Perched atop a giant rock, Salobreña is an enchanting whitewashed village on Spain’s Costa Tropical. Archaeological findings suggest the area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with a Bronze Age settlement established around 1,500 BC. A Moorish castle dominates the centre while sugarcane fields surround the town.
Things to do in Salobreña
Watching over the town is the Castillo de Salobreña, which has existed on the site in various shapes and forms since the 10th century. The current trapezoidal castle was built by the Nasrid dynasty and combines both Islamic and Christian architectural influences. Stroll through the internal gardens and climb the towers for elevated views across Salobreña and the Mediterranean Sea.
For a day at the beach, head to Playa de la Guardia, which is surrounded by farms and sugar cane plantations to the south-west of Salobreña. You can stretch your legs on the promenade that runs the length of the sand or go snorkelling on the artificial reef that lies just offshore. Nearby is the little cove of El Peñon, which is a popular spot for rock jumping.
Salobreña makes an excellent base for visiting Parque Natural de Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara y Alhama, a rugged, mountainous area that’s ideal for hiking and rock climbing. You can explore the Rio Verde Canyon or trek to the 2,066-metre-high peak of La Maroma, from where there are sweeping views across the park. In addition to Iberian ibex, the park is home to golden and Bonneli's eagles.
Getting around Salobreña
Salobreña is just over an hour’s drive from Malaga and Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular buses connect to Salobreña and the town is ideally explored on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.