Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Costa Tropical - Granada
 |  | Travel Reviews : Costa Tropical - Granada |
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| | | | Review by Marjolein WIT from Pijnacker
we enjoyed our stay
Review by Debbie Evans from Staines
The restaurants on the beach front at Almunecar are varied. Some of them have english/spanish speaking waiters, some don't, but the food is fantastic. The beach isn't sandy and a bit grey, but the sea is warm. Sun loungers are 8Euros for two and a sun shade, and you can stay there all day if you want. The drive to Nerja is good, although a better road map of the area is a must as we ended up guessing where to go. For a relaxing recouperating area, without manic shopping, Almunecar is a great place to go. You can do as little or as much as you want.
Review by Helen Farnsworth from Craven Arms
The Costa Tropical is in area of outstanding contrasts from the very friendly family orientated beaches and bars to the stunning mountains and hillsides. An area with something for everyone whilst very much retaining a family, value for money spanishness. A great family destination.
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 |  | Destination Guide : Costa Tropical - Granada |
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| | | Quiet taste of Spain |  | Why go on holiday to Aguadulce? Aguadulce is a district of Roquetas de Mar, a much bigger resort nearby. Thanks to its location in Almeria (Spain's driest province), dry, hot days are virtually guaranteed. The town has a pleasant marina for yachts, which is flanked by a host of bars and restaurants. Fields around Aguadulce are dotted with greenhouses — evidence of the region's intensive horticulture — but on the upside it's a popular destination for golf.
How much will it cost? Charter flights to Almeria are from about £80 and Aguadulce is about a 50-minute drive from the airport. Accommodation: seven nights in a self catering apartment is from £290 including flights.
When should I go? Spring highs average around 70F (21C). In July and August, it's in the high 80Fs (30Cs). The resort is quieter than Roquetas de Mar and doesn't feel as crowded as some.
June sees the Festival of San Juan in Roquetas de Mar with bonfires and a fiesta on the beach; in August there are fiestas and fireworks celebrating Our Lady of the Sea.
Who is it for? Families, senior citizens and anyone looking for a fairly quiet, relaxing beach holiday with an authentic Spanish flavour. There's enough to keep you busy, but clubbers will be disappointed.
What are the must-sees? The Cabo de Gata national park and its Las Salinas salt flats, a few miles from Roquetas, are home to water birds including the flamingo. In late August up to 1,000 flamingos can be seen here.
Western film fans will want to head out to Mini Hollywood in the Tabernas desert where a string of spaghetti westerns were made.
Take an excursion into the Sierra Nevada mountains and spend a day in Almeria visiting its Alcazaba, a hilltop fortress founded in 955 that commands great views across the bay.
What will I spend? A moderate three-course meal will set you back around £6.50, a bottle of Spanish wine from the supermarket is from £2 - £4, a beer in a bar is from £1, a six-pack of Spanish lager from the supermarket is around 70p. A pack of cigarettes is from £1.40 for the cheapest brand and £1.70 for a well-known brand. A short taxi ride is from £2 - £3. A litre of petrol on the Spanish mainland is from 58p a litre. A 24-exposure roll of film for your camera is around £3.45.
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 |  | Fact File : Costa Tropical - Granada |
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| | | Aguadulce | | Did you know? Barcelona is the capital of the Cataluna region of Spain, which has its own language.
Language Catalan
Visas No visa required for UK citizens.
Getting there The international airport is 14km south-west of the city centre at El Prat de Llobregat. There are bus and train services between the airport and the centre of Barcelona.
Flying time from London Two hours
Getting around The metro is the easiest way of getting around the city. Buses are frequent during the day and run until 3am or 4am. A free, comprehensive metro and bus map is available from the main tourist office on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 658.
Currency Euro
Costs Bottle of beer 75p, a roll of film £2.50, meal for two with wine £12, a litre of petrol 45p, taxi from the airport £5.50. All prices will vary.
Weather Summer 21C(70F)-29C(83F). Winter 6C(43F)-15C(58F).
Time difference One hour ahead of GMT.
International dialling code from the UK 00 34 93
Voltage 220V. Take an adaptor if you will be using electrical appliances brought from the UK.
Opening hours Monday - Friday 9am-2pm, 4.30pm-8pm for shops and travel agencies. Most keep the same hours on Saturdays. The big department stores don't close for lunch and are open 9am-9pm.
Health - Before you go No vaccinations are required. Pick up an EHIC form from a Post Office for free medical treatment.
Health - When you are there The tap water is OK to drink. Take the usual precautions in the sun.
Warnings Keep an eye on your belongings at all times because pickpockets operate, especially on La Rambla.
Emergency The emergency number is 091. British Embassy, Calle de Fernando el Santo 16, Madrid. Tel: (0034 91) 700 8200.
Customs Night-owls should be happy. In cities the evening tends to begin around 10pm and end in the small hours. The afternoon siesta can become a must.
Pets Spain is taking part in the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) but documentation takes a while to set up. See your vet for details.
Tipping Service charge is included in restaurants, so tipping is a personal choice - 5% is plenty, or odd change in cafes and bars.
Tourist office Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London W1M 5AP. Tel: 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
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 |  | Available rental properties in Costa Tropical - Granada |
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| |  | | La Concha at Los Piedaos One of three enchanting holiday cottages on four hectares (10 acres) in the Alpujarras, near Granada, Southern Spain.
|  | | El Azahar at Los Piedaos One of three enchanting holiday cottages on four hectares (10 acres) in the Alpujarras, near Granada, Southern Spain.
|  | | Las Palomas at Los Piedaos One of three enchanting holiday cottages on four hectares (10 acres) in the Alpujarras, near Granada, Southern Spain.
|  | | La Rama at Los Piedaos Enchanting holiday villa designed by architect owner, wheel chair friendly, in the beautiful Alpujarras valley,between Granada and the sea.
|  | | CASA PEQUEÑA Pretty cottage - close rugged Granada Coast, Motril & Port. Wonderful lush gardens, pool, sea/mountain views. FREE Wi-Fi & BSKYB. Dogs welcome.
### CHARMING ANY SEASON ### Ideal couples.
| Holiday Rentals in Costa Tropical - Granada |
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 |  | Family and kids (17) |  |  | Beautiful Scenery (10) |  |  | Unspoilt and charming (9) |  |  | Culture and history (6) |  |  | Good value (4) |
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