Jazzing it up…in Almuñecar

June 20th, 2012

A little way along from the popular destination of the Costa del Sol you´ll find the quieter Costa Tropical – popular too but more so with local Spanish mingling with the tourists looking for a tranquil beach holiday combined with traditional Spanish pueblos and local food.  It´s the closest coastline for those staying in and around Granada, including the Alpujarras region and the Lecrín Valley.  Almuñécar happens to make a great base too, with something for everyone and next month a little light Jazz too – let´s visit Almuñecar and see what they´re blowing their trumpets about!

How to get there

As we mentioned, it´s proximity to the Granada region means you have a choice of airports.  Either land at Málaga and drive along the picturesque coastline – or see whether you can grab a bargain into Granada´s Federico Garcia Lorca airport and hire your car there instead. At only 16 kms west of Granada city, you can have the added bonus of a day trip there too before you hit the beach. What about a few hours wandering the Alhambra Palace? – what a way to start your holiday!  Then later, admire the mountain scenery of the Sierra Nevadaas you travel through….

View of Sierra Nevada mountains

Driving past Granada, admire the view!

Where to stay?

Arriving at Almuñécar you´ll need to drop your bags off before exploring the town. Of course, you´ll already have cleverly booked one of these 101 stunning Almuñécar rentals from Spain Holiday… apartments, penthouses, townhouses and villas to choose from – every one an excellent choice!

A pool with a view in Almuñécar

 And the town itself?

The English writer Laurie Lee wrote much on his time spent in Spain, and in particular Almuñécar – as is evident from his tome As I Walked Out one Midsummer Morning..,a great post by Vernon on Laurie Lee is found by clicking here...it´s no longer that small fishing town, albeit you can still get a plate of good fish!

Your first impressions will be how the Old Town and all of the charm that goes with it manages to flow freely and easily in to the newer parts to the attractions of the seafront and modern tourism.

A large Water Park for fun with the kids, Aqua Tropic right on Playa Velilla, and more beaches to explore, sunbathe on and enjoy the water sports on offer:

  • Playa de Cabria – small but popular.
  • Playa El Pozuelo – shaded and small.
  • Playa El Tesorillo – my favourite! 2 friendly bars right on the beach and big waves.
  • Playa Puerta del Mar – the main beach
  • Playa San Cristóbal
  • Playa Cotobro – from here you can walk around to….
  • …Playa del Muerto – an official nudist Beach
  • Playa de La Herradura – the Horseshoe -unarguably the best photo opportunity beach!
  • Playa de Berengueles – the one for Water Sport fans
La Herradura Costa Tropical

The beach at La Herradura – the Horseshoe!


Old Town Charm

Away from the surf and sand, the Old Town is particularly charming – little shops and bars on winding streets and charming houses with flower filled balconies, hot pink and red geraniums in terracotta pots.  We were there 2 weeks ago for Corpus Christi and the streets were strewn with ramas of fresh Mint, when the processions came past the hot humid air was filled with the scent….don´t forget the Friday market to stock up on all your self catering needs and if you´re  a bargain hunter the Sunday Rastro or flea market is back in town – it´s huge and stuffed full of treasure!

Almuñécar today

Eating out is a  pure pleasure, naturally fish features high on every menu – personally, I recommend La Ventura at the foot of the steps of the Old Town – where the Menu del Día is more than reasonable, the level of cuisine high- everything is fresh –  and they also do special Flamenco nights….ah yes – the music…

Hit the right note with the Jazz Festival

All that Jazz

 Next month – July – sees the 25th edition of  Jazz en la Costa which is the Jazz Festival that runs from the 14th to the 27th of the month.
In addition to the ticketed events for some of the  big name performances – there are also a couple of FREE events running as well.  On Sunday 15th July at Paseo del Altillo. Almuñécar you can see Funkdación completely free of charge – an eclectic group of Soul musicians.  On Monday the 17th at Plaza Neuva in La Herradura it´s the turn of the Granada Blues Band - again FREE of charge and also one of the biggest Blues Bands in the country.
The ticketed side of events carries such names as:
  • PLAYING FOR CHANGE
  • LIZZ WRIGHT and RAUL MIDÓN
  • JACKY TERRASSON TRÍO
  • MILES with STEFON HARRIS, DAVID SÁNCHEZ and NICHOLAS PAYTON
  • KENNY BARRON TRÍO
  •  MARÍA ROMERO and KIKO AGUADO QUINTET GRANADA BIG BAND with ANTONIO SERRANO

Daily entry for each event is only €13 to €15 – or you can buy an abono which covers all the concerts and costs €80 – a free CD comes with the abono too!

What?! Not booked yet….? Hurry up….because whether you come for the ambient town,the beach life, the Costa Tropical or just for the Jazz – Almuñécar always hits the right note!

 

Carol Byrne
Posted by Carol Byrne
Originally from Dublin, Carol has also lived in London and Wales before settling in Spain with her husband and family in 2006. She and her family run a rural retreat high in the Alpujarras mountains of Granada, which you can find here as property number 17043. She blogs about traditional village life, sparked by a passion for the culture and history of Spain, and teaches English locally..

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