Where to Stay in Estepona: A Guide to the Capital of the Costa Tropical
Motril is a city located on the Costa Tropical, in the south of the province of Granada. This coastal city, the second largest in the province, is famous for its beautiful and well-preserved historic center, its industrial and port city legacy and its beautiful natural environment framed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra de Lújar. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Motril, Spain.
Why visit Motril
With a history dating back to the Phoenicians and Iberians, Visigoths, Muslims and Christians also passed through Motril. The city centre of this Granada town reflects its status a cultural melting pot in historical buildings such as the City Hall, the Main Church, the Casa Condesa Torre-Isabel, the Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza Shrine or the Parque de los Pueblos de América.See accommodation in Motril City Centre.
However, it was in more recent times when Motril began to gain relevance. Its geographical location as Granada’s main exit to the sea and its warm climate, which allows the growth of eminently tropical products such as sugar cane, avocado or mango, made Motril an important agricultural, industrial and port centre. Motril’s industrial heritage can be seen in attractions such as the Pre-industrial Sugar Cane Museum or the Motril History Museum.
Although its charming old centre is located inland, Motril is known for being a major beach destination. Nicknamed the “Capital of the Tropical Coast”, the Motril coastline is spotted by wide fine sand beaches. The main beaches in Motril are Playa Granada, Playa del Poniente and Playa de las Azucenas and are located about five kilometres south of the city centre, in the vicinity of the port. See accommodation near the beaches of Motril.
When to visit Motril
Due to its coastal location in southern Spain, in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada, Motril has a subtropical microclimate. The influence of the Mediterranean moderates the climatic conditions of the city. In Motril, summers are hot and dry, while the winters are mild and can even be warm. In January, temperatures usually range between 9 and 19 °C. On the other hand, summer brings average temperatures of between 22 and 31 °C.
Motril, like the entire Costa Tropical, is a very popular destination during the summer, when thousands of visitors from Spain and other parts of Europe come to visit its beaches. Therefore, the high season in Motril runs from the end of June to the end of August, coinciding with the summer holidays. During the high season, accommodation and transport costs increase considerably.
The best time to visit Motril is during spring, especially between May and June. During this period, temperatures on the Costa Tropical are warm enough to hit the beach and hotels still don’t have their high season rates. The quietest month to visit Motril is December. In the winter, the city empties of tourists and prices drop, but many hotels, restaurants and bars are closed.
Getting there and around
Motril is connected by air through the Aeropuerto Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén (GRX). Located 83 km from Motril, this airport offers connections to several places in Spain and many destinations in Europe. For a greater variety of domestic, international and long-haul flights, the Aeropuerto de Málaga-Costa del Sol It is located about 120 km away.
Motril doesn’t have a train station, but it has excellent bus connections with Granada, including services to the train station offering AVE and long-distance links to the rest of Spain. Additionally, several bus routes connect Motril with the other towns on the Costa Tropical. See train and bus schedules, routes and fares.
The best way to move between Motril and other towns on the Costa Tropical is by car. You can rent a cheap car here. If renting a car is not an option, Motril has a small network of urban buses, taxis and mobile applications such as Uber and Cabify.
Where to stay in Motril
The best area to stay in Motril is near the beaches. Motril has some of the best beaches on the Costa Tropical and Andalusia. Most have all the services and are home to the best traditional restaurants, the liveliest nightlife venues and some of the best-rated hotels in the province of Granada.. See accommodation near the beaches of Motril.
Another excellent area to consider when choosing the best location in Motril is the Historic City Centre.
Keep on reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Motril, Granada.
The Best Areas to Stay in Motril, Spain
1. Recommended area: Motril Beaches
The main beaches of Motril are located about 5 kilometres south of the town centre, near the port of the city.
It is a semi-urban coastal area dotted with natural spaces, golf courses and residential developments.
One of the main attractions in this area is Playa Granada, a very popular beach with its calm waters and one of the most popular beaches for families in Motril. Playa Granada is also great for watersports.
Further west is Playa Poniente. Packed with chiringuitos and trendy pubs, this beach is especially popular with young people.
To the east of the port is Playa Azucena, quieter and ideal for walking and relaxing.
Motril’s beaches have many accommodation options ranging from cheap hostels and tourist apartments to luxury hotels with sea views.
The beach area is connected by the bus network and also has bike lanes and taxi ranks.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Motril, Spain:
- Best area for families
- Beaches of Motril
- Restaurants and beach bars
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Elba Motril Beach & Business Hotel
The Elba Motril Beach & Business Hotel is located next to Poniente de Motril beach, in the province of Granada. It features an outdoor pool, hot tub and rooms with free Wi-Fi and a private balcony.
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Budget
Hotel Estrella Del Mar
The Estrella del Mar Hotel is just 100 metres from the Poniente de Motril beach. It has a 24-hour reception and rooms with free Wi-Fi and a private balcony with sea views.
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Luxury
Impressive Playa Granada Golf
This 4-star complex is located on the beachfront in Motril. Free services include 6 tennis courts, outdoor pools, and evening entertainment. The Impressive Playa Granada Golf’s rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, with a private balcony or terrace, and a bathroom with a hairdryer.
2. Centro Histórico de Motril (Motril Old Town)
The Historic Center of Motril is located about 4 kilometers north of the port of the city.
This ancient central quarter is home to monuments and historic attractions.
Some of the most popular attractions in the centre of Motril include the Motril History Museum, the Calderón Theater, the Parque de los Pueblos de América, or the Sugar Cane Museum.
As it could not be otherwise, the centre of Motril concentrates a good part of the town’s nightlife. Its narrow streets and main squares host countless terraces, restaurants and bars.
Additionally, the Historic Center of Motril offers a wide range of accommodation and, being relatively far from the beach, its value for money is also much better.
From the city centre, you can reach the beaches through the city’s bus system. The journey takes less than 20 minutes.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Motril, Spain:
- Well-connected by public transport
- Variety of bars and restaurants
- Museum of History of Motril
Read in other languages
|ES| Las mejores zonas donde alojarse en Motril, Granada.
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