The Costa Tropical is home to some of Andalusia's most distinctive coastal landscapes, featuring dark pebble beaches, small coves nestled beneath cliffs and long urban stretches of sand. Its mild climate, sheltered by Granada's mountain range, also makes it possible to enjoy the sea for much of the year. Discover the best Blue Flag beaches in Granada in 2026.
La Herradura
Nestled in a horseshoe-shaped bay between Punta de la Mona and Cerro Gordo, this beach is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Granada coastline. Its approximately two kilometres of dark sand and pebbles are protected by surrounding headlands, which typically soften the waves.
From the shore, visitors can admire a mountainous coastline that is particularly striking at sunset. The beach forms part of the town of the same name, meaning restaurants, terraces, shops and other amenities are all within easy reach.
Velilla
Velilla occupies a long stretch of Almuñécar's eastern coastline, between the mouth of the Verde River and the Tesorillo area. It is a predominantly urban beach, spacious and lined by a promenade filled with restaurants, ice cream parlours and shops.
Its generous size offers a variety of ways to enjoy the sea. Some sections are especially popular with families, while others are used for paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing.
Calahonda
The striking blue colour of the water is one of the defining features of Calahonda, located at the foot of the cliffs of Cape Sacratif. The seabed drops away quickly just offshore, helping to create the beach's remarkably clear waters.
The beach, composed mainly of gravel and small pebbles, stretches in front of an old fishing village that still retains elements of its maritime heritage. Although it becomes busy during July and August, it maintains a more relaxed atmosphere than many other urban beaches in the province.
Granada Beach
Playa Granada offers a different setting to many of the Costa Tropical's coastal towns. Its low-density residential developments, landscaped areas and golf course, which extends close to the shoreline, give it a distinctly residential character.
From the beach, visitors can see the white silhouette of Salobreña, perched atop its rocky promontory to the west. The area is also known for its range of accommodation, restaurants and beach bars, and is also very close to the port of Motril.
San Cristóbal
To the west of Almuñécar's town centre lies San Cristóbal, a long, open stretch of beach bordering one of the municipality's liveliest promenades. It features a mix of coarse sand, gravel and small pebbles, with numerous access points spread along its more than one-kilometre length.
The promenade is lined with beach bars, restaurants and terraces, making it easy to spend an entire day by the sea without needing a car. It also offers shaded areas and children's playgrounds, all within easy reach of central Almuñécar.
Cambriles
Cambriles lies at the eastern end of Castell de Ferro and offers a more secluded setting than the town's main beach. Several rocky outcrops divide the coastline into three small sections, creating sheltered coves and a greater sense of privacy.
Lower visitor numbers distinguish it from the more urban beaches along the Granada coast. While it is close to homes and local amenities, it retains a peaceful atmosphere and a stronger connection to the natural coastal landscape.
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La Guardia
La Guardia Beach stretches east of the Salobreña rock, whose distinctive silhouette dominates views along much of the shoreline. Its strip of dark sand and gravel extends for just over a kilometre through an area characterised by low-rise homes, tropical crops and small businesses.
It is the beach most closely connected to the town's daily life and retains a strong family-friendly atmosphere, particularly during summer evenings. The nearby restaurants also have a strong maritime tradition.
Carchuna
Between Cape Sacratif and the Farillo Tower lies Carchuna, a long, straight beach with uninterrupted views across the Mediterranean. The mix of coarse sand and gravel creates a spacious shoreline, while the seabed deepens relatively quickly.
The surrounding area remains closely linked to the agriculture of the Carchuna valley and the historic defensive structures that line the coast. Carchuna Castle and the Farillo Tower serve as reminders of the historical importance of this stretch of shoreline.
Which beaches in Granada will have a blue flag in 2026?
The province of Granada boasts 14 Blue Flag beaches in 2026. Almuñécar leads the list with five beaches, while Motril has four. The complete list, ordered by municipality, is as follows:
- Almuñécar: La Herradura, Marina del Este (Los Berengueles), Puerta del Mar, San Cristóbal and Velilla.
- Gualchos: Sotillo-Castell and Cambriles.
- Motril: Carchuna, Calahonda, Playa Granada and Playa de Poniente.
- Salobreña: La Guardia.
- Torrenueva Costa: Del Cañón-La Pelá and Torrenueva.




