Motril is the second largest city in Granada. Sitting on the coast of the Mediterranean, Motril serves as the coastal gate to Jaen and Motril. Motril is a popular tourist area packed with shops, restaurants, and magnificent beaches. The population tops 56,000 people, so there is plenty to do within the city.

 

Speaking of beaches, in Motril you will discover the beaches cater to many needs. There are family-oriented beaches, beaches for water sports fanatics, secluded beaches, and even nudity-only ones. You truly can have what you want while in Motril.

Evidence dating back to the Bronze Age is located in Motril. Coins and the remains of former structures offer a glimpse into that period. Later occupation by the Romans is also evident.

 

Historians believe that Motril was once called Moctril or Mertrel. The town consisted of a large farmhouse owned by the Emir of Granada and was tied closely to Salobreña. Eventually, the Moors (Arabs) claimed the area as their own. With the seaside location, Motril thrived as a fishing town.

 

In 1489, Christians decided to attack. They succeeded in driving the Moors out, but in doing so, the population of Motril vanished. The former fishing town was now a barren wasteland.

 

By the year 1510, it was apparent that efforts to repopulate Motril were necessary. Five hundred Christian Spaniards were given land and asked to rebuild the community. Fearing attacks by pirates, the Christians moved the town away from the beaches and set up their homes on the nearby hillsides. This gave them an excellent view of the coast below. In order to earn a living, the townspeople grew grains and cereals. The Guadalfeo River provided the residents with excellent irrigation. When pirate attacks diminished, they expanded the town down the hillside and onto the beachfront. The agricultural fields remained, though sugar cane became one of the area’s important crops.

Three beaches draw crowds all summer long. Playa Granada, Playa de Poniente, and Playa de Calahonda offer plenty of sand, excellent water, and often offer nighttime, open-air concerts. Water sports are available at most beaches. There are smaller, more private beaches that offer romantic hideaways and even nude sunbathing.

 

Carchuna Castle has been the city’s main defensive fortress since the 1700s. In the 1930s, during the Spanish Civil War, the fortress housed many prisoners. It is a popular site for tourists.

 

Established in 1604, Casa de Palma is the area’s sugar cane plantation. The fields and buildings are open for tours. Plan ahead and you can arrange for a tour of this unique industry.

 

A number of churches are open for regular church services. After the service, you can experience the impressive architectural features and artwork. Church of the Capuchinos is built in the Mudejar style. Open since the 1600s, the church’s beauty shines on. Church of the Carmen (Hermitage of San Roque) is a baroque church dating back to 1538. Church of the Notaria is a stone church dating back to the late 1500s. The Greater Church of the Encarnacion is a Gothic style church dating back to 1502. This is the oldest church in the area. 1679’s Hermitage of San Antonio is a baroque building that played an important part in a plague that wiped out much of the population centuries ago. Finally, Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza is a 17th century temple decorated in the baroque style.

 

Caldéron Theatre is an Italian style theatre that dates back to the 1800s. The building’s ceiling paintings are only part of the theatre’s allure. The building has been undergoing renovations in the past few years, so expect some areas to possibly be off limits.

 

Built in 1631, the City Council house is another prime example of Mudejar architecture. Many of the main rooms are open to visitors. Period furnishings, artwork, and architectural features bring life to the historical home.

 

Museo Aeronáutico is one of Spain’s finest air and space museums. Located on Cuartel de E.V.A. 9, the museum offers both children and adults with an entertaining and educational experience.

 

Another popular activity includes a bit of walking. Motril is packed with charming boutiques, delightful restaurants, and an exceptional harbour. You can spend a full afternoon taking in the sights and sounds of the city centre before heading to the harbour for a delicious seafood meal.

 

Much of Motril’s economy is based on fishing and agriculture. Motril is Granada’s fishing hub. Hundreds of fishermen work out of Motril’s ports harvesting rockfish, sardines, octopus, prawns, and lobster from the warm Mediterranean waters.

 

With the rich soil and excellent irrigation provided by the Guadalfeo River, Motrileños grow a wide array of crops. Sugar cane, potatoes, beans, peppers, avocados, mango, cherimoya, tomatoes, almonds, and cereals are found among the vast fields.

 

As Motril is a harbour city, tourism plays another important role in the area’s economy. Tourists flock to the beaches on sunny days, and there are plenty of sunny days! Restaurants, bars, and beaches all fill up with tourists and bring in plenty of money for the city and its people.

Motril’s cuisine stands apart from that of many Spanish towns. The ample stocks of fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables provide Motrileño cooks and chefs with impeccable ingredients. Menus tend to be Mediterranean in essence with tomato, olive oil, and garlic used in virtually every dish. It is extremely easy to eat delicious, nutritious meals while staying in Motril.

 

Motril is known for two important seafood entrees. The Morago of Sardines is a dish in which sardines are baked in olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, lemon juice, and white wine. Dried octopus is another staple. The meat of the dried octopus can be reconstituted with water and then used in many dishes from stews to stir-fry.

 

Motril’s Royal Cake is one of the famed area desserts. This decadent sponge cake is filled with flavoured cream, often almond or vanilla.  Traditionally, the cake is eaten with a shot of rum to wash it down.

Many area restaurants offer bars that serve tapas (complimentary snacks). No trip to Spain is complete unless you have sampled area tapas. Tapas usually includes satisfying finger foods ranging from spicy meatballs to fresh olives. This is an intriguing way to spend your evenings.

 

There are bars, pubs, and some small nightclubs found within Motril. The selection varies greatly. One of the bigger concerns of tourists is finding a place where the staff members speak English. You may want to have a Spanish/English dictionary available if you do not know the language.

Motril is an excellent destination for the discriminating tourist. There is plenty to experience, but the area is still quieter than the larger cities. With a nice balance of activity and smaller crowds, Motril is family-friendly. A trip to Motril is necessary for families looking for a unique experience.