COSTA TROPICAL
Although not nearly so well known as the neighbouring Costa del Sol to the west, the Costa Tropical of Granada province is particularly picturesque beachside, and easier to get away from the crowds.
The mountains run right down to the sea and the coastline is typically a series of coves and promontories. There is La Herradura which is pretty and unspoilt and located betwen the two attractive promontories of Punta de la Mona and Cerro Gordo.
Nearby in a protected cove east of Punta de la Mona is the impressive Marina del Este yacht harbour. Water sports and scuba diving are popular here, thanks to the variety of sea life and clarity of the water.
The sugar cane plantations here confirm the name Costa Tropical.
ITRABO
 A small village just a few kilometres from Salobreña, Ítrabo has a population of around 2,000 many of whom are still employed in agriculture in the area, in particular the cultivation of tomatoes, avocados and grapes. The town itself has as an unmistakably north-African feel with its flat roofed, white washed houses that huddle tightly onto the hillside.
Although a small in size Ítrabo has a long history starting with the arrival of the Phoenicians who settled in the area due its fertile soil, fresh water and the proximity of the sea. A sea faring nation the Phoenicians established a trade network that spanned much of the Mediterranean and it was during this expansion that Ítrabo was born. A small farming settlement continued until the arrival of the Moors in the 12th Century. With their superior knowledge of irrigation the Arabs improved the primitive irrigation systems and created an extensive canal network which fed orchards and crops throughout the region. In Ítrabo in particular the Moors brought new varieties of vine enabling the production of more diverse wines. After a period of instability and war during the 15th Century, the Catholic Kings declared their conquest of the Moors and expelled them from the region. This expulsion marked the depopulation of Ítrabo, along with other villages in the area, which was further exacerbated by repeated attacks by pirates.
Today Ítrabo remains secondary to its coastal neighbours, Salobreña and Molvizar, although the cultivation of tropical fruits, such as mangos, nisbros and avocados, and the influx of tourists and foreign workers have swelled the village's numbers a little.
In addition to festivals during August and February, Ítrabo also celebrates Culture week each April; an event that includes a wine festival in which local wines and foods are enjoyed. Without doubt the most important historical site in Ítrabo is the main church, la iglesia de 'Nuestra Señora del Carmen' and the Hermitage of the 'Virgen de la Salud' that flanks it. Built in the 17th Century, the church and hermitage house the image of the saint which is paraded through the village during festivals. Also of note is the town's pretty fountain and public wash place which is still used as a meeting place by many inhabitants.
SALOBRENA
 The centre of Salobreña, which is built on an impressive rock, is a maze of white houses making up the picturesque districts of Brocal, Albaycín, La Fuente and La Loma. There is no need for a map - just wander at will. Even if you don’t know which direction you are heading in, it will nearly always be either upwards or downwards!
Right on top of the rock, 105 metres above sea level, is the Arabic fortified castle, the Castillo. Every year the castle attracts thousands of visitors, and the best views are obtainable from this high point.
Just below the castle is the parish church, built on the site of an old mosque and distinguished by a Moorish style arch.
The other main feature of Salobreña is its wide beach, split in two by Peñon rock. The beach, although a short walk away from the town itself is the location of several “chiringuitos” (beach bars), very popular restaurants and bars with locals and tourists alike. (see restaurants)
To find out more about the physical history of Salobreña, the museum, found inside the municipal library, is well worth a visit. With the help of a model and visual aids, the museum tells how Salobreña was once practically an island before the river gradually deposited its sediment to form the rich delta which along with the climate explains the abundance of crops such as sugar cane.
Like any other Spanish town or village, Salobreña has its share of traditional festivals and fairs. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is worth experiencing just to see how on earth they manage to carry the “tronos”, up and down the awkwardly narrow sloping streets. Then from the 24th to the 29th of June the people of Salobreña celebrate their San Juan and San Pedro fair which is followed in October by the festival in honour of the Virgin of the Rosario, the patron of Salobreña.
The summer season brings many concerts and shows to Salobreña, many of which take place by night in the spectacular setting of the Arabic castle. One of these events not to be missed is the “Lucero del Alba” flamenco festival turning the historic castle into a romantic setting for a delightful display of traditional music and dancing.
