These three seaside villages all with sandy beaches are located on the coastline about ten minutes beyond Motril and hidden from rest of the main tourist towns on the Costa Tropical. These three towns have not seen the sort of development found either to the west or the east and the beaches are mostly without any extensive construction closeby. The beaches are long, quiet and natural set against the back drop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The costa line is rugged in most parts with lots of sheltered coves.

The families found in these towns have strong fishing roots and traditions and tourism is a less important element in the economy here and the number of foreigners is generally not great (do not forget your phrase book as it is unlikely that you will cross paths with many english speaking locals!). These small towns are known to the Spanish from Granada who come to the coast on weekends and summer holidays to stay in one of the few local hotels or hostals or rental accommodation.

The Costa Tropical does have more than a passing resemblance to the Northern Californian coast from north of San Francisco (Marin County) to Monterey and further south. In addition in the same way California was thought of as the breadbasket of the world the fertile area between the beaches and mountains from Motril to Almeria, is dedicated to the growth of many vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, aided by an ideal climate, .

Carchuna
After passing Torrenueva, heading east towards Almeria along the coast road (N340) the road winds downwards to a the plain where the small village of Carchuna is located at the foot of the Carchuna mountain range. It is very Spanish and pretty well undeveloped as a tourist resort. It has a wide beach, with views along the coast in the direction of nearby seaside resort of Calahonda and clear waters. A castle built in 1783 by Charles III dominates the pueblo; there is also a site with Prehistoric paintings of the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. The small villages of La Chucha and La Perla de Andalucía, are each side of the plain, close to the coast.

Calahonda
Calahonda (lit. Deep Cove) is a town on the edge of the Mediterranean about 13km from Motril and is an ideal place to spend a few days tranquilly lying on the beach. As well as having access to interesting tourist and cultural attractions, like a visit to Granada and its monuments, visiting The Alpujarras, one of the prettiest and most interesting parts of the Andalusian landscape, with local walks, crafts, and its gastronomy. There are a limited number of hotels but there is camping in the area. Along the main beach there are bars, pub, terraces and refreshment stands where tapas are available. At the east of the bay a huge rock rises from the water providing shelter for the group of small fishing boats which are moored there and provide local bars and restaurants with fresh fish for passing visitors and holidaymakers.
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In Calahonda there is an english speaking diving school “Dardunus”, where you can learn to scuba dive in the deep waters just off the coast and rent equipment.

Castell del Ferro
Castell del Ferro is someway beyond Calahonda along a winding and at times dramatic route which takes you past such places as the spectacular cove of La Rijana, there are no services here but its natural rocky backdrop, ancient histroy and clear blue waters makes a lasting impression. Catell de Ferro is a pretty little fishing port in the process of “being discovered” by the slightly more aventurous holiday makers. This small town has had a bit of an erratic history including mining, fishing and now agriculture as its major economic contributor. Most tourists are Spanish but more English are taking the time to find it.

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