Why move to Salobrena
In Salobrena you’ll find the perfect alternative to the Costa del Sol. A real Spanish seaside experience, you are within striking distance of cultured Granada and the astonishing Alpujarras.
There aren’t many places in the world where you could be eating sardines barbecued on the beach for lunch and enjoying après ski in a world championship resort in evening, but Salobreña is one such location. Situated less than an hour from Granada and the Sierra Nevada ski resort, this picture postcard town of the Costa Tropical is perfectly situated and completely stunning from every angle.
Approach through a countryside dominated by sugar cane fields and you see the white washed town rise up in front of you. Climb the cobbled streets, past houses bedecked in colourful flowers and you eventually reach a stunning Moorish castle which offers views across the five beaches as well as the attractive modern developments around the seafront.
Community
Salobrena has a permanent population of 12,500 people, swelled at weekends and holidays by visitors from Granada and the surrounding area. Its proximity to the city means this is a predominantly Spanish town, although you will meet people from all over the world with international buyers comprising around 9% of the property market.
Property
You’ll find a variety of housing in Salobrena, with villas, apartments and townhouses in the historic old town offering great views of the sea at reasonable prices. Beneath the great rock are attractive modern developments mainly comprised of low-rise apartment blocks, many right next to the coast.
Amenities
Along with usual variety of supermarkets and gift shops, Salobrena hosts The Zoco de Artesanos, a craft market, whilst in the Parque de la Fuente are twice weekly night-time markets. This is a great place to stay fit with Los Moriscos Club de Golf to the south east and a water park in neighbouring Almunecar. Divers and casual snorkelers can even explore an artificial reef off the Peñon rock which is home to some remarkable sea life.
Transport
Granada is the nearest big city, at around a 45 minute drive and with its own airport, while Malaga is about and hour to the west. There is no bus station in town, but a bus stop by the tourist office will connect you with the major towns of the region
Employment
Salobrena’s economy is supported by the last operational sugar factory in Europe, although you are most likely to find jobs in the tourist industry. With both Malaga and Granada in reasonable commuting distance you will find a wide range of job opportunities.
Health
There is a public health centre along with several private dentists and pharmacies. You’ll find the nearest hospital in Motril, a 15 minute drive.
Schools
You can choose from a couple of Spanish state schools in town but if you’d like your children to follow the UK national curriculum, neighbouring Almunecar has its own international school and is a 20 minute drive.
Cost of Living
The Costa Tropical is generally slightly cheaper than its busy neighbour, the Costa del Sol. Bear in mind that winters here aren’t always quite as warm as you’d imagine and energy prices in Spain are not as cheap as many would like!