Discover Motril: History, Rum and Nature

When choosing a hotel in Motril, it’s worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your stay. The city offers opportunities to explore cultural history, rum-making traditions, nature and seaside activities. You can therefore choose Motril as a destination based on the themes you want to shape your trip.

Cultural history in churches and industry

The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza stands on the ruins of a Nasrid fortress that served as a residence for Queen Aixa Alhorra. The city’s visitor information, accessed on 26 August 2026, lists the Marian chamber, the exhibition room for sacred objects and the bell tower as areas open to visitors. Check access before your trip.

The Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnación was built over the former main mosque in the early 16th century. Remains of the Muslim minaret have been preserved; the minaret is known as the Torre de la Vela. The Motril Nazarí & Mudéjar route offers another perspective on the city’s history: it follows Motril’s medieval street plan and city walls.

Another highlight is the Fábrica Azucarera Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It was inaugurated in 1883 and is the only sugar factory in Motril that has been preserved almost in its entirety. On a tour, you can see original features such as the chimney, steam engines and production areas. These preserved elements provide a tangible link to the city’s industrial history.

Nature, beaches and activities

The Charca de Suárez wetland is within the municipality of Motril, near Playa de Poniente. A city announcement dated 6 August 2026 reported more than 200 animal species that can be observed there, mostly birds. According to the city’s visitor information accessed on 26 August 2026, visits during the breeding season from March to May are limited to guided tours lasting an hour and a half. Allow for this duration and check access before your trip.

A long, family-friendly beach with a promenade is suitable for activities and open-air concerts. The Port of Motril has significant fishing, commercial and recreational activities. Active tourism options in Motril include surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, hiking and cycling. This gives you a choice of activities ranging from birdwatching and coastal pursuits to land-based exercise.

Rum traditions and seasonal produce

At Ron Montero, the visitor experience introduces the history of rum and its production process, and ends with a tasting. The bodega continues to make rum by hand, using the traditional solera and criaderas ageing system. The tourism visitor information accessed on 26 August 2026 lists guided tours from Monday to Saturday, in French, Spanish and English. Check the details before your trip.

Casa de los Bates also offers agrotourism tours of its tropical garden, with the opportunity to sample seasonal produce. The tourism visitor information accessed on 26 August 2026 lists these tours and tastings as available options. Check the details of your visit and the seasonal offerings in advance.

If you plan to take tours, bear in mind how long each one lasts and its visitor requirements.

Discover more destinations: Calahonda, Carchuna, Benamaurel, Lopera, Puebla De Don Fadrique, Los Carriones, Castilléjar, Huétor Vega.

For the regional travel overview: Granada.