Probably the most important sector of the economy in Motril and its region is the agriculture. There are many greenhouses in Motril, and in the nearby towns, like Carchuna. The most important crops are: beans, cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers.
Motril has an almost tropical climate. Due to this, there are also a lot of crops imported from South America, like mango, chirimoya and avocado.
Motril is the largest town at the Costa Tropical and is a very vibrant town important locally for its retail and business centre.
The port in Motril is a commercial port as well as a haven for yachts and fun craft. Fishing and the transportation of fruit and vegetables for export are crucial to the local economy.
In Arab times the mother of the King Boabdil was resident in Motril and after the Christians conquered it, it became a prominent town in the region.
In the 19th century it became wealthy on the back of the sugar industry and now Motril with it's 60,000 inhabitants is looking to the tourist industry for its next evolutionary step.
Recently, a ferry service was instigated operating from the Port of Motril to Armilla in the north of Morocco.
Motril
has long, wide beaches providing plenty of room for everybody so you won't
be packed like sardines in the peak month of August.
The hot favorites are the two beaches of Playa Poniente and Playa
Granada. Both beaches are clean and beautiful and have all the modern
facilities.
Apart from these, there are sheltered coves, stunning cliff faces and rocky inlets all along the coast.
Apart from enjoying its beautiful beaches, the visitor to Motril can also discover its numerous monuments which form part of its rich historical legacy.
The ‘Pueblos de América’ Park, situated below the Ntra. Sra. Virgen de la Cabeza Sanctuary, is the largest park in Motril and is home to a variety of exotic and sub-tropical plants, brought over from different countries of the American Continent.
The Casa de la Palma. This was originally a sugar refinery locally known as Lucas Palma’s mill. In the middle of the XVIIth Century the refinery and house became property of the eldest son of the Victoria family who was owner until the middle of the XIXth Century and in 1983 it became a municipal property which was restored and converted into a Cultural Centre, today housing the main municipal library and Historical Archives as well as being a Centre Associated with the National Open University (UNED).
Sugar Cane Museum
The pre-industrial Sugar Cane Museum is located behind the Casa de la Palma and built on the remains of an old sugar mill from the XVIth Century. The pre-industrial Sugar Cane Museum offers 1.000 m2 where it is possible to discover the manufacturing and commercialisation processes used between the XIIIth and XVIIIth centuries with original scale reproductions of the mills and pressers as well as the cooking and airing rooms, making this museum unique in Europe. The tradition of cultivating sugar cane has some 1.000 years of history in this area.
Motril Town Hall
The present building dates from 1631 and was built on the ruins of an earlier one destroyed by the explosion of a powder magazine in a 1620 Berber attack.
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| Salobreña Avenue - Motril Centre |
Shopping & eating
Take
a walk around the attractive streets and squares with their wide variety of
shops, cafes, bars and restaurants or make your way down to the beachfront
where you will find more good restaurants! Sample the typical culinary
specialities - fish in all shapes and sizes, paella, tropical fruits and of
course, the wines.
And don't forget to try out the tapas bars!
The coastal
resorts have numerous restaurants specialising in wonderful fish and seafood,
while villages in the interior may offer simpler fare – the famous Serrano Ham
from Las Alpujarras, or perhaps just a plate of 'patatas povres con huevos'
washed down with a glass or two of Costa wine. Or you might find a gourmet
restaurant in the most unexpected of places.
Restaurants and bars abound in Motril,
but remember that the shops close between 2.00 pm and 5.00 pm for siesta.
The
Alcampo supermarket is open all day (except Sundays) from 10.00 - 22.00.
On Sunday mornings there are small supermarkets and bread shops open in the
centre of Motril.
Sports activities
You can climb to small villages like Guachos or Lujár or go to Almuñecar and go for a ride on the old road to Granada with fantastic views. For those who like the real climbing the famous Vuelta-climb to Monachil (photo) and the Sierra Nevada is only an hour away by car. The Sierra Nevada is also the perfect place for skiing and snowboarding form November till sometimes begin of May.
The hills in the nearby Alpujarras are often used by Para gliders and are a paradise for hikers with their many routes through unspoiled nature. And off course there's a challenge for golfers.
The Motril Golf course ‘Los Mariscos’ is on the coastline and takes only fifteen minutes by car.
The subtropical climate of the coast and its calm and warm waters make it an ideal place for all kinds of water sports. Diving enthusiasts can enjoy one of the most beautiful sea bottoms of the Andalucian coastline.
Other sports and leisure activities such as 4x4 safari, bird watching, horse riding, mountain biking and quad biking are all with easy distance.
Looking towards the sea
Between Salobreña and Castell de Ferro we can find seven beautiful beaches, the colour of the sea competing with the intense blue of the sky in Motril. Extensive beaches with spectacular late afternoons and sunsets offering something for every taste: peaceful and select beaches like Granada Beach surrounded by the magnificent Golf Course, or the more lively and well-equipped Poniente Beach with its long promenade to enjoy (Paseo Rey Balduino), and a wealth of fashionable beachside bars and restaurants, which at night time convert into the meeting point for the young and for those searching for diversion.
