Imagine lying on a sandy beach on a warm, summer day listening to the sound of waves gently brushing against the shore and the songs of seagulls in the distance. The scents of salt water and grilled seafood fill the air.

You’ve got an urge for a snack and something to drink so you walk over to one of the beach front bars and place your order. The bartender brings you a tall, frosted glass of sparkling red sangría. And, of course, because you’re in Granada, a few seconds later he brings you a free tapa, too. Perhaps its a hamburger and french fries or a plate of battered calamares. After your snack, you might go kitesurfing, explore one of the small towns along the coast, or just walk along the beach and feel the sand between your toes.

The Mediterranean coast of Granada, known as the Costa Tropical, is one of its biggest summer attractions. Tourists come from all over Europe and the world to bask in the Andalusian sun and bathe in the cool, refreshing waters of the Mediterranean sea.

During the day, the beaches of Granada are a fun and relaxing place to enjoy sunbathing, windsurfing, fascinating historical monuments and the beautiful natural surroundings. At night, the beaches of Granada become one big party centered around the open air beach bars called chiringuitos.

There are also lots of festivals on the coast of Granada that are celebrated during the summer. The Noche de San Juan, celebrated on June 23rd, is one of the most important. As part of the celebration, every year they build huge bonfires at the beach. In July you’ve got the festival of the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of seafarers. For this holiday they have a parade where they carry a huge statue of the Virgin Mary around town. In July you’ve also got the jazz festival Jazz en la Costa. And in August you can see the flamenco festival “Lucero del Alba”, tickets for which can be purchased that the tourist office or the Casa de Cultura in Salobreña.

Here’s a map of Granada’s beaches.