Brits have been visiting and living in Spain for ages, and have therefore got to know the country pretty well. But some parts remain relatively lesser known, and one place on the Costa Granadina in Granada has been described by UK expats as a must-visit. Salobreña is believed to have a history dating back 6,000 years, with today's population being around 12,700. An important fortress during the Middle Ages, it later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, suffered attacks by Turkish pirates, which forced residents to retreat to nearby mountains.

Today, The Olive Press, the country's only English newspaper and website, describes the tiny settlement as a hidden corner of Spain, and it looks as if it is right. Reviews of the location online are scarce, with the latest on Tripadvisor dating from June 13, 2011. They focus on the area's food, weather, beaches, and nearby places that are also worth seeing.

One post read, "The small village Salobreña is perfect if you are looking for sun, beach, recreation, and fresh and authentic Spanish food (there are some nice restaurants)."

"I was there in the off-peak season in September when the population largely consisted of Spanish residents.

"However, the weather was great and the beach wasn't crowded at all."

The visitor added: "In my opinion, a 'must see' are the nearby Sierra Nevada, the nice city Granada and Alhambra, a palace built by Islamists in the 14th century which is part of the World Cultural Heritage."

Another, from September 27, 2008, read: "Out of season this town can get very quiet. It is mainly a location for locals but does have beaches and some tourist locations/bars down the sea front.

"The beaches are mainly shingle and not as clean as one would like."

It added: "There are lots of places with graffiti on the walls so just looks like the place needs a good scrub up.

"Apart from that is a nice safe place and a good get away from tourists. Easy motorway to Grenada and the Sierra Nevada for getting out and about."

andalucia.com calls the town "the jewel of the Costa Tropical", and points out Salobreña's Moorish castle, as well as the fact that it is "surrounded by lush sugar cane plantations".