Salobreña: pekan putih di atas batu

Salobreña is a white town on a rocky hill above the sea, with a Moorish castle at the top and beaches below. It sits between Almuñécar and Motril, and buyers ask us about it more than any other town on the Costa Tropical. This guide covers the old town, the beaches, daily life and what to check before you buy.

A town built up a rock

The old town climbs the hill in steep, narrow, white streets. Park at the bottom and walk up; every corner gives you a new view of the roofs and the sea. Go in the late afternoon, when the low sun warms the walls.

At the top is the castle, the alcazaba, which dates back to at least the 10th century. Its walls and towers are still standing, and the views reach along the coast in both directions. Take water and good shoes; the cobbles are hard work in July.

El Peñón and the sugar past

Below the old town, a large rock called El Peñón sticks out into the sea and divides two of Salobreña's five beaches. It was once an island.

Sugar cane has been grown here for centuries, and Europe's last cane sugar factory, near La Caleta, closed only in 2006. Today the flat land by the sea still grows cane, and the hillside terraces grow almonds, custard apples and avocados.

Beaches, and where to go for more

On one side of El Peñón, the beaches run towards La Guardia and La Caleta; on the other, towards La Charca and Solamar. For more beaches and the next town west, read our guide to Almuñécar, a short drive away.

Market day and everyday life

The weekly market is on Tuesday and Friday, from nine until two, next to the town's covered market. Go early for the best fruit and vegetables. On the second Sunday of each month there is an organic market in the Plaza de La Rosa from ten until two. On Saturdays there are second-hand and antiques stalls in the Parque de la Fuente from eight until two, and in July and August there is a Friday night market on the Vial Verde near Salomar.

Outside summer the town is quieter, and it is clearly a place where people live all year, which is what most buyers want. For a big shop, Motril is only a few kilometres away. Our cost of living guide covers the rest.

Old town or coastal developments

Buyers usually choose between the old town and the newer developments by the sea. The old town has character and views, but also stairs, narrow lanes, little parking and older buildings. Always get a survey there.

The developments by the sea have less character, but they offer flat ground, parking and a short walk to the beach. They suit buyers who do not want to climb steps every time they come home.

Either way, find out who looks after the shared areas and what the community fees cover, and have a lawyer check the title before you sign.

How far to Granada and Motril

Granada is about 65 to 70 kilometres away, a drive of 45 minutes to an hour, a bit longer on summer weekends. Motril is a few kilometres east, about ten to fifteen minutes by bus. See airports and getting here for travel, and Granada and the Alhambra for the city.