When it comes to vacation days, we get nervous about travelling to a place we don’t know as well as home. So while waiting for your transfer to Motril , you can feel those butterflies in your stomach of excitement.
And that’s because when we prepare for the trip, sometimes we can forget the most important thing.
Not only what we carry in our suitcase counts, but also the baggage we have when we get to know the city for its culture, traditions, gastronomy and climate.
So there’s nothing better than finding out before you arrive at your destination, with this guide you can do it.
Index
Culture
Thinking about your transfer to Motril? Let’s talk about history first
This is where your adventure begins, get ready to receive from your transfer to Motril, the instructions you need to know in depth the city you are travelling to.
The presence of man in our environment is documented around the 4th millennium B.C. in the Neolithic period, in the vicinity of the Guadalfeo River, when the current coastal plain was a great marsh with emerged areas occupied by abundant vegetation next to navigable canals and areas of land where Neolithic and later Punic and Roman settlements followed one another.
The Guadalfeo river bed must have formed a triangular-shaped maritime inlet with vertices near the former farmhouse of Pataura, Peñón de Salobreña and Puerto de Motril.
Other important marine arms entered up to one kilometer inland in positions now occupied by the Ramblas de Puntalón and the Alamos.
From prehistory to the Bronze Age, human activity on the territory was limited, giving rise to thinning of the forest for livestock, agricultural and logging purposes (construction and fuel), and later intensified with the beginning of metallurgy and the subsequent action on the relief and forest.
The Iberian, Punic and Roman presence had to deepen this strategy of occupation of the plains and slopes for agricultural and mining purposes.
The fertile plain, especially the easternmost part, less prone to floods and waterlogging, continues to be used as it was during the Neolithic period, according to the ceramic remains collected in different surveys and in the findings of the Azucenas beach.
The transformation of the environment during this period must have been somewhat more intense.
The trade determined the mineral exploitation in the Sierra de Lújar, the cultivation of the vine and olive tree and the extraction of clays for the potteries of Paterna (Torrenueva) and Calahonda.
Between the 4th and 9th centuries, a phenomenon occurred on the coast that historians have called “high altitude habitats”.
This is the displacement of the population from coastal areas to the high areas of the coastal mountain ranges, where often fortified enclaves are built.
This process was undoubtedly influenced by the collapse of the Roman system and the consequent instability that affected the region, which transformed these areas into unsafe areas.
From the 10th century onwards, the stability of the new administrative and military situation, as well as the climate boom that began during this period, allowed the re-occupation of the coastal and fluvial enclaves, giving rise to the first major transformation of the territory based on the implementation of irrigation techniques and slope terracing.
The Guadalfeo delta was occupied by sugar cane, as described by geographer al-Razi, and by other plants of subtropical origin, thus breaking the strong seasonality of the agrarian system of Roman origin.
This prosperity, linked to the societies and some landowning families, led to demographic expansion, the overflow of traditional urban boundaries and the characterization of some bourgeois spaces and buildings in the environment of traditional urban life.
But, also, in the crisis of the traditional peasant, the agrarian day labourers and the labour conflict typical of a temporary job, aggravated by some subsistence crises and epidemic outbreaks, such as the cholera of 1885.
Thus, at the beginning of the 21st century, Motril is the second city in the province after the capital and head of a region with more than 120,000 inhabitants, with important expectations for the future and which is gradually becoming detached from the burden of its secular geographical isolation.
In recent years we have witnessed a strong socio-economic change supported by both agriculture and the service sector and with a clear vocation for tourism, based mainly on the low density of buildings and the preservation of their environmental quality.
Without forgetting the museum actions on the heritage remains that have marked our past sugar factory (Preindustrial Sugar Museum and Industrial Museum in the Pilar Factory).
But the best heritage of Motril is its people, a mixture of Seneca and Epicurus that with their frank and sardonic character have made Motril an open and hospitable city.
Monuments to visit
There is nothing better than knowing the history of a place, the possibility of walking around it. So, with your transfer to Motril from Malaga Airport you can do this and much more.
Be part of the scenes that have written the history of Motril and get the best pictures for your vacation.
Casa de la Condesa Torre Isabel
The original building was built in the last third of the 17th century, although it was modified in the last years of the 19th century and renovated in 2000 by the Motril Town Council to house the Municipal Area of Culture and Heritage.
Castillo de Carchuna
The castle of Carchuna, which was also called El Castillejo, is located in the centre of the Llano de Carchuna, in the municipality of Motril, in the province of Granada, some 70 metres from the sea.
To his right was the Torre del Chucho, today only to the Torre Nueva, and to his left was the one in Carchuna.
