Experience the best of the Costa Tropical
The Costa Tropical, a picturesque stretch of coastline in the province of Granada, is a lesser known gem compared to its neighboring coast, the Costa del Sol. It is located about 55 minutes from the city of Granada and about the same distance east of the world famous city of Malaga.
The hotels on the Costa Tropical live up to their name, offering tropical gardens with Mediterranean views. Whether you're looking for luxury resorts, quaint boutique hotels or larger chains... you'll find a wide variety of options here. We've included our favorite options in the villages of Almuñécar, La Herradura, Salobreña and Motril... as well as great options in the nearby Costa del Sol towns of Nerja and Frigiliana (which are right on the border).
If you are just visiting the coastal areas for the day, be sure to check out our top picks in Granada and Malaga as well.
The TOP 12 Hotels in the Costa Tropical
** H Boutique Peña Parda - La Herradura Spain
Below is a selection of what we consider to be the BEST hotels and resorts in each of the Costa Tropical towns. These areas are usually very busy, especially during the summer, so if our recommendations are fully booked, we provide additional links to other great hotels, apartment rentals and beautiful villas available in each town.
Make sure you continue reading to the bottom of the page, where you will learn which hotels are the BEST for families, the best luxury hotels, the best boutique hotels, the cheapest hotels, and those that are pet friendly...
Remember: Book Early! These hotels fill up fast and you don't want to miss out!!
- Top Hotel Tips & Recommendations
- Best Hotels in Almuñécar
- Best Hotels in La Herradura
- Best Hotels in Salobreña
- Best Hotels in Motril
- Best Hotels in Calahonda
- Best Hotels in Nerja
- Best Hotels in Frigiliana
- Best Hotels in the Costa Tropical for Families
- Best Luxury Hotels in the Costa Tropical
- Best Boutique Hotels in the Costa Tropical
- Best Cheap Hotels in the Costa Tropical
- Best Hotels in the Costa Tropical for Travelers with Pets
- How to Get to the Costa Tropical
Best Costa Tropical Hotels – Tips and Recommendations
- Booking.com – The best website to book hotels on the Costa Tropical. It's fast, easy and most importantly, all the Spanish hotels work with them!
We've chosen to partner with Booking.com because they have:
- Low rates with no booking fees
- 24/7 customer support and
- Free cancellation on most properties
- Where to Stay in the Costa Tropical area:
La Herradura: The best areas for visitors are the Punta de la Mona, Marina del Este, or in town along the La Herradura beach... all are a short distance to the beaches, restaurants and other sights.
Almuñécar: The best place to stay in Almuñécar is around Playa San Cristobal and Playa Puerta del Mar. These two beach areas are packed with great hotels and the best bars and restaurants... all within walking distance of the old town.
Salobreña: Salobreña is in the process of building a new upscale hotel near its two longest beaches (Playa Guardia and Playa Molino) but as of right now the best hotels in Salobreña are further back from the coast with views of the coastline and the Salobreña castle. Shuttles are available to the beach.
Motril: For a beach vacation in Motril the BEST area is the coastal area of Playa Granada. The Playa Granada Resort and Spa in Motril is an all-inclusive resort located directly on Playa Granada beach.
Nerja: The best areas to stay in Nerja are either right in town with access to all the shopping areas and best restaurants or along one of its many beaches, Playa Burriana being the most popular.
Frigiliana: The best place to stay in Frigiliana is right in the center of town with easy access to the restaurants and bars at night.
- The Costa Tropical is PACKED with tourists from mid-June to September,
book hotels early for the best deals.
- Remember: Prices change drastically depending on the season...
High-Season: July 1st - August 31st, December 24th - January 6th (Christmas) and Easter week
Mid-Season: April 1st - June 30th, September 1st - October 31st
Low-Season: November 1st - March 31st - The Most Popular Tours near the Costa Tropical: The two (2) bucket-list activities
that most people want to do on a trip to Spain are the Camino del Rey and the Alhambra in Granada.
Both are easily done on a day trip from the Costa Tropical... Book early as these get booked MONTHS in advance...
- The Caminito del Rey - The most visited site in Spain - Book Online!
- The Alhambra and Generalife Tour - A World Heritage site - Book Tickets Now!
