The beautiful, white-washed village of Gualchos is situated 5km above the coastal town of Castell de Ferro and is full of traditional Spanish charm. With approximately 800 inhabitants, the village itself has a number of shops, bars and restaurants, including a small supermarket. Almeria airport is approximately 1 hour’s drive, Granada airport just over an hour and Malaga approximately 1.5 hours (these times will be reduced once the region’s two new motorways have been completed).

There are two access routes to the village. The first is the road from Castell de Ferro and takes 10 minutes to get to the village from the coast. The second is from the town of Motril and takes about 20 minutes with some breathtaking views along the way. Motril is the largest town in the region with plenty of shops, banks, restaurants and supermarkets to suit all needs. There is a daily bus service from the village to Motril but hiring a car is essential in this region.

The Sierra Nevada, Spain’s highest mountain range, provides an amazing backdrop for this virtually undiscovered Spanish coast. During the winter months you can ski in the mountains in the morning and sunbathe on the terrace in the afternoon! With an average 326 days of sunshine per year, the “Costa Tropical” really lives up to its name. Dotted along the beautiful coastline you will find numerous unspoilt beaches and pretty little coastal towns such as Salobrena, La Herradura and La Rabita. There are also golf courses nearby in Motril and Granada.

Those looking for culture, history and excellent cuisine certainly won’t be disappointed in this part of Andalucia. Just over an hour’s drive away is the breathtaking Alhambra Palace of Granada and the whole region is dotted with Moorish castles and architecture. The region’s many restaurants and tapas bars offer superb local dishes at very reasonable prices, with seafood being a particular speciality. Whether you enjoy rambling through the mountains, discovering local history or simply sunbathing on the beach, the Costa Tropical has something for everyone.