Sitting on the hillside between Almuñécar and Salobreña, Villa Sofia is perfectly placed to explore Granada’s coastline, and a short drive will take you to the golden beaches and charming towns that line this stretch of the Mediterranean.
For those looking to spend the day beside the sea, Playa La Guardia is less than a 10-minute drive away. The gravel-sand beach stretches for just over 1km, and you can wander along the shoreline with your feet in the water or stop for a swim in the deep blue sea. There are several sports centres where you can hire a pedalo to paddle around the bay or visit one of the beachside kiosks to purchase an ice cream. To the far end of the beach, the town of Salobreña is a lovely whitewashed village, surrounded by lush sugar cane plantations and distinguished by its Moorish castle. The Parque de la Fuente is a lovely place to rest, with well-kept gardens and tropical birds, and why not pause for a picnic, sharing produce bought from the local market? The town has a number of restaurants catering to all tastes, but a great place to earmark is El Peñon, which has been running since 1954. Found on the edge of the Rock of Salobreña, the popular local restaurant serves up a delicious menu of Mediterranean classic dishes of fresh fish and seafood, which you can enjoy whilst admiring views over the mountains and sea.
A 15-minute drive to the west brings you to Almuñécar. Originally a Phoenician colony, the town has a rich history, as well as a castle built by the Arabs on old Roman fortifications. Climb to the top of the castle to enjoy incredible coastal views, or wander through the old town to discover the maze of cobblestone streets with its small boutiques and neighbourhood tapas bars. The town’s most prominent beach is Playa San Cristobal, with a lively promenade and plenty of restaurant options, or head to Playa Velilla to enjoy an afternoon on the wide sand lined with palm trees.
Away from the coast, there is lots to explore, and about 50 minutes inland, the Junta de los Rios Natural Park is a wonderful place to spend the day. Numerous hiking trails invite you to discover the dramatic landscape, with spectacular waterfalls and magnificent mountain views, and you can stop off at one of the picturesque pools to refresh your toes in the clear turquoise water.