Things to see & Do
Horse riding
Horse Riding on the Costa Tropical: Galloping through Beautiful Paradise
The Costa Tropical, a coastal gem in Granada, Spain, not only boasts of stunning beaches and azure waters, but also offers an idyllic setting for horseback riding enthusiasts. With its rugged terrain, lush landscapes, and breathtaking coastal vistas, this region is a haven for those seeking to explore its natural beauty on horseback.
Trails and Terrain:
The Costa Tropical offers a diverse range of trails, catering to riders of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a beginner, there are options to suit your skill and comfort level. The rugged hillsides and meandering paths present a captivating backdrop for leisurely rides or more adventurous excursions.
Beach Rides:
One of the most enchanting experiences is a beach ride along the pristine shores of the Costa Tropical. Feel the exhilaration of your horse’s hooves pounding against the sand as you gallop along the coastline. The rhythmic sound of the waves and the fresh sea breeze create a sensory adventure that is truly unparalleled.
Mountain Escapes:
For those seeking a more rugged adventure, the Sierra Nevada mountains, with their ancient trails and breathtaking vistas, provide a spectacular setting for horseback exploration. Guided rides through these mountains allow riders to connect with nature in a profound way, surrounded by the beauty and serenity of the natural world.
Professional Guides and Well-Trained Horses:
Several equestrian centers along the Costa Tropical offer guided rides led by experienced professionals. These guides are intimately familiar with the local terrain and are well-versed in the care and handling of horses. The horses themselves are trained for a variety of riding experiences, ensuring that both beginners and experienced riders can enjoy a safe and enjoyable journey.
Connecting with Nature:
Horseback riding provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level. The rhythmic motion of the horse, the scent of the earth, and the sights and sounds of the natural world create a sensory experience that immerses riders in the beauty and tranquility of the Costa Tropical.
Respecting the Environment:
While enjoying horseback riding, it’s important to be mindful of the environment. Riders should stick to designated trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and follow any guidelines provided by the equestrian center or guide.
Horseback riding on the Costa Tropical offers a magical way to experience the natural wonders of this coastal paradise. Whether you’re trotting along the beach or exploring mountain trails, the connection between rider and horse and the immersion in the region’s beauty make for an unforgettable adventure. So saddle up, take the reins, and let the Costa Tropical be the backdrop for your equestrian escapade.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling on the Costa Tropical: Exploring Underwater Wonders
The Costa Tropical is a paradise for aquatic enthusiasts, offering abundant opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling. Its crystalline waters teem with vibrant marine life and captivating underwater landscapes. On this coastline of the Alboran Sea, marks the transition from the cold, biodiverse currents of the Atlantic to the warmer, saltier Mediterranean waters. This creates a thriving underwater ecosystem, set against a backdrop of cliffs and ravines that create a unique microclimate with milder temperatures compared to other parts of southern Andalusia. And of course, also incredibly clear waters. The seabed of the Costa Tropical is carpeted with orange corals, where colorful species like sea feathers and anemones thrive. These serve as shelter and feeding grounds for rockfish, as well as groupers, octopuses, haddocks, cuttlefish, and a variety of fish, ranging from seahorses and congers to sea breams, scorpionfish, and tuna. Along the Granada Costa Tropical, approximately 30 sites with clear waters and abundant biodiversity are concentrated.
Scuba v snorkeling
Snorkeling and scuba diving offer distinct underwater experiences. Snorkeling involves swimming on the water’s surface with a snorkel mask, allowing breath-holding exploration of marine life. It’s accessible to all skill levels and requires minimal equipment. On the other hand, scuba diving entails deeper immersion using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). Divers venture beneath the surface, exploring greater depths and encountering diverse ecosystems. Scuba requires specialized training, equipment, and certification due to the complexities of managing underwater pressure and air supply. While both activities provide glimpses into the mesmerizing world beneath the waves, snorkeling is a simpler, surface-level encounter, whereas scuba diving offers a more immersive and intricate adventure.
Scuba diving
Scuba diving is one of the most popular activities on the Costa Tropical. This region hosts the most sought-after beaches in southern Spain, including La Herradura, an ideal spot for scuba diving enthusiasts; San Cristóbal, offering a plethora of activities for tourists; and Velilla, the largest beach in the area.
Whether exploring the serene, secluded coves of Marina del Este or descending into the tranquility of the white sand nudist beach at Cantarriján, the Costa Tropical boasts numerous sheltered bays catering to both novice and seasoned divers. Offering year-round opportunities, scuba diving provides a deeper immersion into marine life, revealing underwater wonders seldom witnessed. Some of Granada Costa Tropical’s beaches, designated as National Marine Reserves, safeguard pristine meadows of Posidonia Oceanica, contributing to the protection of the Mediterranean Sea’s finest ecosystems. The region beckons adventurers to discover the hidden treasures beneath its azure waters, ensuring a truly unique and protected diving experience.
Courses
Scuba diving schools along the Costa Tropical provide a range of courses tailored to divers of all levels. Beginners can embark on the exhilarating journey of becoming a certified Open Water Diver, where they learn essential skills, safety protocols, and gain confidence in exploring depths up to 60 feet. For those seeking more advanced adventures, courses like the Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver certifications delve into specialized techniques, including deep dives and underwater navigation.
Dive zones
Diving sites in the Costa Tropical are divided into two main zones: those near La Herradura and those to the north of Calahonda. In these areas, as well as in Almuñécar, there are several companies that offer diving guides and equipment rentals, catering to both experienced divers and those looking to experience their first dive in this aquatic pastime. They provide services for introductory dives, PADI certifications, and guided dives in groups ranging from five to ten people.
On the area of La Herradura, there are around a dozen notable sites, with three main groups standing out. The first stretches from the nudist beach of Cantarriján to Calaiza, which also includes the areas of Los Candelabros, Los Ceriantus, La Cueva de las Palomas, and La Pared Amarilla. In the Punta de la Mona area, there is a rich biodiversity in El Salto, La Calita, Piedras Altas, and La Cueva del Jarro (including the Punta de la Mona itself), while opposite the Marina del Este beach lies the sector of Punta del Vapor.
In Almuñécar, divers can explore the area of Las Motos and the shipwreck San Cristóbal, resting at a depth of 24 meters.
Just north of the Calahonda pier, a series of sites unfold within Gualchos-Castell de Ferro, including La Laja, Zacatín, Punta del Cerrón, Cueva Hormigonera, Cala Higuera, La Rijana, La Rijanilla, La Grieta-Los Tajos, and the Cueva del Melonar.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling, an accessible and immersive alternative, invites enthusiasts to observe the Costa Tropical’s marine wonders from the surface. Many tour operators offer guided snorkeling excursions to the region’s most captivating spots, where kaleidoscopic fish and stunning coral formations await discovery. With the Costa Tropical’s warm Mediterranean waters, diverse marine life, and expert instruction, both novices and experienced divers and snorkelers alike are bound to have unforgettable experiences exploring this underwater paradise.
