Camping holidays are booming on Granada’s Costa Tropical, with beachfront sites enjoying a busy Semana Santa as demand continues to rise.

Once seen as a niche option, camping has quietly become one of the fastest-growing segments of Spain’s tourism market, particularly among families, retirees and caravan travellers looking for affordable stays by the sea.

In Motril, several long-established sites have become go-to destinations for visitors seeking sun, sea and simplicity.

Leading the pack are Camping Playa de Poniente, Camping Playa Granada, and Camping Don Cactus in nearby Carchuna, widely regarded as one of the best-equipped coastal campsites in southern Spain.

According to Motril Digital, they form the backbone of the Costa Tropical’s outdoor accommodation offering, attracting a steady mix of Spanish holidaymakers and northern European visitors.

But increasingly, the appeal stretches beyond Motril.

In La Herradura, there is Camping Cerro Gordo and Camping La Herradura, and in Almuñecar, Camping Tropical.

These sites often offer far more than just a pitch, as visitors can expect fully equipped bungalows, swimming pools and leisure areas, on-site restaurants and services and direct beach access.

For many, it’s a way to enjoy the Costa del Sol lifestyle without the price tag of hotels or holiday rentals.

The Costa Tropical has long been a magnet for caravan tourists, particularly from northern Europe, many of whom return year after year.

Its mild climate also means the camping season stretches well beyond summer, helping to extend tourism into spring and autumn, in a major boost for the local economy.

Far from being a secondary sector, camping now plays a key role in supporting local businesses.

From restaurants and bars to supermarkets and beach services, the steady flow of visitors helps sustain coastal towns like Motril, Carchuna, La Herradura and Almuñécar outside peak months.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.