Almuñécar and La Herradura form the tourist capital of the Costa Tropical. This relatively unknown stretch of Spain's southern coastline belongs to Granada province in Andalucia. It lies between the more populous Costa del Sol to the west, and the coast of Almería to the east.

It's here that the continent of Africa is trying, and noticeably succeeding, to push its way under the mass of Europe. The dramatic results are what give the Costa Tropical its special geography and climate, so unlike any other coastline in southern Spain.

Rugged hills thrust up steeply from valley floors or plunge into the sea. Seasonal torrents, often swollen by melting snows, cut jagged ravines deep into the landscape. Once-forrested hillsides, now denuded of their fertile topsoil, provide a scanty foothold for almond, olive and the hardy carob. Small villages and farming communities have developed in sheltered valleys or simply cling like limpets to the hillsides.

And above everything towers the grand Sierra Nevada.

These mountains, which boast among them the highest peak in mainland Spain, form a natural weather-break which protects the Granadan coastline from the worst influences of the European winters, while Africa, to the south, helps buffer the harsh effects of both the Mediterranean and Atlantic weather. As a result, the area has an extraordinarily benign subtropical climate which can be seen in the variety of exotic products to be found in the local markets, especially the different fruits.

Almuñécar and its handsome Moorish castle sit on a small hill between the mouths of two rivers - the Río Seco and the larger Río Verde. The latter runs through Almuñécar's Tropical Valley, a fertile area of mainly subtropical fruit orchards that line the valley floor and climb the terraced hillsides. To the west of the town lies the Punta de la Mona, a pineclad headland sheltering the attractive Marina del Este sports port and home to a number of luxury urbanisations. Beyond, is the pretty village and horseshoe-shaped bay of La Herradura and another large natural promontory, Cerro Gordo, which marks the end of the municipality and province. Inland, the approximately 80 km² municipality rises into the hills which form an impressive backdrop to the coast. Farmhouses and small hamlets dot the area overlooked by the Peña Escrita natural park.

Along the 19 km of local coastline visitors can choose from a large variety of beaches and small coves, ranging from fine sand to shingle. Watersports are very popular and there are numerous businesses offering different types of courses and equipment hire. Divers will find some of the best underwater scenery here of anywhere along the southern coast.

Hindered by the rugged geography, development has been mostly restricted to the coast and its adjacent hillsides. Recent years, however, have seen a shift in the 'sun, sea and sand' mentality and many people have bought farmhouses or plots of land in the surrounding hills. Rural tourism, though slow to take off, is on the increase.

Based originally on agriculture and fishing, the local economy is now concentrated almost entirely on tourism and recent years have seen a huge surge in the local infrastructure. Numerous hotels, chalets and apartments are being constructed to cope with the increasing number of visitors, both seasonal and permanent, and shops and services are being opened at a corresponding rate. Cheaper flights and the lousy north European weather have prompted many to buy second homes in the area, while increased telecommunications, especially the Internet, mean that many professionals can work here seasonally if not throughout the whole year.

Local tourism has traditionally been Spanish and confined to the summer season, especially August when the town is packed out. Important fiestas such as Easter and Christmas are also very busy. Foreigners tend to visit mostly during the Spring and Autumn months when the weather can be superb compared to the north, while winter, apart from Christmas, is relatively quiet. Many visitors rent chalets or apartments for their stays

Foreign residents are a mixed bunch with representatives from most European countries living here year round. French, Belgian, German and English nationalities are the most common, though not necessarily in that order, while the Scandinavians, particularly the Danish, are increasing their numbers.