Andalucia, the very name conjures up the often turbulent history of the province. The magnificent Sierra Nevadas, Spain's highest mountain range, is the backdrop to the largely undiscovered Costa Tropical de Granada.

The mountains, which also include the Alpujarras, insulate this coastal strip from the lower winter temperatures experienced inland, providing a micro climate and Europe's warmest and sunniest winters.

Costal Tropical is mainly a horticultural area providing a large quantity of produce like peppers, tomatoes, avocados and the like to the rest of Europe. It also includes, however, wonderful coastal villages and towns.

Travelling eastwards from La Herradura you pass Almunecar, La Caleta and Salobrena. There are many properties for sale in these areas but prices are rising rapidly. You are now entering one of the last remaining untouched areas on the Costa Tropical. Once you pass Motril and Torrenueva you are in one of the most panoramic stretches of the N340 coast road. Sheer cliffs, jagged landscapes and azure seas fire the imagination. From here you have the gateway to the Alpujaras with famous villages like Lanjaron, Trevelez and Orgiva and closer to the coast Rubite and Castell de Ferro.

The Berbers, Moors and Romans have all left their mark, after 500 years as a backwater Andalucia is experiencing a surge in prosperity. From lovely old fincas nestling in forgotten valleys, to cortijos and large family homes, there is something for everyone. More older properties are becoming available on the Costa Tropical as there is an aging population and movement to smaller properties such as apartments on the coast. Castell de Ferro, Motril, Salobrena and Almunecar are experiencing new developments. Couple this activity with the advent of the new motorway in about three years time and this will bring about changes and price increases. Benefits will be an improved infrastructure, Malaga airport will be only one hour from Castell de Ferro, where a marina is planned for the near future.