Jo Chipchase on various options to get away and chill out on your spring break before summer starts…
WITH the clocks moved forward, a hint of sun appearing, and Semana Santa firmly behind us, there’s a useful gap before the summer season (‘temporada alta’) starts. At present, prices for a bargain spring break are at their most affordable. The weather can be decent – but it’s not yet reliable, as wind and rain can easily appear and make outdoor activity a damp squib. Therefore, at this time of year, demand for accommodation drops – particularly during Sundays and midweek. Now is the time to book that well-deserved bargain spring break in this beautiful and diverse region!
Two practical points are important before you press “confirm” on the booking cart. First, check the weather forecast for your intended destination three to four days ahead, when meteorological sites, such as AEMET, have a chance of being accurate. However, do not book too late. Especially with hotels, while last-minute deals do exist, booking within 24-36 hours of arrival can push prices upwards, especially in popular locations, such as the Costa Tropical. Campsites tend to have stable prices, although on-site bungalows and wooden cabins might fill up when the sun comes out.
Here are our 10 top tips for a bargain break that won’t break the bank….
1. Camping Órgiva
A long-established, family-run campsite, located near the market town of Órgiva, Camping Órgiva is a reliable low-season base in La Alpujarra. It is ideal for a bargain spring break where you can explore the nearby region, which is full of beautiful blooms in springtime. The site itself is pretty – planted with flowers, mature trees, and grass – and has many shaded areas, giving it a homely feel. This is in contrast to some large and impersonal campsites, which feature heavily on gravel!
Camping Órgiva is well-placed for visiting local attractions such as Órgiva’s Thursday market, the local shops and bars, and nearby walking routes- including Centenary Olives and the Rio Guadalfeo paths. It is also central for driving to the Contraviesa, Costa Tropical, Granada, Alpujarra Alta – with its famous white villages, the witchy village of Soportújar, and Motril.
The on-site restaurant is useful, serving with a weekday ‘menú del día‘ on its shaded terrace.
- Guide price (2 adults, 2 nights): €90–€200
- Curious feature: the Tree House!
- Pool: Closed (summer months only)
- Website: campingorgiva.com
2. Camping Trevélez
Set in a beautiful and lofty location, this campsite is about five minutes drive from Trevélez, one of Spain’s highest villages, at 1,476m that is famed for its ‘jamon serrano’. The attractive village is spread across three fairly step ‘barrios’ (‘bajo’, ‘medio‘ and ‘alto‘). Behind it rises Mulhacén, the dominant peak of the Sierra Nevada, and the highest in the Iberian peninsular. Below it is the Rio Trevélez.
Camping Trevélez is a friendly campsite, spread over several terraces, and with large facilities blocks, a restaurant (with limited hours off-season), and a swimming pool (open in the warmest months only)!
The altitude can curb demand during off-peak periods, which is reflected in the pricing. This site is your functional mountain base for exploration, rather than a leisure site (i.e. there aren’t many amusements for small children off-season!).
At this altitude, do not forget your jacket, long trousers, and comfortable shoes or boots. Even the mountain-dwelling reporter had a shock during an autumn visit, with the temperatures plummeting lower than anticipated!
- Guide price (2 nights, 2 adults): €80–€210
- Curious features: The triangular wooden cabin!
- Pool: Closed
- Website: campingtrevelez.com
3. Camping Los Bermejales (near Arenas del Rey)
Located beside the Bermejales reservoir, near Arenas del Rey (Granada region), Camping Los Bermejales is one of the more structured sites in the area. The lake is a prominent feature – used for kayaking, pedalos, and swimming in summer, and for walking and cycling in quieter months.
The site has many bungalows to rent, a large swimming pool (seasonal), and a restaurant serving a variety of food.
In low season, this could be your relaxing haven, with the surrounding pine forest and lake providing a pleasant experience in ‘la naturaleza’.
- Guide price (2 nights): €150–€180
- Curious feature: the lakeside beach
- Pool: Closed
- Website: campinglosbermejales.com
4. Camping Los Escullos (Cabo de Gata – the distant option!)
OK, so this doesn’t qualify as being anywhere near South of Granada”, as it is in Almeria province. However, the natural park of Cabo de Gata is a firm favourite for residents of La Alpujarra.
A short drive into the beautiful Cabo de Gata Natural Park, the Los Escullos campsite is located within an impressive volcanic landscape and is also near the popular tourist town of San Jose. It is close to may unspoilt beaches, including Genoveses and Monsul. Even in low season, the area retains demand because of its gorgeous coastline and walking routes. Not forgetting that Almeria tends to be drier than neighbouring Granada in spring!
The campsite offers full and half board at its restaurant. if you want to save money, there is a large Lidl a 30min drive away.
You can take Fido!
- Guide price (2 nights): €130
- Curious features: the nearby volcanic caldera walk.
- Pool: Closed. Limited opening hours before high season.
