Salobreña is a whitewashed hill town on the Costa Tropical, about 70 km south of Granada, crowned by a Moorish castle and fronted by a wide beach, Playa de la Guardia and Playa del Peñón. It is the easiest beach day from Granada: Alsa coaches take about 1 hour 15 minutes and cost about €5 to €7 each way, and driving on the A-44 takes roughly 55 minutes to 1 hour.
The old town winds up to the Castillo Árabe, with views over the sugar-cane plain to the sea. The beaches are a 15 to 20 minute walk or short taxi ride downhill from the old town, and the Paseo Marítimo has seafood restaurants where espetos, fried fish and tropical fruit from the local Costa Tropical orchards are on the menu. A day easily combines the town, the castle and a few hours on the beach, though July and August are busy.
| Distance | About 70 km south of Granada |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 15 minutes by coach; 55 minutes to 1 hour by car |
| Getting there | Alsa coach from the Estación de Autobuses to Salobreña (about 1h15m, about €5–€7 (~$5.75–$8.05) one-way; check alsa.com) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Casco histórico, 18680 Salobreña, Granada (Castillo Árabe at the top of the old town) |
How to get there
- Alsa coach (about 1h15m, alsa.com)
- Rental car via A-44 (about 55 to 60 minutes)
Location
Casco histórico, 18680 Salobreña, Granada (Castillo Árabe at the top of the old town)
36.7469, -3.5886 View on map
Highlights
- Moorish castle and hilltop old town
- Playa de la Guardia and Playa del Peñón beaches
- Seafood on the Paseo Marítimo
- Tropical fruit from Costa Tropical orchards
- Views over the sugar-cane plain to the sea
Tips for visiting
- Visit the castle in the morning and the beach after lunch.
- Check castle opening hours locally; they vary by season.
- Wear sandals for the walk down to the beach.
- Leave early in July and August to find space on the sand.
- Confirm the last coach back to Granada.
When to visit
Late spring and early autumn; summer is busy.
Accessibility
The old town has steep streets and steps; the beach promenade is flat and easier.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Granada to Salobreña?
About 1 hour 15 minutes by coach and 55 minutes to 1 hour by car.
Is Salobreña good for a beach day?
Yes. It is the closest Costa Tropical beach town with a good old town.
Are the beaches sandy?
They are mostly dark sand and pebbles.
Can I combine Salobreña with Almuñécar?
Yes. Almuñécar is about 15 minutes further by car or bus.