The perfect daytrip: Coast and mountains in one day

Last November, I enjoyed one of the most memorable day trips I’ve ever taken in Andalusia. W e discovered that you can experience the Mediterranean coast, impressive mountains and authentic white villages in one single day. This is the perfect day trip!

It’s a trip we would recommend to visitors of every age! I had a terrific day with my 83-year-old mom.

We had been planning this trip for several weeks. Our wish list included the spectacular glass-bottom suspension bridge in Torrenueva Costa (Jolúcar pasarela colgante), another visit to beautiful Calahonda Beach and, finally, the mountain village of Polopos.

Polopos was especially interesting to us because of a Dutch television series about families who moved there to renovate old houses and help bring new life to the village. Ever since watching that series, we had wanted to see it with our own eyes

Around 10 a.m., we left Villa Bugambilla and followed the scenic N340 towards the east, excited to see how much of the Costa Tropical we could discover in just one day.

East of Motril, the landscape changes dramatically. Large agricultural greenhouses stretch across the valley, producing peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and many other vegetables. Thanks to the combination of sunshine and fertile land, this area is one of Spain’s most productive agricultural regions.

Torrenueva Costa is best known for the impressive glass-bottom suspension bridge. Starting from the promenade, a well-maintained path with gentle steps and several resting points leads you to one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the Costa Tropical. Even my 83-year-old mother reached the bridge comfortably.

The bridge provides a breathtaking view of the sea and the beach. In the distance you even can see the port of Motril, where cruise ships have recently started docking. This stunning sight continued during the descent, making it a worthwhile visit.

After our walk to the suspension bridge, it was time for a well-deserved coffee. We drove to nearby Calahonda, one of our favourite beaches on the Costa Tropical.

We found a small café a few streets inland, where we enjoyed an excellent cup of coffee before heading to the beach. Sitting on a bench in the sunshine, watching the fishing boats gently rock on the water, catching up with relatives or friends, this is a prefect place.

Leaving the coast behind, we followed the winding mountain road towards Polopos. The drive itself is worth the trip, with beautiful views over the Mediterranean on one side and the Sierra Nevada on the other. Choosing for the longer route via Castell de Ferro and Rubite, a 39 km drive that took about an hour.

Once we arrived in Polopos, we headed straight to Restaurant Julia, a Dutch-owned restaurant that had been recommended to us. Friendly locals helped us find a parking space close by.

A useful tip: don’t navigate directly to the restaurant. Instead, follow the signs to the village parking area. From there, it’s just a short walk to the centre and much easier than trying to park in the narrow streets.

While enjoying lunch at Restaurant Julia, we heard more stories about the Dutch families from the television series Het Spaanse Dorp and how the current owners eventually settled in Polopos. It was fascinating to hear how the programme changed the village and the lives of the people involved.

After a morning of exploring, a delicious lunch on the terrace was exactly what we needed. We couldn’t resist ordering the satay (a familiar Dutch favourite) and it was excellent. We’ll definitely be back!

After lunch, we wandered through the quiet streets of Polopos before taking the scenic Casarones route back to the coast. The winding mountain road offered spectacular views over both the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, making the drive itself part of the adventure.

It was one of those perfect November days that reminds you why the Costa Tropical is so special: sunshine, quiet villages, mountain views and lunch on a sunny terrace, all enjoyed in a T-shirt. A day we’ll never forget.

Would you like to explore the Costa Tropical like this yourself? Villa Bugambilla is the perfect base for unforgettable day trips along the coast and into the mountains. Check our availability and start planning your own adventure.