Top 15 Granada Beaches for Sun-Kissed Adventures

Granada sits in southern Spain’s Andalusia region. The city is famous for the stunning Alhambra palace, beautiful Moorish buildings, and lively flamenco culture. Granada itself is inland, but the Costa Tropical coast is only an hour away. You can enjoy both cultural sights and Mediterranean beaches.

Are There Beaches in Granada?

The Granada province has a beautiful stretch of Costa Tropical coastline. The Mediterranean Sea meets dramatic mountain views here. Water temperature ranges from 15°C in winter to 25°C in summer. Air temperatures stay between 20-30°C during peak season. These conditions are perfect for beach activities all year.

Granada has about 60 kilometers of coastline with many beaches. Most are free to visit, safe for swimming, and offer water sports like diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

When looking for beaches near Granada, you’ll find many coastal spots along the Costa Tropical. This article covers all 15 top beaches in Granada province. From hidden coves to wide sandy stretches, you’ll find the best beach in Granada for your trip.

Before heading to the coast, you can use luggage storage services in Granada. Leave your bags at a secure place and maximize your beach time worry-free.

1. Playa de la Herradura

Playa de la Herradura has a stunning horseshoe-shaped bay. The water is calm and crystal-clear, perfect for families. This beach offers free access and stretches about 2 kilometers along the coast. Even during summer, there’s plenty of space.

The beach has great facilities. You’ll find multiple beach bars, restaurants with fresh seafood, and rental stations for kayaks and paddleboards. Children can play safely in the shallow waters. Adults enjoy snorkeling around the rocky areas at both ends. Lifeguards work during summer months. The beach gets Blue Flag certification for water quality and safety.

2. Playa de Poniente (Motril)

Playa de Poniente in Motril is easy to reach from Granada city. It’s just 60 kilometers away. The beach spans 1.5 kilometers of dark sand. Palm trees line the well-kept promenades.

This urban beach is free to enter. Many chiringuitos (beach bars) serve local food and cold drinks. Water sports fans can rent jet skis, paddleboards, and windsurfing gear from several operators. The beach has playgrounds for kids and accessible paths for visitors with mobility needs. Lifeguards patrol regularly, keeping safety standards high.

3. Playa Calahonda

Playa Calahonda mixes natural beauty with modern facilities. The 1,800-meter coastline has both sand and pebbles. The beach splits into several coves. Each one has a slightly different feel, from busy to quiet.

There’s no entrance fee. Beach clubs, restaurants, and tapas bars sit along the waterfront. Diving is really popular here because of clear waters and rich marine life. Several dive centers offer courses and trips. Families like the calm waters and marked swimming areas. The beach maintains high safety with lifeguard posts and first aid stations.

4. Playa de Salobreña

This beach sits below the dramatic white village of Salobreña with its Moorish castle. The views are spectacular, and culture is close by. The beach stretches for about 2 kilometers with dark, fine sand typical of the Costa Tropical.

Entry is free. The beach has excellent facilities like showers, sunbed rentals, and many beach bars. They serve both international and traditional Andalusian food. Kids can enjoy special play areas while adults try water sports like kitesurfing and sailing. The beach is well-patrolled and safe. Clear signs and accessible paths connect to the historic town above.

5. Playa de Cantarriján

Playa de Cantarriján is a spectacular naturist beach. It’s located in the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Area. You reach it via a scenic clifftop path. This 500-meter pebble beach is known for its pristine waters and unspoiled setting. Dramatic cliffs surround it.

Access is free, but parking can be tough during peak season. The beach has a naturist section and a textile section for different preferences. A popular beach bar serves drinks and light meals. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and diving. Safety is generally good. The rocky entry needs care, so bring proper footwear.

6. Playa de la Rijana

Playa de la Rijana offers a more secluded experience. This pristine cove has pebbles and crystal-clear waters. This hidden gem measures about 200 meters and stays uncrowded even in summer.

No entrance fees apply. Facilities are limited to keep the beach natural. The water clarity is exceptional, perfect for snorkeling. Many visitors bring their own equipment to explore underwater rock formations. A small beach bar opens during summer. There are no lifeguards, but the protected cove creates calm swimming for careful adults.

7. Playa Granada (Motril)

Playa Granada near Motril is a well-developed beach resort area. It offers modern facilities and reliable services. The beach extends for about 2 kilometers with grayish sand and usually calm waters.

This beach in Granada is free to access. Many restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops line the promenade. Families like the gentle slope into the water and special play zones for children. Active visitors can rent pedalos, kayaks, and windsurfing equipment. The beach keeps excellent safety standards with professional lifeguard coverage. Medical services are nearby, and facilities are accessible for all.

8. Playa de Carchuna

Playa de Carchuna combines traditional fishing village charm with modern beach facilities. It’s 1 kilometer long. The beach features dark volcanic sand and has an authentic local feel. It’s away from major tourist areas.

