If you’ve been dreaming of a home in southern Spain but the Costa del Sol’s sky-high prices have put you off, it might be time to look a little further east.
Head to the Costa Tropical, Granada province’s lesser-known but increasingly sought-after stretch of coastline.
With its dramatic mountain-meets-sea scenery, subtropical microclimate and laid-back Andalucian charm, the Costa Tropical offers much of what makes the Costa del Sol so appealing, but often at 30–40% lower prices.
Take Almuñecar, the region’s largest coastal town and a firm favourite among British and Scandinavian expats.
It offers a historic old town, good schools, and a buzzing year-round atmosphere, yet you can still find a two-bedroom apartment within walking distance of the beach for around €200,000–€250,000.
That’s roughly half of what you’d pay for an equivalent property in Marbella or Estepona.
Just along the coast, La Herradura attracts a slightly more upmarket crowd, drawn by its sheltered bay, diving schools and fine dining scene.
Here, frontline beach apartments start at around €300,000, and hillside villas with sea views can be found from €500,000, prices that would barely get you a small townhouse in Nueva Andalucia.
Further east, Salobreña is another gem, perched on a hilltop crowned by an ancient Moorish castle. The whitewashed old town offers spectacular views, while down below, new developments and modern villas are springing up, many with private pools and panoramic terraces.
Prices in Salobreña can vary widely, with large differences between the old town (cheaper than in Almuñecar), and the coastline, (roughly the same).
Then there’s Motril, the Costa Tropical’s working heart. While less touristy, it’s ideal for those seeking authenticity, space and value.
A detached family home here can still be bought for under €250,000, and the town’s marina offers moorings at a fraction of the cost of those in Marbella or Puerto Banús.
Beyond affordability, what really sets the Costa Tropical apart is its climate. The region enjoys around 320 days of sunshine a year, with winter temperatures often in the high teens.
Thanks to the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s also possible to ski in the morning and swim in the Mediterranean by the afternoon, something few regions in Europe can boast.
For expats seeking a more authentic, relaxed Andalucian lifestyle, the Costa Tropical delivers. English is widely spoken, especially in Almuñécar and La Herradura.
Meanwhile, Granada city is just an hour away, boasting an international airport, world-class hospitals and a renowned tapas scene.
As property values on the Costa del Sol continue to soar, many buyers are realising that Granada’s coast offers the same sun and sea, without the inflated price tag or the tourist crowds.
