28 Sep TOP 5: BEACHES IN GRANADA

The hot months are approaching in Granada. And with that, the time for the first dip finally arrives: Enjoy the beach, the sand, the sea, the beach bars, get tanned… If you are one of those who stays in the city, you will also want to enjoy the coastal breezes and you can enjoy your free time on the beaches that we recommend below. On the following beaches you can enjoy the coastal life of Granada: fried fish, laughter with friends and swims in the sea that will be memorable. In today’s post, we leave you our recommendations for beaches on the Granada coast.

PLAYA CALAHONDA (Motril) | CALAHONDA BEACH (Motril)

Calahonda beach is just 13 kilometers from Motril. It is ideal for taking long walks along its thick, clean sands at dawn and dusk.

Its waters are transparent and intense turquoise blue that hide a wide marine biodiversity, which we recommend you get to know through diving.

A little history Calahonda was an ancient settlement where remains of a Roman pottery have been found, on dry land, dedicated to the production of amphorae, and in its waters several amphorae from the same period have been found.

The fact of having such an open cove, exposed to continuous attacks by enemy troops, did not ensure its defense nor facilitate its commercial traffic. The pirates, who approached the beach, captured both ships and people.

This is an important factor because the permanent settlement of Calahonda is much more recent than other coastal towns. To monitor the bay, the Torre del Zambullón and the Lighthouse of Calahonda were built, however the pirate attacks did not stop even during the construction of the surveillance posts. However, this Calahonda beach, which is sheltered by the rocky cliffs, was used since the 18th century as a safe port for Motril, and had important traffic of commercial ships that went to America and Europe, carrying sugar, oil , wine and other local products.

PLAYA LA RIJANA (Gualchos) | LA RIJANA BEACH (Gualchos)

Playa de la Rijana is a cove where you can enjoy a day at the beach without crowds and enjoying the peace and tranquility it offers. It is one of the best coves that we can find on the Granada coast and is located in the municipality of Gualchos. Ferro Castle.

It is a little hidden, however, it is easy to access: You just have to walk down from the parking lot in the Zacatín ravine to the beach.

The beach is surrounded by escarpments that reach the seabed. At the end of the cove, there is a large rock in the sea where the ruins of the 16th century tower stand. We recommend diving from this rock into the waters of the Rijana. In addition, the area is highly appreciated by divers for the great biodiversity it presents.

In its beginnings, Rijana beach was an anchorage, a watering point and a protection area for fishermen. Since the 5th century, ships have landed in this part of the coast to carry fresh water from the Zacatín stream. Today there are some remains of the cistern next to the Torre de la Rijana.

PLAYA DE LA HERRADURA (Almuñecar) | HORSESHOE BEACH (Almuñecar)

La Herradura beach is a must-visit for all those who love fishing, diving and history. It is located one hour from Granada and has numerous bars and beach bars where you can eat, party or simply have a drink. A little history La Herradura is a quiet fishing town on the Granada coast that is flanked by Punta de la Mona and Cerro Gordo. The port of La Herradura was used since Muslim times as an important entry point for goods.

After the capture of Granada and the expulsion of the Moors, there were attacks and raids on the Granada coast by the Berber pirates. The seabed of La Herradura has a rich underwater archaeological heritage, and spectacular marine flora and fauna, which make this area one of the favorite places for those who practice diving. In addition to diving, you can practice kayaking and angling in its waters.

PLAYA LA RÁBITA (Albuñol) | LA RÁBITA BEACH (Albuñol)

Rábita beach is an extensive urban beach made up of gray gravel, coming from the river sediments that have been formed over the centuries.

Behind Playa de la Rábita there is a promenade with palm trees, restaurants and bars with sea views. A little history La Rábita was inhabited since the Muslim domination, but it was not until the end of the 17th century when it began to have a period of agricultural and commercial demographic splendor. In 1969 the inhabitants of Rábita obtained Royal permission to clear the land, so it went from being land covered by holm oaks to being cultivated with vineyards, fig trees and almond trees.

PLAYA LA CHARCA | LA CHARCA BEACH

La Charca beach is an urban beach that is located a few meters from the center of Salobreña. It is the largest beach in the municipality and has crystal-clear waters that make it possible to enjoy diving, windsurfing or paddle surfing practically all year round.  

La Charca beach is also known as Solamar and Peñón beach. Its main characteristics are the tranquility of its family atmosphere, the promenade and all the places of leisure, restaurants and commerce that surround it.

In addition, it is very easy to access to visit Salobreña and learn about its history in depth. A little history The imposing Salobreña Castle dominates the nearby Granada coast, at its feet, the Peñón emerges from the sea. A rock that is a distinctive symbol of the city and that divides La Guardia beach and La Charca. The Castle is the result of the evolution of a Nasrid fortress and the Castilian renovations carried out from the 15th century onwards. Without a doubt, a must-see if you decide to visit the area.