Motril is the biggest municipality of the Costa Tropical of Granada with a little over 60,000 inhabitants, and the second largest city of the province of Granada. Located on a relatively flat area on the Coast of Granada, surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Sierra de Lújar and the Sierra Nevada, the scenery of Motril – especially in winter with the snow-capped mountain peaks – creates a unique, beautiful sight. Motril is a haven for both sea lovers and mountain lovers. There are small, inviting bays, hidden coves and large beaches on your doorstep, and you will find the second-highest mountain range of Europe at only a 70-minute drive away.
Motril is a place where both seafaring and agricultural traditions have developed over time. The cultivation of sugar cane was introduced by the Arabs more than a 1,000 years ago and is today the true hallmark of the city. There is an extensive architectural and cultural heritage linked to sugar cane, from museums, old sugar mills and farms, to chimneys dotted throughout the city. Apart from sugar cane, there is also an important subtropical cultivation of mainly cherimoya, avocado, and mango, and agriculture under plastic (fruit and vegetables). At the same time, Motril is also the main fishing port of the province and supplies excellent fresh fish to the entire area.
Today, Motril is a modern city, but it also has an old Moorish suburb with some palaces dating back to the 17th century. The oldest (known) constructions of the city are dating from 1500-1600, like the “Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnación” and the townhall. Motril is the most vibrant town on the Costa Tropical. It is the main shopping destination of the coast, and in addition, it also offers lots of great restaurants, bars, and clubs to enjoy nightlife. There is an abundance of fresh, local products – mainly tropical fruits, vegetables and fish, which form the basis of our Mediterranean cuisine.
Playa Granada
Playa Granada is the most popular area of Motril, offering a long beach with all kind of amenities, activities, and some beach clubs. It is also where the marina and the golf course are located. The port of Motril-Granada is a commercial and fishing port, that also has a marina with almost 200 moorings. In 2021, a project to develop a new harbour has started. The new marina will add 750 moorings to the port, and it will also have a dock, surrounded by commercial and leisure facilities, similar to the port Muelle Uno in Málaga.
The 18-hole golf course “Los Moriscos” is located directly on Playa Granada; a beautiful setting with the sea on one side and the mountain ranges on the other side. On the premises of the golf course, there is also a bar and gourmet restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food and great views.
Carchuna, Calahonda and Torrenueva Costa
In the recent years, three small fishing villages belonging to the municipality of Motril have become major tourist attractions as well. Calahonda, Carchuna and Torrenueva Costa (the latter now being a municipality on its own) are charming, coastal towns that are great for eating some fresh “espetos” in a chiringuito and for sunbathing on one of the sandy beaches. The beach of Calahonda is surrounded by rock formations called “Karst de Calahonda” from which you can enjoy a truly magnificent, panoramic view of the entire coastline of the Costa Tropical.