MOLVIZAR
 A picturesque village 10 minutes inland from Salobreña, Molvizar is still a relatively small, predominantly Spanish village. Winding streets of white houses curl up the mountain, leading through the town's one way system to the church and Ayuntamiento at the centre. Presiding over the town the imposing 18th Century church – la iglesia de Santa Ana – and town hall form the central square of the village. Santa Ana, Molivizar's patron saint is particularly popular as the celebration of her saint's day on July 26th has given rise to a 5 day long party in the village! This usually takes place between 23rd and 28th of July each year, with a re-enactment of the battles between Moors and Christians, a fair and plenty of food and drink.
In addition to the village itself, villas and cortijos pepper the surrounding hills commanding views across the town to Salobreña and the Mediterranean. Although just 9 kilometres from the coast, Molvizar's cooking is much more typical of inland Spain. A soup made from almonds is particularly popular, often cooked with almonds from the trees on the slopes near the town. Tropical fruit, goats cheese and black pudding are also common along with local wines, the majority of which are consumed with great enjoyment by Molvizar's residents!
Like much of the Costa Tropical region Molvizar has a long history and was already established in 1238 when, during the reign of the Nazrid princes 'Molbicar' was included in a census as a district of Salobreña. In 1810 during the War of Independence with the French, the hills surrounding Molvizar housed many of the local resistance who opposed Napoleon's installation of his brother, Jose I onto the Spanish throne. In recent years the town has prospered due to the wealth brought by the region's agriculture and the arrival of tourism.
ALMUNECAR
 Almuñécar and its handsome Moorish castle sit on a small hill between the mouths of two rivers - the Río Seco and the larger Río Verde. The latter runs through Almuñécar's Tropical Valley, a fertile area of mainly subtropical fruit orchards that line the valley floor and climb the terraced hillsides. To the west of the town lies the Punta de la Mona, a pineclad headland sheltering the attractive Marina del Este sports port and home to a number of luxury urbanisations. Beyond, is Bay of La Herradurathe pretty village and horseshoe-shaped bay of La Herradura and another large natural promontory, Cerro Gordo, which marks the end of the municipality and province. Inland, the approximately 80 km² municipality rises into the hills which form an impressive backdrop to the coast. Farmhouses and small hamlets dot the area overlooked by the Peña Escrita natural park.
Almuñécar was founded by the Phoenicians almost 3000 years ago and has since been occupied by a succession of Mediterranean cultures including, most importantly, the Romans and the Moors. Attracted by the rich trade in local products, the town was one of the most important ports on Spain's Mediterranean coast. Evidence of the area's importance can be seen in the numerous monuments that still exist, especially the Roman fish factory and aqueduct.
Along the 19 km of local coastline visitors can choose from a large variety of beaches and small coves, ranging from fine sand to shingle. Watersports are very popular and there are numerous businesses offering different types of courses and equipment hire. Divers will find some of the best underwater scenery here of anywhere along the southern coast.
Hindered by the rugged geography, development has been mostly restricted to the coast and its adjacent hillsides. Recent years, however, have seen a shift in the 'sun, sea and sand' mentality and many people have bought farmhouses or plots of land in the surrounding hills. Rural tourism, though slow to take off, is on the increase.
Based originally on agriculture and fishing, the local economy is now concentrated almost entirely on tourism and recent years have seen a huge surge in the local infrastructure. Numerous hotels, chalets and apartments are being constructed to cope with the increasing number of visitors, both seasonal and permanent, and shops and services are being opened at a corresponding rate. Cheaper flights and the wet north European weather have prompted many to buy second homes in the area, while increased telecommunications, especially the Internet, mean that many professionals can work here seasonally if not throughout the whole year.
Local tourism has traditionally been Spanish and confined to the summer season, especially August when the town is packed out. Important fiestas such as Easter and Christmas are also very busy. Foreigners tend to visit mostly during the Spring and Autumn months when the weather can be superb compared to the north, while winter, apart from Christmas, is relatively quiet. Many visitors rent chalets or apartments for their stays
Foreign residents are a mixed bunch with representatives from most European countries living here year round. French, Belgian, German and English nationalities are the most common, though not necessarily in that order, while the Scandinavians, particularly the Danish, are increasing their numbers.
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