If you are thinking about living in Spain but haven't decided which area you would choose, the Costa Tropical is a region which has a lot to offer, both for those people wishing to make Spain their permanent home or looking for a Spanish holiday home for investment or personal use.

The province of Granada covers about 13,000 square kilometres and is part of Andalusia in Southern Spain . The coastal area is known as the Costa Tropical, taking its name from the sub-tropical climate of the region, which allows cultivation of exotic fruits and crops such as avocadoes, mangoes, papaya, bananas and sugar cane. The Costa Tropical has the warmest winter temperature on mainland Europe with daily highs of 18 C and nightly lows of 10 C. The summers are hot but with very low humidity, so the climate is pleasant all year round.

From the Sierra Nevada Mountains down to the sea the scenery is spectacular, with small whitewashed villages tucked away in the lush green valleys. The coastline consists of a series of secluded sandy coves backed by steep cliffs. The port of Motril , 60km from Granada, is considered the capital of the Costa Tropical. It is a golf resort with a large harbour and yacht marina. The other main coastal resorts are Almunecar and Salobrena. There are numerous small towns and villages across the province, each one steeped in history and proudly preserving the remaining legacies of the Moorish invaders.

The Moors arrived in the province in the 8th century and created a stunning civilisation. They were brilliant architects, and examples of this can still be seen in many of the towns and villages. The palace of the Alhambra in Granada city is the most visited monument in Spain. The vibrant city of Granada is rich in history and culture. You can wander through beautiful gardens, explore narrow streets filled with flowers, and visit the many museums and monuments.

Granada province and the Costa Tropical are areas of outstanding natural beauty. The province has 5 natural parks, including the Sierra Nevada National Park, which are all protected areas. These areas are spectacularly beautiful, with a wide variety of interesting flora and fauna. If you enjoy outdoor activities you will be spoilt for choice, from walking and skiing in the mountains to sailing and scuba diving off the coast.

The Costa Tropical may be slightly less well known than the Costa del Sol to the west, but this is an advantage for those searching for their perfect Spanish home. Property prices in the Costa Tropical tend to be cheaper, and it is easier to escape the crowds and find peace and seclusion here. The area is easily accessible from one of three airports; Granada, Malaga, or Almeria, with several airlines offering low cost flights from a number of UK airports. The infrastructure is continually being improved and developed, with new motorways currently under construction from Granada to Motril, and along the coast.

At GTT Overseas Properties, we believe this particular region of Spain is an ideal place to invest in a new Spanish home.

Other areas offering an alternative Spanish way of life are the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida. This famous coastline offers housing of the highest standards, as well as golf facilities to go to the bottom of our stairs for. All for prices that you would expect.