The natural spaces of the region of the Costa Tropical are of a beauty and singularity unknown in Andalusia. In its territory are some of the most beautiful underwater protected seabeds in Spain; It has the Sierra de Tejeda-Almijara and Alhama Natural Park, the Natural Site of Maro Cerro Gordo, Natural Monuments, Special Protection Areas, wetlands, riverbank forests, karstic areas, valleys, pits, ornithological reserves, hills with Mediterranean forest and mountainous areas of scrubland.
The extraordinary interest aroused by the natural surroundings of the Costa Tropical makes it possible for numerous companies to offer activities and equipment for the practice of all active tourism activities. Highlights include canyoning, horseback riding, multi-adventure, climbing, paragliding and paramotor, and even helicopter rides from the port of Motril.
Protected areas of the Costa Tropical
The Costa Tropical is one of the regions with the largest protected areas in Spain. In its territory there are some of the most beautiful underwater protected seabeds in Spain: Cerro Gordo, whose environment is part of the Maro – Cerro Gordo Natural Site. The cliffs of Calahonda-Castell, La Rijana Cove or Lujar, from these places can go into unique spaces between fish, multicolored sponges and meadows of posidonias.
The Special Protection Areas of Tesorillo – Caleta de Salobreña is another of the recommended places to enjoy diving or to kayak, discovering small solitary coves and areas for snorkeling.
The Sierra de Almijara, Tejeda and Alhama Natural Park is one of the largest in Andalusia. From the municipality of Otivar we discovered one of the most spectacular spaces, “La Junta del los Ríos” with hanging bridges, waterfalls and natural pools. It is an interesting path and one of the most popular places in Andalusia for the practice of canyoning.
For ornithological lovers we recommend the “Charca de Suarez” Nature Reserve in the Playa de Poniente de Motril area. Other areas of interest are Natural Monuments such as the Peñones del Santo, the riverside forest of Velez de Benaudalla, the natural waterfalls and tufas of the Guájares, and karst zones in Calahonda. Consult all the protected areas of the Costa Tropical in this link.
Hiking through valleys, hills and villages with history
The Tropical Coast due to its climate is during the winter, autumn and spring the paradise of lovers of nature and mountaineering. It has more than 100 rural roads of all levels and suitable for all ages and public. Coastal paths, paths through the valley, trails of scrubland, rural roads through the villages of the interior, and others that connect with long-distance trails to get into the villages of the Sierra Nevada or the Valley of Lecrín.
For lovers of mountaineering this region offers magnificent opportunities for all audiences at any time of the year. A complete network of paths along the coast and inland villages is the ideal place to practice sports and enjoy the exuberant nature and subtropical climate.
Soft walks between beaches along the littoral path of the Costa Tropical, easy circular paths through the valleys between tropical fruit farms, trails that run through Motril, Salobreña, rural roads that connect the small towns of the Verde River Valley and the trails of Junta de the Rivers (Otívar, Jete and Lentejí), Routes of the Minchal and Guindalera in Molvízar and Itrabo, the routes of the Toba River and the Castillejo de los Guájares, the Birth Path and the centenary olive trees of Vélez de Benaudalla, the path of Lagos-Lujar, the Angosturas de Albuñol, the peak of the Eagle of Gualchos, and the beautiful paths between vineyards and almond blossoms of Polopos, Sorvilán, Rubite, Albondón, Murtas or the beautiful town of Turón.
Routes to enjoy on bicycle and MTB
Cycling and triathlon lovers will find on the Costa Tropical an ideal place to have all the ingredients for the best experience for the more than 300 kilometers of roads and local roads that connect the different natural spaces that can be visited in MountainBike and Bike. Discover some of the bicycle and MTB routes that you can do in the area.
Routes for bird watching
The Granada coast has an extension of more than 60 km, of which almost 40 correspond to beaches, coves, valleys and inlets and the rest to cliffs. Therefore, the relief is characterized by an alternation of rocky areas with steep slopes that reach directly to the sea, originating the cliffs and narrow plains that make up the beaches.
These places offer a great number of possibilities for fauna, both refuge and food during the different times of the year; therefore they serve as: nesting place for birds and even raptors, large birds’ innkeeper during migratory steps, or feeding areas for medium birds.
It is important to highlight the presence of some islands such as Alboran or small islets such as the Chafarinas that present a situation similar to the cliffs of our coasts.
Sea birds on the cliffs, nocturnal birds in the valleys, and even exotic birds of African origin or from escapes of particular properties and ornithological parks can be observed in different parts of the Costa Tropical.
Some of the places for bird watching are La Charca de Suarez Concerted Natural Reserve, Cerro Gordo viewpoint, La Caleta Cliffs, Salobreña Tajo, Punta del Río, Salobreña Valley, Tajo de los Vados and Cliffs of Calahonda.
