Almuñécar (City Center)

The label "city center" might be a misnomer for Almuñécar, as accommodations can be found both in the city center and also a half-mile to the west if you want to be closer to the beaches. The Playa Costa Tropical and the beaches of San Cristobal and La China are close to the city center, while Playa Cotobro and Playa El Muerto sit to the west. The easiest way to get from one side of Almuñécar to the other is to take the N-340 motorway (locally called the Carretera de Almería). Staying near Cotobro is nice because it has a relaxing vibe and Roman ruins near your accommodations. You will be equidistant from the ruins and the beaches if you stay here, both being within walking distance.

For even more Roman ruins and archaeological finds, you'll want to stay in the city center. Accommodations fan out around the old town, which would roughly coincide with the areas south and west of the Castillo de San Miguel and to the north and east of the Roman door and east of the Roman baths. While Playa Costa Tropical is the main beach, more accommodations can be found near San Cristobal and La China. A variety of restaurants and bars can be found just off the beach along Paseo San Cristobal.

Almuñécar (Outskirts)

The outskirts of Almuñécar sit both north and northeast of town. To the east you have the village of Velilla-Taramay, and to the north you have some accommodations near the Ermita de San Sebastian. Velilla-Taramay is well-known for its beautiful Playa de Velilla, one of the longest stretches of beach on the Costa Tropical. To the west of the beach, you have the Aquatropic water park for the kids. Accommodations in this area will sit just off the beach or to the northeast around the smaller cove where Playa Calabajío is located. The area around the cove features walking paths and a less commercialized area; the commercial buildings can be found around the Calle de Carlos Cano and the Parque Mediterraneo.

La Herradura

The area of La Herradura consists of the town itself and also the area to the southeast called Punta de la Mona, where there is a cruise port (the Marina del Este) and a beach also called Marina del Este. Playa La Herradura sits immediately to the south of town and can be accessed by a number of arteries, such as the Avenida Prieto Moreno. This road will take you to the Paseo Andrés Segovia, the main road that runs parallel to the coastline. There are three restaurants located directly on the beach, and on the other side of the street you'll find about a dozen more restaurants and bars. The options for cuisine range from Mediterranean Spanish to Portuguese to Italian to East Asian.

Motril

As far as cities are concerned, Motril is one of the larger ones in this area, not just in population but also in size. While other cities are more walkable, Motril might be one you have to take in smaller doses. The Ronda de Poniente and the Ronda de Levante encase the city to the west and east. Accommodations will be found more readily to the northern and southern edges of town. In particular the southern end is an area that is quite nice, as it is within walking distance of the center of town and also the Parque de los Pueblos de América. For food options, you can't go wrong with the area northeast of the park and to the east of Avenida de Andalucía. The tourism office for the city is located in the park as well if you have any questions about the area's sights and how to get to them.

Playa Granada

Motril's beach is located to the south of town in an area called Playa Granada. The Paseo del Puerto takes beachgoers that way, passing by the Port of Motril first before arriving at Playa Motril. Go a little farther to the west, this time along Camino del Pelaíllo, and you'll find Playa de Granada, which is really the main attraction in this area. (Sorry, Motril Beach!) Playa de Granada is the largest beach in this region, and is home to a number of restaurants, bars, and beach clubs that sit right on the sands. If you are hungry or thirsty and want more options, this is where Motril Beach comes in handy. There are more options around here as there are also many accommodations here, so it's easy for hotel guests to either dine in at an in-house restaurant or walk to a number of "chiringuitos" (open air restaurants).

Salobreña

The nature preserve Peñón de Salobreña separates the town's two beaches, with Playa de la Guardia to the west and Playa de la Charca to the east. The area around Playa de la Charca is more commercialized, with restaurants right on the beach, and while Playa de la Charca has more amenities and businesses, Playa de la Guardia has parking directly adjacent to the beach for self-drivers who have mobility issues. The vast majority of accommodations and restaurants in the town itself will sit between the old town and the Avenida del Mediterraneo to the east. Visit the Plaza Francsico Ramirez de Madrid and within a 10-minute walk you will find not only a number of accommodation options but also a variety of food options, ranging from fancy sit-down restaurants to supermarkets for self-caterers.

Carchuna and Gualchos

On the eastern edge of the Costa Tropical, you will find the towns of Gualchos and Carchuna. Carchuna is closer to the coast and to the beach town of Calahonda, while Gualchos is inland with their closest beach to the southeast in Castell de Ferro. Gualchos is unique in that you can have the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada behind you as you are preparing to go to the closest sun-kissed beach.