The Best 3 Costa Tropical Hotels ➜ In Almuñécar
Our TOP three hotel choices for Almuñécar are the Hotel Helios, Hotel Suites Albayzin del Mar and the Playacalida Luxury Spa & Hotel.
The Hotel Helios is one of our top choices because of its location, right on the front line of Playa San Cristobal. AND, it's just a short walk to the old town where you can see all the sights and enjoy the lively restaurants and bars.
The hotel enjoys great reviews as guests seem to love the outdoor pool and bar and its incredible views. You can also book a relaxing massage at the hotel's spa or enjoy a cocktail with friends at the rooftop bar, which is especially nice in the evening.
- Hotel Highlights:
- Large Swimming Pool with Views (Heated in the Winter)
- Spa and Wellness Center
- Rooftop Terrace / Bar
- Parking (additional cost)
- Restaurant
- Beach-Front!
The Hotel Suites Albayzin is also a great choice in Almuñécar. The best thing about this hotel is the outdoor gardens and Arab-Andalusian style architecture. There are large swimming pools in a beautiful setting... with waterfalls, bridges and grottos that connect to the pools.
The hotel is also perfect for those wanting to stay a week or more as the suites are spacious with two or three bedrooms and even a kitchenette for those nights you prefer to stay in.
This is a great choice for kids as well...
- Hotel Highlights:
- Large Swimming Pool Complex with Waterfalls and Bridges
- Spa and Wellness Center
- Restaurant / Piano Bar / Billiards Tables
- Parking (additional cost)
- Pets Allowed
- 5-minute Walk to the Beach!
- Game Room and Children´s Club
- Gym
Set at the top of a cliff, surrounded by Mediterranean-style gardens and overlooking the sea, is the amazing Playacalida Luxury Spa & Hotel.
Playacalida is another all-inclusive hotel resort that has everything you need... all in one place. You never even have to leave the resort... if you don't want to... BUT there is so much to explore in the area... you should!
There are three beaches within walking distance of the hotel, just down a flowered path to the sea; Playa Calabajio, Playa Cabria and Playa Curumbico. The town of Almuñécar is only 3.5 kilometers away and the hotel has a shuttle service to take guests back and forth.
Super choice for the kids...
- Hotel Highlights:
- Large Infinity Swimming Pool with Incredible Views
- 4 Additional Swimming Pools and Lazy River
- Spa and Wellness Center, Fitness Center, Sauna, Massage, Hammam
- Restaurant / Bar
- Parking (additional cost)
- Pets Allowed
- 5-minute Walk to the Beach!
- Children´s Club, Playground, Table Tennis, Bicycle Rental
- See Also
- The Best Hotels in Almuñécar ➜ A Complete Hotel Guide
- Almuñécar Travel Guide
- Almuñécar Beach Guide
- The Almuñécar Castle
- Almuñécar 4-Star Hotels
- 8 Amazing Almuñécar Hotels the Kids will Love!
- Almuñécar Villas
- Almuñécar Apartment Rentals
- Almuñécar Hostels
The Best 2 Costa Tropical Hotels ➜ In La Herradura
Our TOP two choices for hotels in La Herradura are the Best Alcazar and the Sol Fenicios. Keep reading to find out why...
We have chosen the Best Alcazar because of its extraordinary number of activities and entertainment for children. It's another all-inclusive resort; great for families with young children.
The hotel itself is not really "high-end" but more mid-level and family oriented. It's located in the Punta de la Mona area of La Herradura which is about a 15-minute walk to the beach, but the hotel has a shuttle that runs back and forth throughout the day.
Because the hotel is located at the top of Punta de la Mona, you have the option of going to two beaches (Playa La Herradura or Playa Berengueles). Playa Berengueles is located next to Marina del Este, the beautiful marina of La Herradura to the east.
- Hotel Highlights:
- Two Large Pools
- Bowling Alley
- Tennis Courts
- Parking (additional cost)
- Spa / Turkish Baths
- Shuttle Service to Beaches
- Restaurant
- Small Shop
The Sol Los Fenicios is also a seasonal hotel, open only during the summer months. It sits right on the La Herradura beach on its eastern end and is a short walk to most of the restaurants and bars.