It was built in 1777 to protect and secure the area. Its necessity was due to the constant disembarkations and pirate attacks, so that the cavalry could patrol the whole area.
Proof of this need was that once built, the pirate attacks ceased and Calahonda was born and the whole area of land around it was cultivated.
El Farillo de Calahonda
The Farillo de Calahonda was built by the mason Juan Alonso. In 1762 the Farillo had, in addition to a line of towers, three towers and three infantrymen and could have cannons of 8 pounds.
It was necessary to build a battery at its feet because of the importance of the port it defended.
The tower was designed to defend the coast from pirates and Berbers. The exact date of its origin is not known, but it could date back to the 16th century.
It was occupied from 1839 by the carabineros, and its structure was modified by providing a lighthouse at the top to guide the ships heading for the Port of Calahonda.
Iglesia del Carmen
Built in the seventeenth century and dedicated in principle to San Roque, as the patron saint chosen by the city in the second plague epidemic that devastated the city of Motril in 1583.
In the 18th century its name was changed to the Church of the Virgen del Carmen.
The church was built on a small, artificially raised, quadrangular promontory with a stone cross at its centre.
The church is made up of a group of two buildings of different types built at different times: The first, erected in the first half of the 16th century, is a simple caisson defined by four masonry and brick walls of very small dimensions and very modified at present.
Iglesia de la Divina Pastora
In the 17th century, around 1652, work began on the church of the Capuchin convent, which had to be completed in 1656.
We do not know who was its architect or master builder, but the temple is completely in keeping with the parameters that the Capuchin Order had for its works and is characterized by its extreme simplicity and poverty, renouncing any sign of decorative ostentation.
Restaurants & Food
What you would eat in Motril!
The gastronomy of a city is a fundamental part when we are travelling. If you are one of those people who loves to enjoy unknown dishes and interesting gastronomic traditions…
While you travel in your transfer to Motril from Malaga Airport we make it easy for you. Sit down and read our blog.
Tasting the range of typical Motril dishes and products is a real pleasure for the senses.
The exotic flavors of the exquisite tropical fruits grown on the Costa Tropical, such as avocados, cherimoyas, mangos and papayas, blend with the flavors of the Mediterranean Sea and the countryside (cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peppers…) in this predominantly agricultural area.
The geographical and natural conditions of Motril, its climate, the quality of the land and the proximity to the sea, have allowed a great agricultural and fishing development, offering fresh food that goes directly from the sea and the plain to the table.
The fishing port of Motril offers an unimaginable range of fish and seafood, including the famous “Quisquilla de Motril”, a true sign of gastronomic identity.
It is a real pleasure to stroll around at sunset and see the fishing boats unloading the fruits of their intense work that will be auctioned off at the market, as well as a stroll through the municipal market.
Nor can we forget the Moorish influence that is reflected in today’s culinary customs.
The Royal Cake, of Arab origin, a sweet made from almonds, is undoubtedly the most famous gastronomic element, which in the time of Alfonso XIII was transported to the court.
Be sure to try the dried octopus served with seasoned cabbage, the fried “espichás” (air-dried anchovy), the semolina flour crumbs with fish that are traditionally eaten on rainy days, a fried or grilled “pescaíto”, the “noodles apart” or “a la marinera”, the variety of rice dishes, the traditional stew of choto, a tropical salad or the Ron Montero, the genuine Spanish rum.
In Motril there are numerous restaurants where you can enjoy these delicacies; another way to savour the gastronomic richness of the area is to enjoy the famous “tapas”, which makes gastronomy one of our main attractions.
The Casa de los Bates, a 19th century mansion with botanical gardens, offers agrotourism visits with the possibility of tasting seasonal subtropical products.
Typical dishes of this city
Tasting the typical dishes is a must, so enjoy the recommendations we give you when you are travelling on your transfer to Motril from Malaga Airport.
Quisquillas
Following our tour around the province and the typical dishes of Granada, we have to make a stop on the coast.
The Costa Tropical of Granada keeps one of the most exquisite delicacies in the province among its beaches and dishes. It’s about the Motrilian Shrimp. No doubt the queen of the seas.
The Motril shrimp is considered one of the most flavoured fish dishes. To enjoy it in all its splendour, you only have to eat it roasted on the grill with coarse salt.
It’s an addictive dish because it doesn’t fill up much and you can eat for hours without getting tired. In any bar in Motril you can find shrimps, but especially on the beach.
It’s not a cheap dish now, but it’s worth it.
Pulpo seco
Another of the typical dishes of Granada and its coast. An easy and simple recipe, which has an exquisite taste.
Also original from the coast of Granada, the dry octopus that emerged in one of its bars, the famous Bar El Paso. A well-known bar behind the Motril Bus Station.
