Motril

Andalusia, Spain

Motril is a port town in the province of Granada in Spain and is home to one of the most important ports in the Iberic Peninsula. On Ferryhopper, you can find information about ferry routes and travel tips to plan your trip.

Find useful information about the ferry port of Motril and read about your dreamy holidays in Motril:

Sunny day near the sea of Motril

Ferry off the Mediterranean coast of Motril

Motril ferry port

The port of Motril is one of the oldest and most important ports in Spain. It is directly connected to the north coast of Morocco, serving both passenger and cargo needs. 

All passenger ferries depart from the same terminal. As for port services, there are shops, restaurants, hotels and a campsite nearby. In addition, you can find some beaches close to the port for a quick swim before departure. 

Parking at Motril port is easy, as there are parking services available right at the terminal. 

Ferries from Motril port: schedules and tickets

The port of Motril is a great starting point for a trip to Morocco with ferry routes to Al Hoceima and Nador. From Motril, you can also catch the ferry to the Spanish exclave Melilla on the north coast of Africa. Here, you can find more information on the ferry routes from Motril to Morocco:

  • Motril - Al Hoceima ferry: the ferry route from Motril to Al Hoceima is a seasonal route operating 2 days a week. The ferry trip takes about 5 hours to reach the port of Al Hoceima and the ticket cost is around €40.
  • Motril - Nador ferry: there are 4 weekly connections from Motril to Nador, lasting around 4 hours. Tickets to Nador start at approximately €33.

Also, there is a ferry route connecting Motril to the Spanish autonomous city located on the northwest coast of Africa. The Motril - Melilla ferry route runs 6 weekly crossings, taking about 6 hours. Tickets cost around €35, depending on the season.

Where is the ferry port in Motril

The ferry port of Motril is located 5km from the town center. 

How to get to Motril port

The port of Motril is near the town and you can easily get to the port by vehicle, a taxi or a bus.

Pueblos de América Park in Motril

The Pueblos de América Park in Motril

Vacation in Motril

Motril is a Spanish resort town popular for its natural landscape and historical background. Holidays in Motril are synonymous with a laid-back lifestyle, mouthwatering Andalusian dishes and Mediterranean beaches. 

Motril enjoys mild weather all year long, perfect for visiting the beach. You should try delicious local products, such as avocados and mangos. The area also produces sugarcane.

How to get to Motril

Motril is close to major cities of Andalusia, such as Granada, Seville, Málaga and Almería. There are several bus routes from these cities to Motril, or you can travel there in your car. 

In case you are traveling from another city in Spain or from abroad, the easiest way to reach the town is by catching a flight to one of the other Andalusian cities and then continuing by bus to Motril.

What to do in Motril

Motril is a town of many beauties and things to do. It has great architecture and history and several museums that you can visit. Furthermore, some main attractions of the town are the Great Church of the Incarnation and the Los Pueblos de América Park. 

The beaches of Motril belong to the Costa Tropical and are very popular with visitors to Andalusia. Near the beaches, there are many bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink after swimming. Also, there are the Moriscos Golf Club and diving schools for those who want to be more active in their vacations.

In Motril, gastronomy will be the protagonist of your vacation and you’ll have the opportunity to try original dishes and local products.

Beaches in Motril

The Spanish Costa Tropical is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Its proximity to Granada means many travelers combine their stay in the province's capital with a trip to the coast. You can find several beaches typical of the Mediterranean landscape.

There are sandy as well as pebble beaches, and you can choose a secluded cove ideal for relaxation and nudism or head to a family-friendly playa with all the essential amenities.

Find some of the best beaches in Motril below:

