The perfect daytrip: Coast and mountains in one day

In November, I took a wonderful daytrip with my 81-year-old mother, an experience I want share with you and is recommend for all ages!

Some weeks before I already made plans for several daytrips. The glass-bottom suspension bridge in Torrenueva Costa (Jolúcar pasarela colgante) was already some time on my bucket list. Additionally, we had enjoyed the beach in Calahonda earlier that summer and I wanted to show my mother this beautiful place.

Third place I planned on this daytrip was Polopos. My mother had (some years ago) followed a Dutch TV-series about Polopos, a small mountain village in need of younger residents. In 2018, five couples were selected to renovate a house there and start a business to support the community, which made us curious about the village.

So, we decided to an ‘early’ departure to be in the mountains for a late lunch in the afternoon, we departed at 10 a.m. from Villa Bugambilla and took the N340 eastward.

The area east from Motril is surrounded by vast fields of white tents, where a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers, are grown. The combination of groundwater availability and sunshine makes this region ideal for agriculture.

Torrenueva Costa

Torrenueva Costa is a small town with a long, lively street and a beach that is perfect for a lovely stroll. At the end of the boulevard, we began our ascent to the suspension bridge. The well-designed route, with low steps and resting points, even made it easy for my 81-year-old mother to reach the top.

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.

Calahonda (Granada)

After this walk we were eager for a cup of coffee and drove to Calahonda.

Luckily, we found a cafe a few streets inland where we enjoyed an excellent coffee. We then went to the beach and sat on a bench, soaking up the sun and the pleasant temperatures. While both towns are busier in other seasons, we appreciated the peaceful atmosphere.

Polopos

We continued our journey to Polopos. Choosing for the longer route via Castell de Ferro and Rubite, a 39 km drive that took about an hour.

Upon arrival in Polopos, we drove directly to the Dutch owned Restaurant Julia. With the assistance of friendly locals, we managed to park near the restaurant.

Later on, we discovered that a larger parking lot was accessible from another entrance to the village. So don’t aim at the restaurant when driving to Polopos, just put the parking lot in your navigator.

At Restaurant Julia, we learned about the participants of ‘Het Spaanse Dorp’ and how the owners themselves ended up in Polopos. The village has an authentic Spanish charm, with gorgeous views stretching to the sea.

We enjoyed a common Dutch dish: deliciously prepared satay. We definitely will be returning!

For some time, we relaxed on the terrace, enjoying the mountain sunshine and after lunch we explored the village for a bit. Satisfied, we left Polopos and took the Casarones route. This 25 km road took 40 minutes, leading us high above the clouds down to the coast.

It was a fantastic November day: sunshine, terraces, and pure enjoyment in a T-shirt and shorts. A day trip to remember!

Look at our calender for availabilty to book your perfect holiday and enjoy daytrips like this one!

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