It is snubbed by Italian tourists: everyone prefers the more fashionable Costa del Sol or the wild nature of the beaches of Cadiz or Huelva, so few know that Almuñécar it is a real gem, ideal for spending a relaxing weekend.
Da Granada it can be reached easily in about an hour by bus (cost 7 € about) and finding cheap rooms is not an impossible task, especially now in the low season. I stayed at the Hostal San Sebastian, nice and with a friendly and helpful staff. The room cost about between 18 and 20 euro each, the only flaw: there is no air conditioning in all the rooms and the hotel is not on the sea, but the distances to Almuñecar are really negligible.
The ancient village develops all on a rock overlooking the sea and the ideal is to wander between one street and the other until you reach the umpteenth square where you can enjoy, for just over two euros, ice cold beer and a ' original tapita, courtesy of the bar. Don't let it escape Plaza Kelibia, surrounded by chiringuitos, it is the soul of summer evenings! The specialty, the rosca, a kind of stuffed focaccia, is the ideal aperitif, and the more nostalgic will find a nice bar right here that offers you “aperol and prosecco”!
And if you are a convinced disco and you like to live the night and wait for the sunrise on the beach, Almuñecar will reserve you pleasant surprises with its discos and its terraces along the seafront, Paseo Puerta del Mar and Paseo del Altillo.
The beaches are all pebbly and with a crystal clear sea. The closest to the city are Playa Puerto del Mar, Playa de la Caletilla, which can be accessed directly from the historic center. Continuing along the seafront and past the Peñon del Santo promontory you will find yourself on Paseo de Cristobal: a succession of chiringuitos, small shops and tourist restaurants.
However, I advise you to go to the other side, along the entire Paseo Puerta del Mar, there is a bit of walking, but the peace and tranquility of the Playa de la Velilla it will pay off all your efforts. Here you will find excellent kiosks that at lunchtime light a fire on an old wooden boat and cook excellent and fresh grilled fish in front of your eyes.