The hotel has a nice terrace in front and rooftop pool with beautiful views of the bay. This is also a good option for families with children who like to spend a lot of time on the beach.
- Hotel Highlights:
- Rooftop Pool
- On the Beach (Playa La Herradura)
- Close to Restaurants and Bars
- Parking (additional cost)
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
If the two hotels above are not available keep reading for a more extensive list...
- See Also
- The Best Hotels in La Herradura ➜ A Complete Hotel Guide
- La Herradura Travel Guide
- La Herradura Beach Guide
- La Herradura Villas
- La Herradura Apartment Rentals
- La Herradura Hostels
The Best 2 Costa Tropical Hotels ➜ In Salobreña
Our TOP two choices for Salobreña are the Hotel Miba and the Hotel Salobreña Suites.
The views from the La Miba terrace really can't be beat! You have views of the village of Salobreña, its majestic castle on top and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea in the background.
The hotel itself is new and modern with high-end, stylish decor in all the rooms. There is also a restaurant and bar that are very well-liked.
The only drawback to this hotel is that it's located right off the old N-340 highway, although this doesn't seem to bother most people... it's quiet with few cars. You will also need a car to get into town (Salobreña) and to the beaches below. You CAN walk, but it can be a bit hilly.
This hotel is a favorite for couples!
- Hotel Highlights:
- Rooftop Pool
- Sea and Castle Views
- Bar and Terrace
- Free Parking
- Sun loungers or Beach Chairs
- Pets Allowed
- Free Wi-Fi
The Hotel Salobreña Suites is located just 3 km outside of Salobreña. It's an all-inclusive resort with a restaurant / bar, swimming pool with outdoor bar, wellness center, tennis courts and evening entertainment.
The hotel is a bit rustic in some ways but has been going through renovations and is modernizing many of its rooms.
- Hotel Highlights:
- Swimming Pool with Sea Views
- Bar and Pool Bar
- Free Parking
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Pets Allowed
- Free Wi-Fi
- Evening Entertainment, Table Tennis, Billiards and Children's Playground
- Tennis, Massage and Laundry Available for an Additional Charge
- See Also
- The Best Hotels in Salobreña ➜ A Complete Hotel Guide
- Salobreña Travel Guide
- Salobreña Beach Guide
- Salobreña Villas
- Salobreña Apartment Rentals
- Salobreña Hostels
The Best Costa Tropical Hotel ➜ In MOTRIL
The Playa Granada Resort and Spa is THE BEST place to stay in Motril. It's great for adults and has a TON of things for the kids to do too!
Located next to the Los Moriscos Golf Course, it has SIX tennis courts, outdoor pools, a kids club room and nightly entertainment.
You will also find luxury amenities like the WellFit Spa, indoor pools, sauna, hamman, hot tub, fitness center, large indoor theater and a NIGHTCLUB!!!
The Playa Granada Hotel also has a very good restaurant called La Bodega that serves Mediterranean cuisine, and a wide variety of Spanish wines. Enjoy!!
Check availability: Playa Granada Club Resort Hotel and Spa - Motril
- Hotel Highlights:
- Swimming Pool
- Private Beach
- Parking (additional cost)
- Sun loungers or Beach Chairs
- Spa and Wellness Center
- Free Wi-Fi
- Airport Shuttle (additional cost) (Great amenity!)
- See Also
- The Best Hotels in Motril ➜ A Complete Hotel Guide
- Motril Travel Guide
- Motril Beach Guide
- Motril Villas
- Motril Apartment Rentals
- Motril Hostels
The Best 2 Costa Tropical Hotels ➜ In NERJA
Beautiful Nerja, best known for the Nerja Caves (they are in the Guiness Book of World Records), the Balcon de Europa, and some of the prettiest beaches in Spain. You can't go wrong staying here. Our TOP two choices for NERJA are the Nerja Parador and the Hotel Balcon de Europa.
We always try to stay in a Spanish Parador when traveling in Spain. They are always the BEST located (usually found in castles or old convents) and of the highest quality. The Nerja Parador is no exception.
The only thing that distinguishes the Nerja Parador from others is that it's quite modern.
