Motril

Motril, a sun-drenched coastal town in the province of Granada, combines a working port with a relaxed beach vibe. Its historic centre, with whitewashed houses and narrow streets, feels authentically Andalusian, while the surrounding fields of sugar cane and subtropical fruits hint at a fertile hinterland. For travellers, Motril offers a less touristy base than the Costa Tropical's bigger resorts, with easy access to both beaches and the Alpujarras mountains.

Highlights & What to See

• Playa de Poniente – the main town beach, a long stretch of dark sand with a laid-back promenade lined with chiringuitos (beach bars) serving fresh seafood and local wines.
• Historic Quarter (Casco Antiguo) – wander the winding streets around the Iglesia de la Encarnación, a 16th-century church with a striking Mudéjar ceiling, and the Plaza de la Independencia.
• Refugio de Motril (Civil War Shelters) – a fascinating network of underground tunnels built during the Spanish Civil War, now open as a museum that offers a poignant glimpse into the town's 20th-century history.
• Jardín de la Costa – a botanical garden showcasing the region's subtropical plants, including avocado, mango, and papaya trees, with lovely sea views.
• Museo de Azúcar – a small but engaging museum housed in a former sugar mill, telling the story of Motril's historic sugar industry, which shaped the town's economy for centuries.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to explore Motril's old town and museum, but to fully enjoy the beach and nearby nature, plan for a full day. Many travellers use Motril as a stopover on the coastal road between Málaga and Almería, or as a base for hiking in the nearby Sierra de Lújar or the Alpujarras. A relaxed overnight stay allows you to experience the evening paseo and a seafood dinner by the sea.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Salobreña – a stunning whitewashed hilltop village just 8 km east, crowned by a Moorish castle with panoramic views of the coast and the Sierra Nevada.
• Almuñécar – a lively resort town 12 km west, with Roman aqueducts, a castle, and excellent beaches; it's a short bus or drive away.
• Las Alpujarras – the dramatic mountain valleys south of the Sierra Nevada, with traditional Berber-influenced villages like Pampaneira, Bubión, and Capileira, about an hour's drive north.
• Granada – the magnificent city of the Alhambra is just over an hour's drive north, making Motril a convenient coastal base for a day trip.
• Sierra Nevada National Park – for hiking, skiing (in winter), and spectacular mountain scenery, the park's southern access is about 90 minutes by car from Motril.

Please check official sources for current details.