The most summery atmosphere in Motril is to be found at the Playa de Poniente, where an extensive tourist infrastructure caters for all needs.
One may practice water sports in the marina and nautical club, or attend an animated auction session along the front in the fishing port but all along the coast are to be found excellent family orientated beaches or tiny secluded coves.
Don't miss the festival of San Juan in late June when the people light fires on the beach and stay all night socialising.
There are also three nude beaches. Cantarriján and El Muerto are near Almuñécar, whereas La Joya is near Motril.
In the middle of the 18th Century it covered
over one thousand hectares. To date, over 140,000. square metres have
been purchased by the Motril City Council to preserve the area and maintain the
exceptional ecological value. In the last census, over 200
different species of vertebrates were identified, of that, 27 were singularly
unique.
Between Salobreña and Castell de Ferro we can find seven beautiful beaches, the colour of the sea competing with the intense blue of the sky in Motril. Extensive beaches with spectacular late afternoons and sunsets offering something for every taste: peaceful and select beaches like Granada Beach surrounded by the magnificent Golf Course, or the more lively and well-equipped Poniente Beach with its long promenade to enjoy (Paseo Rey Balduino), and a wealth of fashionable beachside bars and restaurants, which at night time convert into the meeting point for the young and for those searching for diversion.
The most summery atmosphere in Motril is to be found at the Playa de Poniente, where an extensive tourist infrastructure caters for all needs.
One may practice water sports in the marina and nautical club, or attend an animated auction session along the front in the fishing port but all along the coast are to be found excellent family orientated beaches or tiny secluded coves.
Don't miss the festival of San Juan in late June when the people light fires on the beach and stay all night socialising.
There are also three nude beaches. Cantarriján and El Muerto are near Almuñécar, whereas La Joya is near Motril.
La Charca de Suarez - Wetlands Bird Sanctuary
The lakes and
wetlands of La Charca de Suárez are the last of the great system of wetlands
related to the River Guadalfeo delta.
A pair of rarely seen, but seen by us, Marbled Ducks resting over for the night. Wednesday, April 6 2011.
In the middle of the 18th Century it covered
over one thousand hectares. To date, over 140,000. square metres have
been purchased by the Motril City Council to preserve the area and maintain the
exceptional ecological value. In the last census, over 200
different species of vertebrates were identified, of that, 27 were singularly
unique.
It is situated on the Motril beach road just prior to the
camping area. Turn right along the sea front after reaching the port. There is
plenty of parking, and even for non avid bird watchers is a lovely way to spend
a few hours of peaceful solitude. Well worth the visit.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 18.00 to 20.00 hours and on
Saturdays and Sundays from 9.00 to 13.00 but do check first as opening times
change with the seasons.
La Garnatilla (photo) , Pueblo Nuevo and Los Tablones. Inland from the coast you will find these three beautiful rural areas surrounded by large plantations of subtropical trees and crops unique to this area. The ideal tourist destination for those who prefer to be in the countryside and away from the busy town life.
Almuñecar, Salobreña and Calahonda are the direct neighbours of Motril. Laid-back Almuñecar with his Roman history has good tapas and shopping as well as two main 'playas', a water park and a Tropical Bird Park. Salobreña is a picturesque white village, built on a rock and overlooked by a Moorish castle while Calahonda has miles of beaches.
Las Alpujarras is the range of mountains south of
Granada and is one of the most beautiful regions in all of Spain. Steeped
in history and seemingly untouched by time. It is an area full of white-washed
villages, dramatic gorges, wonderful walks, amazing views, deep ravines, quiet
old churches and village squares, bustling markets, and friendly welcoming
people. The area contains many beautiful, and often remote, villages like
Pampaneira, Bubion and Capileira all clinging to a hillside overlooking a
dramatic gorge. There are also busy market towns like Orgiva and Lanjaron. The
town of Trevelez is famous for its hams and for often being called the highest
village in Spain. This seems to be an area that shows the more traditional
Spanish way of life, away from the busy coastal resorts, and is in a beautiful
setting with several mountain ranges and rivers.
Nerja
The impressive Prehistoric Caves at Nerja are one of the hotspots at the Costa Tropical. The caves were discovered in 1959 when a group of boys from Maro made their way in through a narrow passageway situated at the bottom of a small cavity known as "The Mine". In 1960 a proper entrance was made in order to allow visits.
Open daily from 10.00 - 14.00 and 16.00 - 18.30 (16.00 - 20.00 in July and August).
Granada
One of Granada city's most famous landmarks is the stunning Alhambra Palace and beautiful Gardens of the Generalife, only 45 minutes from Cortijo Azahar. The history is fascinating and, as satisfying as a visit around the Alhambra is, the views of the Palace from many areas of Granada are also amazing, especially at sunset. Granada city has so much history that it is a remarkable place to visit, or to live.
The old Islamic quarter, the Albaycin, seems like a step back in time with its narrow streets and tall buildings, and the Cathedral and Capilla Real are also beautiful historic monuments. Granada city also has plenty of modern-day attractions too, with a good nightlife, plenty of bars and cafes, a variety of restaurants, and excellent shops. All this is surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada backdrop of snow-clad mountains and lofty peaks.
