Without doubt Spain’s Costa Tropical offers some of the most dramatic climatic and environmental changes in all of Europe. Where else can you sun bathe in the morning, ski in the afternoon and dine al fresco in a beautiful harbour – all on the same day and not spend more than a couple of hours driving between them.

La Herradura and Almunecar are both well served with public facilities including football, tennis, boules courts as well as an indoor swimming pool and basketball court. There are many local diving schools, riding stables and for the more excitable and adventurous paragliding, ski-boarding, wind surfing and even bungee jumping all have their enthusiasts. Spain’s Costa Tropical is not just about sun and sea – it’s an all year round resort for the courageous and the tourist, for the spirited and the easy going.

Here are just a few of the various activities available but if you know of more or are a supplier of others do let me know at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; and I’ll include you and your business in the listings.

Aqua-tropic – is Almunecar’s established water park with tubes, slides, waterfalls, wave machines and much more. Open from May to September; check tourist board for details. The park offers, half and full day tickets; and from late night the park converts into one of the areas most popular summer night discos – Aqua-Noche.

Archery – for all ages using traditional long bows on various fixed - and moving - targets.  A different day out for all the family, with all ages catered for, call Granada-activa.com on + 34 902 360 780 for more information.

Canyoning – is an energetic experience where you can jump, slide, swim, slither and abseil down through the water courses of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Trained and skilled professionals run the course during the summer season.

Health Spa - are available from the many luxury hotels and clinics in the area. For the more adventurous sit in the hot spring baths just below the village of Alhama de Granada – ideal after a long days walking around the Sierras.

Junta de Los Rios – north of Otivar is a unique experience and a wonderful day out for the family. Take a picnic and plenty of cold drinks as it is so magical that you will not want to leave! Junta de Los Rios translates as "River junction". The rivers meet to form waterfalls and there are some deep and gloriously blue pools in which to bathe during the summer months. There is a rope bridge over the top and a couple of jump off points for the braver and younger to enjoy. Access to the site is a little rough and perhaps because the area is not on the regular tourist beat - you will rarely find it overcrowded. A normal car can make the journey, with caution, and it can be found by following the main road north out of Otivar towards Suspiro del Moro. Approximately 2 kilometres from the village of Otivar, and passing the road that leads to Palacete de Cázulas, you will see on the left hand side a gate with a small building close to it. Here, and especially in the summer months you have to stop and pay to go down the track that leads on to the waterfalls. The journey is a good 20 minutes from Otivar.

Motorcycle Trail Riding & Moto-Cross bikes – are available through the designated local operators. Check the tourist agency in your resort for more details some offer excellent guided, motorcycle trail riding on off-road motor bikes to cater for all levels of experience.

Mountain biking - selected for their reliability, established providers bikes are suitable for general cycling as well.  Some businesses offer a variety of routes in and around Almuñécar and the surrounding villages but for the more energetic Las Alpujarras, between Motril and the Lecrin valley, is within easy reach for a full day ride.

PADI SCUBA Diving – whether looking for basic training or to experience group dives below the Mediterranean, there are many organizations in the Marina del Este, Almunecar and La Herradura areas offering courses for all tastes. Contact the tourist information office for the latest list of providers.

Peña Escrita – an eco-friendly lodge set high in the Sierras natural park in the mountains to the back of La Herradura bay. Facilities include timber cabins, cortijo’s, swimming pool, open park zoo, picnic area and a bar-restaurant. Located approx 45 mins drive from the coast and with stunning views, it is ideal for a day out or an overnight stay. A basic log cabin starts from just 35 Euros per night. Call + 34 958 635 094 for more details – open all year.

Quad Biking – is an extraordinary way of getting to see the countryside, as well as an invigorating but harmless sport.  All you need is a valid driving licence.

Riding Holidays – take an hour, a day or a weeks riding on superb Andalucían horses from local stables. Andalucia is the heartland of Spanish horse riding and you have a year around choice that includes riding cross country hacking, or a stable near the coast offers quicker paced riding for the more experienced rider, and there is even a stable sited on a nearby natural park.

Snowboarding in Sierra Nevada – is a sport that has gained in popularity these last years and the resort provides enthusiasts with some of the best conditions. Recently an on-slope half pipe was built for surfers, and specialised snowboarding shops and schools are also available in the resort. The Sierra Nevada offers many other winter sports including cross-country skiing, artistic skiing, telemark skiing, trekking and adventure skiing.

Tennis – there are various courts available in the area; and certain urbanisations offer private access to their own in-house courts: in Cotobro and Los Pinos, Almuñecar; Carmenes del Mar in La Herradura, and in Alfamar and Monte de los Almendros in Salobreña. The “La Raqueta” Tennis Club, in Nerja (near the entrance to of Capistrano) offers courts, tuition, rental equipment and many other services for all age groups and levels. Call them on + 34 952 520 948 for more information.

Walking & Hiking – for more information on some of the sites, the walks and the trails worthy of exploration simply read, download or print my History/Sightseeing segment in the Costa Tropical section of this web site. Walkers in Andalucia, and the Costa Tropical area in particular are fantastically catered for with both local walking routes taking in the Roman remains around Almuñécar, as well as more challenging day walks in the Rio Seco and around Otivar, Jete and Lentegi. The only setback for walkers is that there are very few trail maps available for specific routes.

Watersports – whether its dinghy sailing, wind surfing, water ski or jet-ski, catamarans or sea kayaks, during the summer season La Herradura and Velilla in Almunecar offer a superb range of operators.

Weight training & gym sessions – are available on a daily or weekly basis in the local gymnasiums in and around the town. Professional trainers are available at most of these locations. Contact the tourist information office for the latest list of providers.

Yacht Day Cruises – are available during the summer season. Cruising along the Costa Tropical shoreline, the sea cliffs in the natural park even spot the dolphins if you’re lucky. A day trip includes lunch; and charters are available in Marina del Este, Motril and Nerja. Contact local tourist information for more details of registered charters available.