not far from Almuñécar. You can find more information here at Ronda's website.

Weather

There are at least 320 sunny days a year and you will often be able to eat outside or sit on the beach in winter.

There are consistently and significantly more sunny days, higher temperatures and fewer rainy days at all times of year than just about anywhere else in Europe.

Cooling sea breezes fan the shore for much of the year and there is no rainy season. There will only be serious rain on about 20 days a year, though when it rains it can be heavy. Winds are generally light to moderate, though you can get occasional bad weather. During the winter you will notice the sun higher in the sky and setting about 2 hours later than in the UK (usually about 6pm)

Hopefully the only brolly you’ll need will be a beach one!

Spring and autumn are frequently gorgeous, with summer being the time to come for the most sun and activities.

Book this Holiday Villa today!!!