- Website: losesculloscabodegata.com
5. Camping Valle Niza (near Torre del Mar)
Camping Valle Niza is a small campsite located to the east of Málaga, a few kilometres from Torre del Mar. It is a medium-sized and fairly intimate site with some all-year residents. This helps keep prices reasonable (although the bungalows sell out in summer). The on-site attractions include a small swimming pool with grassy surrounds, a gymnasium, BBQ areas, bar/restaurant, and easy access to a quiet stretches of beach. A short drive away, Torre del Mar offers shops and amenities.
Accommodation on-site is mainly bungalows and small ‘casitas’, suited to short breaks. You can also book a pitch for your van or tent.
- Guide price (2 nights): €100–€130
- Curious feature:
- Pool: Closed
- Website: campingvalleniza.es
6. Hotel Helios Costa Tropical (Almuñécar)
Set on the first line of San Cristóbal beach in Almuñécar, the Helios Costa Tropical is a modern – and extremely clean – hotel that offers great value to guests. The promenade and town centre are within easy walking distance and there are on-site bars and restaurants.
A big bonus is that the outdoor pool is heated, making it usable in low season, when most other swimming pools are closed. The hotel also caters to cyclists, with secure bike storage and workshop facilities.
If you opt for half-board, you can enjoy the extensive ‘buffet libre’ offering. Full board is available in high season – but you might be too full to move after two rounds of food! There is cava with breakfast.
As for room selection, the side sea view frontal rooms with patio are comfortable and attractive for two persons.
- Guide price (2 nights): €120–€140
- Curios features: the rooftop bar – impressive!
- Pool: Open (heated outdoor)
- Website: hoteleshelios.com
7. Impressive Playa Granada Golf (Motril)
Living up to its name, this is a large golf hotel is based on a sprawling aparthotel design, located on the first line of Playa Granada in Motril. Genuinely, it is impressive! And not just for golfers! You could spend days exploring the entire site! The resort lies on attractive stretch of beach, with a golf course and extensive grounds featuring swimming pools, poolside café/bar, spa, gym, nightclub, lounging areas – and more.
The rooms have just been refurbished. They were well appointed beforehand! It’s best not to choose a golf-facing room if you are not a golfer and would prefer to be near the swimming pool!
In low season, pricing drops noticeably, while much of the infrastructure remains open. You can pay for the “all inclusive” package, which includes everything your heart desires – poolside pizza slices and cocktails/mocktails, as well as three buffet meals per day. However, access to the heated pool is 12e extra.
- Guide price (2 nights): €160 upwards
- Curious features: the impressive reception area
- Pool: Open
- Website: impressiveresortsplayagranada.com
8. Hotel Rural Real de Laroles
From the huge to the homely, with a personal welcome, Hotel Rural Real de Laroles is based in the eastern Alpujarra. It is within the village, with parking nearby. If offers easy access to surrounding villages, countryside, as well as Puerto de la Ragua – a low-key ski resort in winter, with panoramic views all year round, sa well as and cycling and walking trails.
The restaurant serves Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
Pricing tends to remain steady and reasonable.
- Guide price (2 nights): from €135
- Curious features: the suite
- Pool: Closed
- Website: on booking sites
9. Barranco de la Salud (Laroles)
Another option based near Laroles, Barranco de la Salud is a self-contained “eco-retreat” where you can chill out in nature, and take Fido. The small resort is a few minutes drive from the town. It is set in vast swathes of greenery, and can cater for groups.
The outdoor pool is for summer only but the jacuzzi and sauna are available in low season – for a supplement.
- Guide price (2 nights): from €165
- Curious features: you can hire an accommodation for a long spell for “teleworking”
- Pool: Outdoor closed; spa open
- Website: barrancodelasalud.es
10. Hotel Luna Granada Centro
Hotel Luna Granada Centro is a practical city option – in Granada – with an indoor pool and spa. This is useful in springtime, when outdoor swimming is limited. The location is central, with easy access to shops and restaurants. Ideal for your bargain spring break.
The main complication is that the hotel sits inside Granada’s Low Emission Zone (ZBE), so driving around here depends on your vehicle classification and should be checked before booking. There is adjacent paid parking, literally right beside the hotel.
- Guide price (2 nights): €95 – €160
- Pool: Indoor open
- Website: delunahotels.com
What represents value for your bargain spring break?
The pattern is consistent. Campsites and rural accommodations have relatively stable prices, while coastal hotels adjust more frequently according to demand.
- Lowest cost: Camping Orgiva, Camping Trevélez,
- Best hotel value with usable pool: Hotel Helios Costa Tropical
- Full resort option: Impressive Playa Granada
- Rural higher-end retreat: Barranco de la Salud
At this time of year, value is driven more by timing than availability. Watch the weather forecast, avoid booking too late, and join any loyalty schemes offered by the hotel or campsite before booking to gain a member discount (if available)