  • Poniente: it's the closest beach to the town and probably the liveliest. There are many restaurants, beach bars and amenities like showers, umbrellas and parking spaces. Also, it is close to the campsite and the golf course. 
  • Granada: it's considered the most popular beach of Motril. It is very large and wide, with fine sand and deep blue waters. It also has many amenities for the visitors and is close to beach bars and restaurants and the holiday resort. 
  • La Joya: it's also called the “jewel” and is considered the most beautiful beach of Motril. It is pristine, with amazing clear waters and ideal for seclusion and relaxation. However, there are no amenities nearby.
  • Calahonda: an impressive beach near Motril, with sand and crystal waters. Many visitors choose it for scuba diving and snorkeling. It has magnificent seabed and dive-tutoring services. There are also bars, showers and umbrellas there. 
  • Carchuna: campers love this beach as it is close to a perfect campsite and there are amenities like showers, umbrellas and chiringuitos for drinks!
  • La Rijana: another natural and quiet beach for those who seek to swim in peace. It is a small bay that protects you from strong winds and waves and lets you dive in its calm waters.
  • El Cable: the dog-friendly beach of Motril! Visitors can bring their four-legged friends to this beach and have unlimited fun! There is sand, and shallow waters but no amenities.
  • Torrenueva: perfect for families with children as the beach is sand and has shallow and clear waters. For this reason, it can get busy, especially when it’s sunny. The beach is also close to an urban area where you can find basic services. However, there are no umbrellas and amenities, so pack well before visiting.

The beach of Rijana in Motril

The secluded beach La Rijana in the area of Gualchos in Motril

Sightseeing and activities in Motril

Motril offers a complete holiday experience, as apart from the beaches, it has many cultural sights to visit. Furthermore, the town and its port are ideal for short trips to other Andalusian areas and cities. 

Among the most beautiful attractions to discover in Motril, we recommend:

  • The Preindustrial Sugarcane Museum, located on the ruins of an old sugar mill of the 16th century
  • The Ron Montero Rum Distillery, Europe's last remaining rum distillery, offering rum tasting tours
  • Los Pueblos de América Park, a park in the city center of Motril
  • The Motril History Museum, a gallery walking you through Motril's rich past
  • The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Head, a beautiful church dedicated to the patron of Motril "Our Lady of the Head"
  • The Moriscos Golf Club,  a great golf course in the province of Granada
  • The Church of the Incarnation, the oldest monument preserved in the city built in 1514
  • The Calderón Theatre, a cultural symbol of the town of Motril since 1881
  • Las Cruces Festival, a religious and cultural celebration popular in Andalusia held every May

Nightlife in Motril

Nightlife in Motril is vivacious. There are many bars and chiringuitos where you can enjoy your drink and have fun. Moreover, you can stroll around Playa de Granada near the port, where you can also find beach bars, restaurants and events. 

There are occasions when you can encounter an open-air street party in the town of Motril, organized by younger people who gather with drinks and music.

In addition, Motril has many events like concerts, festivals and flamenco nights all year long. You can also catch a movie in one of the cinemas in the town.

Food in Motril

Motril has typical and delicious Andalusian cuisine, with many original recipes. The local produce mainly consists of fruit and seafood. You can stroll around the town and find taperías and food markets to try as many flavors as possible!

Here are some of the most delicious local delicacies to try during your stay in Motril:

  • seafood paella
  • dry octopus 
  • avocado salad with vegetables and salmon
  • espichás (dish with anchovies)
  • monkfish
  • mackerel ceviche
  • guava salad
  • palito de ron (traditional alcoholic drink)

Palm tree on Motril beach

The impressive palm trees of Costa Tropical

Useful information about Motril

Motril is a town in Andalusia and its port is a popular getaway to North Africa. You will find basic facilities and services in the city, like gas stations, supermarkets and stores. As for medical services, the town has one hospital, some pharmacies and clinics. 

Regarding accommodation, there are various options, from luxury holiday resorts to budget-friendly hotels. Additionally, there are camping grounds for camping lovers. 

Important phone numbers for your stay in Motril

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Motril:

  • European emergency number: 112
  • Motril bus station: +34902422242
  • Motril tourist office: +34958825481
  • Motril Port Authority: +34958601207
  • Motril taxi services: +34958833303
  • Regional Hospital Santa Ana de Motril: +34958038200

Transportation in Motril

You can easily get around the town of Motril on foot, as its center is not very big. However, if you want to go to the port or the areas nearby, you should choose from the town’s means of transport. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the city or get around by your own vehicle.

Where to book ferry tickets online from Motril

On Ferryhopper, you can book your tickets from Motril in Granada to the North coast of Africa online. Find all the information you need about ferry schedules from the port of Motril, check our Map of ferries for available ferry crossings, compare ferry companies and book tickets with no extra fees!

Motril ferry timetable

View the complete ferry schedule from and to Motril for the upcoming week. Find up-to-date trip information, including departure and arrival dates and times, ferry operators and ticket prices.

Frequent ferry connections

Nearby destinations

Motril has direct ferry connections to 4 ports :

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