Motril, Spain

Motril, Spain

 

Stop three on our 16 day TransAtlantic cruise

 

Motril is the second largest city in Granada and has evidence of a Bronze Age settlement. The Moors claimed the area and Mortil thrived as a fishing village. In 1489 the Christians attacked and left, what was a thriving village, a ghost town. In the 1500’s it was resettled by the Spanish.

A bustling city, with small shops that sell local crafts and sourvenirs, visitors will find shopping enjoyable.  Motril has many larger shops, tapas bars, restaurants  and several stunning beaches. The most popular beaches are Playa Granada, Playa de Poniente andPlaye de Calahonda.

The Carchuna Castle has been the city’s ain defensive fortress since the 17oo’s and served as a prison during the Spanish Civil War.

Flamenco and popular Spanish folk music can be found in Motril’s nightclubs.

On the outskirts of Motril, sugar cane is grown. The plantation, Casa de Palma was established in 1604.

A walk through the village will take you to the Town Hall and the Inglesia de La Encarnacion, a 16^th century church. A stroll through the downtown open market will tempt all of your senses.

 

 

 

We were surprised by a group of motorcyclists enjoying a scenic drive through Motril and congregating in front of the baroque style town hall.

The Museum of Sugar explains the history of the industry and the area and is worth a look.

The marina and nautical club offer watersports including diving, sailing, fishing and windsurfing. You can even hire a boat and take an excursion across the water to North Africa. The coastline boasts many rocky inlets and impressive cliffs.

 

 

The Alpujarras on the southern side of the Sierra Nevada is one of Spain’s most spectacular regions where tiny ancient villages cling to mountain peaks and life has remained the same for centuries.

Motril is the port for excursions to Granada, the magical Moorish city and home of the Alhambra only 40 minutes drive.