The Parador de Nerja is located just above the popular beach of Burriana, clinging to the cliffs with exceptional views of the Costa del Sol to the west and the Costa Tropical to the east. It has an open plan layout with a central patio and most rooms opening onto the garden with a large pool and beautiful mature olive trees providing shade for guests.
At the rear of the property there is an elevator that will take you directly down to Burriana beach. From the front of the hotel you are only a few minutes walk into town where you will find all the best restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
- Hotel Highlights:
- Large Outdoor Swimming Pool with Views
- Beach Access via Elevator
- Parking (additional cost)
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Family Room & Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Huge Gardens for Sunbathing
- Amazing Location
The Hotel Balcon de Europa is another great choice. This hotel literally sits right at the end of the famous "Balcony of Europe" that Nerja is known for.
Not only are you sitting right on top of this historic site, but the hotel is also right on the beach and offers rooms with balconies and stunning views of the coast.
Another great feature of the Hotel Balcon de Europa is that it's right in the center of town. You are in THE perfect spot to enjoy all the best shopping, restaurants, evening entertainment and more... Absolutely the BEST Location!
- Hotel Highlights:
- Swimming Pool with Views (Heated in Winter)
- Private Beach
- Parking (additional cost)
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Restaurant & Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Amazing Location
- See Also
- The Best Hotels in Nerja ➜ A Complete Hotel Guide
- Nerja Travel Guide
- Nerja Beach Guide
- Nerja Villas
- Nerja Apartment Rentals
- Nerja Hostels
The Best Costa Tropical Hotel ➜ In FRIGILIANA
If you've never heard of Frigiliana... you're missing out... It sits just behind Nerja, tucked into the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama national park AND it's a beauty!Frigiliana has been chosen by the "Association of The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain" as one of THE most beautiful villages in the Malaga province.
And, the BEST place to stay in Frigiliana is...
The Hotel Villa Frigiliana couldn't be in a better location. It sits just at the bottom of town with beautiful views of the village above and the surrounding countryside.
Frigiliana is just a small village; so from the hotel you can get practically anywhere in town in 5-minutes or so.
- Hotel Highlights:
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Balconies with Mountain Views
- Parking (additional cost)
- Restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
- Airport Shuttle (Great Amenity!)
- See Also
- The Best Hotels in Frigiliana ➜ A Complete Hotel Guide
- Frigiliana Travel Guide
- Frigiliana Beach Guide
- Frigiliana Coastal Villas
- Frigiliana Country Villas
- Frigiliana Apartment Rentals
- Frigiliana Hostels & Boutique Hotels
The Best Costa Tropical Hotel ➜ In CALAHONDA
Calahonda is a small coastal village east of Motril. It's a charming, authentically Spanish town largely unknown to tourists. Like many coastal towns in the area, Calahonda offers a beautiful beach promenade, seafood restaurants and picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea. Calahonda's crown jewel is Playa Rijana, which is popular with divers for it's crystal clear waters and natural surroundings.
Calahonda is just a small fishing village on the eastern end of the Costa Tropical, but it's very popular with scuba divers so we have included it here.
The town itself doesn't have many high-end hotels but the OYO Hotel El Ancla is always a safe bet. The hotel is on the more basic side, but it's clean and well-managed.
- Hotel Highlights:
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Walking Distance to Beach
BEST Hotels in the Costa Tropical for Families
The Costa Tropical is a very family-oriented place with beaches galore and tons of fun things for the kids to do. You will find plenty of great hotels that cater especially to the kids and have tons of entertainment to keep them busy.Some hotels even have babysitters on-site that allow the adults to have some free time too!
The list below includes all the best hotels for families and why...
- Playa Granada Club Resort & Spa - Motril - Golf course, SIX tennis courts, outdoor pools, kid's club room, evening entertainment, indoor pools, sauna, Hamman, hot tub, bicycle rental (additional charge), children's playground, large indoor theater, a NIGHTCLUB (for the older kids!), babysitting/child services (additional charge) and family rooms with extra space.
- Hotel Suites Albayzin del Mar - Almuñécar - Swimming pool complex with waterfalls and bridges, beach nearby, kids' club, tours set-up by hotel for an additional charge (snorkeling, horseback riding, diving, hiking and fishing), table tennis, billiards, children's playground, games room and family rooms for extra space.
