Salobreña

The basics

Salobrena’s rocktop pueblo and 12th-century castle gaze over its lower town of apartments, hotels, shops, and sand-and-pebble beaches. Climb the pueblo’s bougainvillea-lined lanes to the castle ruins and 16th-century Church of the Rosary (Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario); graze on tapas at hole-in-the-wall bars; and visit viewpoints for sweeping panoramas over the plains and sea below. Alternatively, hit one of Salobrena’s beaches and savor its beachfront restaurants, markets, and nightlife.

When you want to don your explorer’s hat, plenty of attractions and activities beckon. Explore Salobrena’s Old Town and surrounding countryside independently by self-drive vehicle, or book a guided day trip to Granada’s magnificent Alhambra Palace. Other options include sightseeing cruises from nearby Motril or La Caleta, or kayaking and scuba-diving from local beaches.

Things to know before you go

• Salobrena will appeal to sun and surf aficionados, families, and anyone wanting to experience one of Andalucia’s “white villages”.

• If you’re driving, park on the main road below old Salobrena and explore on foot: its lanes are difficult to navigate by car.

• Plan about three hours to enjoy the castle, viewpoints, and shops and eateries of the Old Town.

How to get there

Salobrena sits around 53 miles (86 kilometers) from Malaga and 44 miles (70 kilometers) from Granada to its north. The closest airports are Granada and Malaga. If you’re traveling from either city, Salobrena is best reached by car or bus. Regular buses make the roughly 1-hour trip from Malaga and frequent buses operate from Granada. Local buses follow a circuit around Salobrena’s Old Town and stop at the castle if walking isn’t an option.

When to get there

Salobrena basks in warm weather from May to October, with average highs of 79°F (26°C), during July. Cultural events run almost non-stop from spring to fall, peaking with June’s San Juan Fiesta which sees beach bonfires; and October’s Virgin of the Rosary festivities, which include processions, street parties, and castle concerts.

Walking trails around Salobrena

Once you’ve explored Salobrena’s Old Town, switch the scenery with a countryside walk. The surrounding sugarcane fields and meadows are woven with trails that reveal the area’s rich botanicals. One of the best is the Camino del Canal: a roughly 3-mile (5-kilometer) route that starts north of Salobrena before winding through peaceful almond, pine, and fig groves to the town’s Playa Guardia beach, a perfect end point.