The Costa Tropical in southern Spain is a stunning strip of coastline between the Costa del Sol and Costa Almería. Its location on the Mediterranean, and its proximity to Africa and to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, protect the Costa Tropical from the colder north winds and generates a sub-tropical climate, hence its name.

Buying a property in Costa Tropical lends itself to lovers of a quiet life; having said that, during the summer months, numbers do swell and nightlife is busy in the larger towns. Costa Tropical property prices are lower than the other costas, however, prices are starting to rise and many property purchasers are seeing some excellent investment potential over the coming years, as more and more people discover what property developments are available here.

The Sierra Nevada, over 3,000 metres high, is just over an hour from the coast and is the perfect location if you are into winter sports or climbing. The mountains shelter this region from cold winter winds, while the warm breezes float in from North Africa, contributing to the unique climate.

The Costa Tropical is studded with picturesque white Moorish villages dotted around the verdant hills, so there is no end to the sightseeing you can do. In the town of Almuñécar, crowned by its imposing Moorish castle, you can stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town and shop at the delightful street market where you will find sumptuous locally-grown produce such as lychees, custard apples, avocados, mangoes, bananas and sugar cane.

Further inland, visit the world famous Alhambra at Granada. Alhambra, (Qa’lat al hamra in Arabic) means red castle after the red mountain on which it was built. The Alhambra consists of a ninth century Moorish fortress, palaces, gardens with fountains and lakes and a small city, all enclosed within its fortified walls It is a great place to absorb the history, or sit back with a glass of wine and listen to the songs of visiting gypsies.

Back on the coast, Salobreña, 17 kilometres east of Almuñécar, is set against the backdrop of the Sierra Chaparral mountain range. The little white washed town is clustered around a magnificent medieval castle that is well worth a visit.