Dry the octopus for a while, then put it in the frying pan until it is dry and crispy.
How I say, in the coastal area of Granada is a very recurrent dish, although in Granada city you can find a bar specializing in fish where you can taste this great dish.
Enjoy the nice weather when you just step into your transfer to Motril
The climate here is considered a local steppe climate. During the year there is little rain. The climate classification of Köppen-Geiger is BSh. In Motril, the average annual temperature is 18.1 ° C. There are about 316 mm of rainfall.
The driest month is July, with 2 mm of rain. Most of the precipitation here falls in January, averaging 46 mm.
August is the warmest month of the year. The average August temperature of 25.9 ° C.
January is the coldest month, with temperatures averaging 11.4 ° C.
There is a 44 mm difference in precipitation between the driest and wettest months. Throughout the year, temperatures vary by 14.5 ° C.
The best tapas bars in Motril
The sign of identity of the gastronomic offer of the whole province of Granada is the tapa. As tapas can be offered from fish and seafood, such as octopus or shrimp, to hamburgers and sandwiches. Which can be presented and cooked in a thousand and one ways. And the most important always by courtesy of the house. Here we present you several bars of tapas in Motril:
Stilo Costa
The Stilo Costa is that tapas bar that a Motrilian would take you to if you are visiting the city. It is right in the center of the city near the Park of the Peoples of America. The Stilo Costa is a modern tapas bar, with a very elaborate and extensive menu with gastronomic proposals. It also has a large terrace. As tapas to highlight:
- tropical bomb
- meatballs in cabrales
- potatoes with bacon.
El Paso Bar
This is the bar where the Motrileños go. Their specialty is octopus, which can be ordered in rations or with tapas. It also has a small terrace. Here octopus lovers will enjoy it. Besides here the best dry octopus is prepared which is the typical dish of Motril.
Mesón Medina
The Mesón Medina is an emblematic bar within the typical tapas scene of the Costa Tropical. An indispensable place in any gastronomic route in the area. It is not rare for our countrymen to visit us with friends or family who have come to spend a few days in our city, so that they can get to know the atmosphere of Motril.
Their tapas are their strong point. But in addition they have a great variety of Rations, Roscas, Sandwiches and Hamburgers.
Social & Activities
The best beaches in the city
La Joya Beach
This beach has an average length of 220 meters. Besides an average width also of 20 meters. The composition of the surface is average sand and gravel. Therefore it has excellent bathing conditions, with calm waters.
It is a beach of rustic character, since it is located between several cliffs. Also without any kind of urbanization or construction nearby. It also has a maximum and optimal capacity of between 800 and 450 people. Its occupation rate is usually low. That is why it is an excellent place to practice nudism and anchorage.
As for services and equipment on the beach, access is on foot from the N-340, after passing Torrenueva. Beach cleaning, litter bins. At 7 kilometres from Motril, between the cape of Sacratif and the Jolucar rock, there is a succession of coves of different sizes that together are called Playa de la Joya. These are preferably nudist beaches.
Granada Beach
This beach is the closest to the city of Granada on the A44. Its natural characteristics are a length of 1367 meters. In addition to an average width of 20 meters. The composition of its sand is: Bowling. But it also has very good bathing conditions with calm waters.
Its characteristics of use are an average degree of urbanization. It also has a maximum and optimum capacity of between 4,950 and 2,975 people. Its degree of occupation is medium-low. It has all the services.
This beach was chosen many years ago by the King and Queen of Belgium for their holidays in “Villa Astrida”. This area is currently the focus of tourist development in Motril with the construction of luxury homes around the golf course.
In addition, there is a four-star hotel in the area. There is also a high offer in renting out seasonal tourist apartments. It also enjoys the “Q for Tourist Quality” distinction awarded by the ICTE. Playa Granada also has the Blue Flag awarded by the European Union.
The Poniente Beach
This is the main beach of Motril, it is next to the Port. In addition its natural characteristics are a length of 2231 meters. And also an average width of 120 meters. The composition of its surface is of gravel and pebbles.
It is also important that it has calm waters with medium waves. It is an urban beach with a maximum and optimal capacity: 58,240, 35,050 people. That is why its occupation rate is medium-high. With all kinds of services. It must also be said that it is an extensive beach with a family atmosphere. It has a long promenade (Paseo de Balduino, in memory of the Belgian King who died in Motril) with a bicycle lane.
It is also a place of many activities and open-air concerts. The beach is full of chiringuitos and trendy pubs so it is one of the most important meeting points for young people.
BOOK YOUR TRANSFER TO MOTRIL HERE!
You can book your transfer to Motril in the link bellow, also you can get more information regarding the city and what to do.
