Costa Tropical Prepares for Early Spring Tourism Push as Hotels and Businesses Reopen
Costa Tropical prepares for early spring tourism as hotels reopen, bookings rise and coastal towns across Granada Province gear up for Easter.
The Costa Tropical is entering a key transitional period as local businesses, hotels and municipal services begin preparing for what many expect to be a stronger-than-usual early spring season. With February temperatures remaining mild and Semana Santa falling in late March this year, tourism operators across Granada Province are moving earlier than usual to position themselves for incoming visitors.
In towns such as Almuñécar, Salobreña and Motril, signs of seasonal reactivation are already visible along the promenades.
Hotels and Rentals Anticipate Higher Occupancy
Several mid-sized hotels in Almuñécar have confirmed they will fully reopen by mid-March, rather than waiting until April as was common in previous years. Industry sources estimate that occupancy levels for the first two weeks of April are already approaching 65–70 percent, largely driven by domestic tourism from Madrid and northern Spain.
Holiday rental agencies across the Costa Tropical also report an uptick in inquiries from international visitors, particularly from the UK, Germany and Scandinavia. Compared to February 2025, advance bookings for April are reportedly up by around 12 percent, according to data shared by local property managers in Granada Province.
The trend reflects a broader pattern in Andalusia, where milder winters and competitive pricing continue to attract travellers looking for alternatives to Málaga’s higher rates.
Municipal Maintenance Accelerates Ahead of Easter
Local councils are stepping up visible improvements in public areas. In Almuñécar, maintenance crews have been resurfacing sections of the Paseo San Cristóbal promenade and repainting public railings ahead of the holiday period. In Salobreña, work has focused on cleaning beach access points and improving lighting near the historic old town.
Motril’s port area has also seen increased activity. While primarily a commercial hub, the Port of Motril plays an important role in cruise and ferry traffic that benefits the wider Costa Tropical economy. Preparations for spring arrivals include coordination with local transport providers and hospitality businesses.
These early efforts signal confidence among municipal authorities that visitor numbers will rise steadily from late March onwards.
Restaurants and Beachfront Businesses Reopen
Along the seafront in Almuñécar and La Herradura, restaurant owners are beginning to extend terrace seating and bring back seasonal staff. Some chiringuitos that remained closed through winter are expected to reopen within the next three weeks.
Business associations in Granada Province say that early spring is becoming increasingly important for annual revenue. While July and August remain peak months, operators now see March and April as critical shoulder-season periods that help stabilise cash flow and reduce reliance on high-summer tourism.
The Costa Tropical’s microclimate, often warmer than inland Granada, continues to be one of its strongest selling points. Daytime temperatures this week have hovered between 19 and 22 degrees Celsius along the coast, noticeably higher than in many northern European cities.
Competition and Positioning Within Andalusia
Despite positive signals, the Costa Tropical still faces strong competition from established destinations such as Málaga and the Costa del Sol. However, local tourism professionals argue that the area’s lower density, quieter beaches and comparatively moderate property prices remain attractive to both short-term visitors and potential long-term residents.
Regional authorities in Andalusia have increasingly promoted the Granada coastline as a complementary destination rather than a direct rival to larger coastal hubs. Improved road links between the coast and Granada city have also made dual-destination trips more accessible.
For many local businesses, the coming weeks will offer a clearer picture of how resilient early spring tourism truly is. What is evident already is that the Costa Tropical is no longer waiting for summer to begin its season. The shift toward a longer tourism calendar appears to be gaining momentum, reshaping how the region plans its economic year.
As preparations continue across Almuñécar, Salobreña and Motril, the coastline is quietly but steadily returning to its familiar rhythm — terraces opening, hotels filling, and the first wave of spring visitors rediscovering the Mediterranean light that defines this stretch of Granada Province.
Ahmedabad