SALOBRENA

Some 13km east of Almuñecar is the attractive little town of Salobreña, now within the stretch of coast known as the Costa Tropical. It lies a short distance from the sea among fruit orchards and sugarcane plantations. Salobreña features a cluster of whitewashed houses sprawling up the hill, dominated by the old Moorish alcazar known as EI Capricho.

The castle has been well restored and offers magnificent views of the coast, surrounding countryside and the beautiful peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Also worth a visit is the 16th century church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, which was built on the site of an old mosque.

Much of Salobreña's charm lies in the fact that it remains relatively unspoilt, with few hotels and restaurants It provides a good gateway to Granada, however, and can receive quite an influx of visitors, especially at weekends From here it is only 4km further along the coast to Motril, principally known as a commercial centre for sugarcane and chemicals. Take a look at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Head, which stands atop the hill. Enthusiasts enjoy the golf course, located between the two.