A church built over a former main mosque, an almost completely preserved sugar factory, and a wetland with more than 200 animal species that can be observed give Motril several facets. There is also rum production with tastings, as well as coastal and activity tourism. If you are looking for hotels in Motril, you can first decide whether architectural history, production and food culture, or nature will shape your stay.
Churches and the medieval townscape
The Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnación was built over the former main mosque in the early 16th century. It preserves remains of the Muslim minaret, known as the Torre de la Vela. The building thus connects today’s church with an earlier layer of the city’s history.
The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza stands on the ruins of a Nasrid fortress that served as the residence of Queen Aixa Alhorra. Visitors can see the Marian chamber, the exhibition room for sacred objects, and the bell tower. Check visitor information before your trip.
The Motril Nazarí & Mudéjar route follows the medieval street plan and city walls. It therefore draws attention to the layout of the city, while the churches offer a close-up look at specific buildings and their historical layers. These two approaches give Motril’s cultural history different scales.
Industrial history and rum
The Fábrica Azucarera Nuestra Señora del Pilar was inaugurated in 1883 and is the only sugar factory in Motril to have been almost completely preserved. On a tour, you can see original equipment: the chimney, steam engines, and production areas. Insights into sugar production thus complement the city’s religious and urban history with another local theme.
Ron Montero continues to produce rum by hand using the traditional solera and criaderas aging system. The visitor experience covers the history of rum and the production process, and ends with a tasting. Guided tours take place Monday to Saturday in French, Spanish, and English; check visitor information before your trip.
At Casa de los Bates, you can take agrotourism tours of the tropical garden. There is an opportunity to sample seasonal produce. Check visitor and tasting information before your trip.
Wetland and activities
The Reserva Natural de la Charca de Suárez is a wetland in the municipality of Motril, near Playa de Poniente. A municipal statement published on August 6, 2026, names more than 200 animal species that can be observed there, mostly birds. Nature watching is therefore a distinct focus alongside the city’s historical and culinary experiences.
During the breeding season from March to May, visits to the Charca de Suárez are limited to guided tours lasting one and a half hours. If you visit during this period, take this visiting condition into account and check the rules before your visit.
Activity tourism in Motril includes surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, hiking, and cycling. The range includes activities in both coastal and inland settings, from water sports to exercise on land. The port also has significant fishing, commercial, and leisure activities.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Carchuna, Calahonda, Alhama De Granada, Villanueva De Las Torres, Busquístar, Jete, Almuñécar, Alpujarra De La Sierra
Return to the main travel overview: Granada.