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Playacalida Luxury Spa & Hotel - Almuñécar - 3 Beaches, kids' club, entertainment staff, bicycle rental (additional charge), table tennis, children's playground, swimming pool with shallow end, plunge pool, infinity pool and LAZY RIVER. Family rooms available for extra space.
- Almuñécar Playa Spa Hotel - Almuñécar - Beach-front, mini golf, bicycle rental (additional charge), table tennis, children's playground, babysitting/child services (additional charge) and family rooms.
- The Best Alcazar - La Herradura - Bingo, live music/performance, themed dinner nights, beach shuttle, tennis equipment, Aquatropic water park off-site (additional charge), evening entertainment, kids' club, entertainment staff, BOWLING ALLEY (additional charge), darts (additional charge), karaoke, table tennis, billiards (additional charge), children's playground, games room, tennis court (additional charge), swimming pools, baby pool, heated indoor pool and family rooms.
- The Hotel Salobreña Suites - Salobreña - Beach, evening entertainment, entertainment staff, table tennis, billiards, children's playground, tennis court (additional charge), kid's meals (additional charge), swimming pool and plunge pool. Family rooms are available.
- The Nerja Parador - Nerja - Beach-front, tennis equipment, tours set-up by hotel (snorkeling, horseback riding, diving, hiking, and canoeing) for an additional charge, bicycle rental (additional charge), children's playground, tennis court (additional charge), kid's meals, swimming pool, large grassy garden area, kids' outdoor play equipment, indoor play area, board games/puzzles and family rooms available.
- Hotel Victoria Playa - Almuñécar - Bingo, live music/performance, WATER SLIDES, evening entertainment, entertainment staff, bicycle rental (additional charge), table tennis, billiards (additional charge), children's playground, games room, swimming pool, children television networks, kids' outdoor play equipment, indoor play area, board games/puzzles and family rooms.
BEST Luxury Hotels in the Costa Tropical
Because the Costa Tropical is quainter and more rustic than its neighbor, the Costa del Sol, you won't find as many luxury resorts... although there are plenty of 4-star hotels.
But, without a doubt, the most luxurious hotel in the Costa Tropical is...
The Playa Granada Resort and Spa
BEST Boutique Hotels in the Costa Tropical
Even though the larger chains seem to be popular during the summer months, many people prefer a smaller more unique setting... The following hotels were chosen because they all offer something special to their guests...
- Hotel Casablanca - Almuñécar
- Boutique Peña Parda - La Herradura
- La Roka - Salobreña
- La Miba - Salobreña
- Casa de los Bates - Motril
- Hotel el Palacete del Corregidor - Almuñécar
BEST CHEAP Hotels in the Costa Tropical
Traveling on a budget? We have you covered... Here you will find a list of the best hostels and pensions in the Costa Tropical...
- Hostal San Juan - Salobreña
- Hostal Palomares - Salobreña
- Boutique Peña Parda - La Herradura
- Pensión La Herradura - La Herradura
- La Caleta Bay - La Herradura
BEST Hotels in the Costa Tropical for Travelers with Pets
If you're thinking of bringing your four-legged friends with you on your next vacation, consider these pet-friendly hotels...Please make sure to double-check this with the hotel before you go and ask if there are any other additional requirements for staying with your furry little friends.
- Hotel Suites Albayzin del Mar - Almuñécar
- Hotel Playacalida Spa - Almuñécar
- Almuñécar Playa Spa Hotel - Almuñécar
- La Miba - Salobreña
- The Hotel Salobreña Suites - Salobreña
- Camping Tropical Almunecar - Campground
How to Get to the Costa Tropical
From Granada: Drive south on the A-44 for 55 minutes to reach Motril, then drive west on the A-7 to reach the towns of Salobreña, Almuñécar, La Herradura and Nerja / Frigiliana (in that order).From Málaga: Head east on the A-7 for 55-minutes to reach Nerja / Frigiliana, then continue along the A-7 to reach each of the Costa Tropical towns, La Herradura, Almuñécar, Salobreña, Motril and Calahonda (in that order).
Nerja to Calahonda is a total of 35-minutes driving time.
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