COSTA TROPICAL ROAD TRIP

WITH summertime officially upon us, and temperatures rising, many people dwelling on the south side of the Sierra Nevada are visiting the Costa Tropical of Granada, an hour’s drive away.

Lying below the Sierra de Contraviesa, within easy access of the Alpujarra, the old N340 coastal road runs below the newer and straighter A-7 motorway. It winds past several unspoilt seaside towns that belong to the Costa Tropical.

As you drive along the coastline, you can enjoy endless panoramic views of the glistening Mediterranean Sea.

You’ll pass several fishing towns and villages en route, starting with Castell del Ferro to the west and La Rabita to the east. These are the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend away.

Going round the bend?

Although motorists who don’t like mountain passes can reach this part of the Costa Tropical via the fast A7 motorway from either Motril or Adra direction, the scenic option is to drive directly over the Sierra de Contraviesa. Various mountain roads wind down to the beaches, including the GR-5206 through Rubite to Castell del Ferro (this is extremely bendy), the GR-6204 through Polopos to Castell del Bano; and the A345 through Albunol to La Rabita. There’s also a minor route from Sorvilán to the tiny fishing village of Los Yesos.

You can plan an exciting round trip, taking in various routes and viewpoints. Don’t forget the camera (or smartphone) to record the experience.

When you arrive at the seaside there’s a pleasant surprise: that the towns here aren’t over-developed. Usually, you can find a (free) parking place and walk directly on to the beach.

Castell del Ferro

With 4,500 inhabitants, Castell del Ferro is the largest seaside town that can be reached via the Contraviesa – from the route that starts just past the Tablones of Órgiva.

of Gualchos, Castell del Ferro has many amenities, including a beach with several coves, a pretty campsite (Huerto Romero), motorhome area, hotel, numerous restaurants and bars, shops, supermarkets, and a mobile phone store.

The town has a long history. The place name derives from ‘Ferruch’, which dates to the conquest of Granada. Debate continues as to whether it’s an ancient term for ‘iron’ or means something else.

During the 18th century, many Catalans settled in Castell del Ferro, to catch the wealth of local fish. Today, tourism is the town’s main industry.

You can choose from three beaches – Playa Cambriles-Lujar, Playa de Castell del Ferro and Playa del Sotillo, where the campsite is based. Nearby Playa Lances offers a nudist beach for the brave at heart.

Castillo de Baños

Just along from Castell del Ferro, the town of Castillo de Baños is part of Polopos municipality. The town is separated into two ‘barrios’ – ‘abajo’ and ‘alto’ – with the N340 running through the middle.

The main landmark is the Hornabeque Fortress. This takes a horseshoe shape and was originally built in the 16th century, during the reign of King Philip II. It was later reconstructed in the 18th century and stands intact today.

The town has a large campsite, located just off the seafront. This has a restaurant and swimming pool. However, it was closed during our March visit, although plenty of the local bars were open.

Unfortunately, the beaches at Castillo de Baños are mainly formed of huge rocks jutting into the sea, so it’s not the ideal destination for sunbathing.

La Mamola

Another town belonging to the municipality of Polopos, and where its ‘ayuntamiento’ is based, La Mamola is an unspoilt fishing village that is growing in popularity. Interestingly, the locals don’t use its real name, choosing to call it ‘el pueblecillo’.

Presided over by an ancient watchtower, the Torre del Cautor, La Mamola offers various restaurants, chiringuitos and two supermarkets. It has a long and spacious beach, equipped with football nets for the active, and is popular for fishing.

Fancy a hike? There’s a dedicated pedestrian seafront walkway, leading to nearby Los Yesos to the east, or Castillo del Banos to the west. If you want to stay overnight, Hostal Ontiente is an economical option. Situated just back from the beachfront, this has an adjoining bar/restaurant and is ideal for solo travellers and couples alike.

Los Yesos

A stone’s throw from La Mamola, Los Yesos is a tiny fishing village with a few properties nestling along a quiet stretch of beach. OK, this might not be the ideal destination for lively teenagers, or adults wanting to visit lively bars.

Melicina

Part of Sorvilán municipality, Melicina is a small and undeveloped fishing village, where