Motril is a port city on the Costa Tropical in the Spanish province of Granada. The city is a popular seaside resort due to its subtropical climate and has an important seaport with ferry connections to Morocco.
Motril is strategically located at the foot of the Sierra de Lújar, protected by the mountains and at the same time close to the Mediterranean. The city can be reached from Granada via the highway in around an hour. The port of Motril is the only seaport in the province of Granada.
Motril can look back on a long and varied history. The area was already inhabited in prehistoric times. During the Arab-Andalusian period, Motril was an important fortress for the defense of the coast of the province of Granada. After the conquest by the Catholic Monarchs in 1489 and the expulsion of the Moors in 1507, the area was repopulated. In 1569, Motril was attacked and destroyed in the Alpujarra War. This was followed by a period of growth and development, during which Motril became an important link between the coastal towns and Granada. In February 1937, Motril was hit by a flood. Motril was also the summer residence of the Belgian King Baudouin.
The old town of Motril is characterized by Hispano-Arabic urbanism and is home to numerous historic buildings, including the Mudejar-style church La Encarnación and the Virgen de la Cabeza chapel. The baroque town hall and other historic buildings also bear witness to Motril's rich past. In addition, the beaches of La Joya, Poniente and Carchuna with their clear waters invite you to linger and relax.