Free walking tours in Motril and what to see

Must-sees

Motril is the main town on Granada's Costa Tropical and for centuries it lived from sugar cane. That past comes alive at the Museo Preindustrial de la Caña de Azúcar, set in the remains of the old Casa de la Palma sugar mill, and in the chimneys and factory buildings still dotted around town. In the centre, the Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnación, built in the 16th century over a former mosque, and the 19th-century Teatro Calderón de la Barca are worth a stop. For a stroll, head to Las Explanadas and the Parque de los Pueblos de América.

On a hill stands the Santuario de la Virgen de la Cabeza, the town's patron saint, built over the remains of a Nasrid fortress and with good views of the plain and the sea. Towards the coast you have the Charca de Suárez, a wetland nature reserve with birdwatching hides, and the fishing port. The beaches are dark sand and shingle: Poniente and Playa Granada, near town, and Carchuna and Calahonda, further east.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Motril. The practical thing is to drop into the tourist office to find out about visits and activities. The Charca de Suárez is explored on a short, easy trail, but access follows a set calendar, so contact the reserve beforehand.

How long to spend

A morning is enough for the centre, the sugar cane museum and the climb to the sanctuary. Add the afternoon for the Charca de Suárez and a walk around the port or the beach. With two days you can visit Salobreña, with its castle and white old town a few minutes away by car, or explore the coves along the coast towards Calahonda. In summer, life centres on the beach.

Where to stay

If you want the beach, Playa Granada or the Poniente area are best, with apartments and hotels right on the sand. Central Motril is more convenient if you want to get around by bus, eat tapas and have services to hand. Calahonda and Carchuna are quieter, family-friendly options. Salobreña, very close by, is a good alternative if you prefer a town with a historic centre.