Entry is free. The working harbor adds character and provides excellent fresh seafood restaurants along the waterfront. Children can swim safely in marked areas while adults enjoy fishing or just relaxing in the laid-back setting. The beach has seasonal lifeguard coverage and good safety standards. Local fishermen often help visitors informally.

9. Playa de Torrenueva

Playa de Torrenueva is a quiet, family-friendly beach. It spans about 1.5 kilometers with fine dark sand. This beach is especially popular with locals. You get an authentic Spanish beach experience.

No entrance fees apply. Several traditional beach bars and restaurants serve excellent value meals. Water sports include paddleboarding and kayaking. Rental places operate during summer. The beach is safe and well-kept with lifeguard supervision during high season. The calm waters are ideal for children learning to swim.

10. Playa El Pozuelo

Playa El Pozuelo is the closest beach to Granada city center in practical terms. It’s in Almuñécar with direct transport routes. This compact urban beach measures about 400 meters and sits near the town center.

Free access is provided to this well-equipped beach. It has sunbed and umbrella rentals, multiple beach bars, and excellent dining nearby. The beach has calm waters suitable for young children. Teenagers and adults can enjoy jet ski rentals and banana boat rides from beach operators. Safety standards are high with professional lifeguard teams, first aid facilities, and clear zones for different activities.

11. Playa San Cristóbal (Almuñécar)

Playa San Cristóbal is Almuñécar’s main beach. It stretches 1.8 kilometers along the town’s waterfront promenade. The beach has dark sand and excellent urban facilities, making it highly accessible for everyone.

Entry is free. The long promenade has many cafes, restaurants, and ice cream shops for all tastes and budgets. Adults can try water skiing and parasailing while children enjoy designated safe swimming zones with gentle waves. The beach keeps exceptional safety standards with year-round lifeguard presence and accessible facilities. Medical services are close by. After the beach, you can easily visit the nearby San Miguel Castle.

12. Playa Velilla (Almuñécar)

Playa Velilla offers a more relaxed option than Almuñécar’s busier beaches. It has 2 kilometers of dark sand and pebbles. The beach sits next to a marina, adding a sophisticated touch.

No entrance fees apply. Several quality beach clubs and restaurants line the waterfront. Diving and snorkeling are especially rewarding here because of interesting underwater rock formations. Families enjoy the playground areas and calm swimming zones. Safety is well-managed with lifeguard coverage during summer. The beach maintains excellent cleanliness.

13. Playa Cabria-Lavadero

Playa Cabria-Lavadero is a quiet beach perfect for those wanting peace away from crowds. It measures about 800 meters. The beach combines sand and pebbles with remarkably clear waters. Great for swimming and snorkeling.

Free to access, this beach has limited but adequate facilities. A seasonal beach bar and basic amenities are available. The natural setting attracts nature lovers and photographers. The calm conditions suit families with older children who can handle the pebbly sections. Lifeguard presence is limited, but the sheltered cove provides naturally safe swimming.

14. Playa de la Guardia

Playa de la Guardia has a beautiful mix of sand and pebbles along its 400-meter length. It offers intimate beach experiences. The beach sits below dramatic cliffs creating a protected spot with stunning scenery.

No entrance fees apply. A well-regarded beach bar serves fresh fish and local wines during summer. Snorkeling reveals diverse marine life around the rocky areas. The central sandy section provides comfortable sunbathing spots. The beach is generally safe for confident swimmers. Rocky areas need caution and proper footwear.

15. Playa Cambriles

Playa Cambriles offers a peaceful beach setting with about 500 meters of mixed sand and pebbles. This lesser-known beach provides excellent value for visitors wanting authentic experiences without tourist crowds.

Free access is available year-round. Basic facilities and a local beach bar operate during peak season. The calm waters make it suitable for families. The surrounding natural beauty appeals to those who love unspoiled coastlines. Safety is reasonable for careful swimmers. The beach’s quiet nature means you should use normal water safety precautions.

Best Beaches in Granada

Qeepl’s experts selected the top 3 beaches in Granada province. Criteria include accessibility, safety, scenic beauty, and available activities:

• Playa San Cristóbal (Almuñécar) - This beach in Granada earns top honors for its perfect mix of accessibility from Granada city, full facilities, and activities for all ages. Its closeness to historic attractions like San Miguel Castle makes it ideal for combining culture and beach time.

• Playa de la Herradura - Selected for its exceptional natural beauty and consistently calm waters perfect for families. It has an outstanding safety record with Blue Flag certification. This horseshoe bay offers the classic Mediterranean beach experience with excellent dining.

• Playa Calahonda - Recognized for its variety of coves serving different preferences and superior water sports facilities, especially for diving fans. Well-developed infrastructure maintains quality while preserving the natural coastal environment.