Spend your fall, winter, or spring in Motril, Spain: Is Motril a good snowbird location?

Motril is a small town located in the province of Granada on very close to the Mediterranean coast. It is the second-largest town of the province, Granada. Like the rest of the Mediterranean regions, Motril is a very pleasant place to visit. The place has a lot of greenery and there are many historic and nice sites that one can visit in and near Motril. The town has a rich history and was famous for activities like agriculture, fishing, and production of sugar and silk. The district had been under many different rulers including Moorish and Christians. It is known for its high number of greenhouses with vegetables and fruit.

Where is Motril located

Motril Map

Why should people stay in Motril during the fall, winter, or spring?

Like the rest of the Mediterranean region, the temperature of Motril stays pleasant throughout the year. Winters are mostly dry, with normally only a little rain once in a while. Motril has the largest amount of sunny days in the whole region. Due to the permanent residents, most shops and restaurants remain open during the winter. It can get a bit chilly during the evenings and cold during the night.

Climate

Motril has warm summers and very pleasant winters. The average temperature is given to be 18 degrees. The climate of Motril is described by two factors: a mountainous range (Lujar) creates a barrier against the strong cold winds from the north and the Mediterranean Sea regulates the relatively warm air. Due to these factors the temperature doesn't go down from 12°C - 13°C (54°F - 55°F), even in winter.  

For more climate information visit Meteoblue

Things to see in Motril

Motril has several places that are worth visiting:

• Casa de las Palmas: Originally it was built by a Moorish person. After that, it was used as a sugar refinery, and now it serves as the cultural center.
• Casa Consistorial – Town Hall: It is a 17th-century building which is one of the examples of mudéjar architecture. Many art exhibitions are held here.
• Museo Aeronáutico: It is a national Aeronautical and space museum. Many exhibitions are held here.
• Colegiata de la Encarnacion: It is a 17th century state church.   
• Sanctuary of Ntra Sra de la Cabeza: It is a sanctuary build upon the ruins of a palace and overlooks an incredible park.
• Pueblos de Amèrica Park: It is a park with thousands of imported species of flora.
• Calderon de la Barca Theatre: Is a classical Italian style theatre that dates back to 1880.
• History Museum of Motril: A local museum that tells you about the history, language, technology, and more from Motril.
• Ron Montero Rum Distillery: It dates back to 1963 and still is renowned for its infamous rum. This rum is made from sugar.

Things to see not far from Motril

There many things you can visit around Motril. Here a small selection:

• Charca de Suárez: outside the city of Motril, Charca de Suárezis a wetland where you can sit and birdwatch several kinds of birds like herons, Eurasian spoonbills, and flamencos, etc during the winter season.
• Lankester Gardens: Located 18 km (11 Miles) out from east of Motril. It is a garden with thousands of varieties of flora.
• Jardin Nazari: Located 13 km (8 Miles) away from Motril. It is a garden with exotic flowers, a waterfall, and hidden caves.
• Torrenueva: A village located 6 km (4 Miles) away from Motril with a rich ancient history.
• Calahonda: A fishing village located 14 km (9 Miles) away from Motril. It has a beautiful beach.
• Granada / Alhambra: Granada and the Alhambra are not to be missed. For the Alhambra, you should get tickets way in advance as it is very busy year-round.

Activities in Motril in the fall, winter, or spring

Motril is a lively town with a lot of activities. Some examples:

• Theater: A local theater where you can see plays performed by local actors.  
• Piscina Municipal: Local swimming pool that is heated in winter.
• Carnivals and other events: You have many events and celebrations around the year in Motril especially in winter. https://www.eventbrite.com/d/spain–motril/events/
• Radio Club Motril: It is a local radio club where you can see the amazing architecture and learn about Motril. https://ea7rcm.es.tl/
• Yoga and Pilates classes: there are a few options for yoga and Pilates in Motril. https://no.airbnb.com/experiences/206499?source=seo and https://gypsytrance.wixsite.com/gypsytrance
• Cineclub Mediterraneo: Movies in the original language. https://cineclubmediterraneo.com/
• Cycling: You have many cycling routes in the town with proper maps available. https://www.bikemap.net/en/l/2513477/
• Walking: There are many hiking and walking routes around the city. Maps and routes are also available. https://www.mapmywalk.com/es/motril-andalusia/
• Boats Trips and Excursions: You can go on a 3-hour excursion from the port of Motril. Check: https://www.exclusivegranada.com/excursions/boat-trips/boat-trip-for-families/
• Los Moriscos Golf Course: It is located near the sea, has 18 holes, a restaurant, and other activities as well.
• Fitness: If you like to keep fit you can find gyms and group training in English. There are several gyms like Gimnasio tropical, up Motril, etc.  
• Tricopter: You can hire a helicopter for sightseeing. It is not cheap, pricing depends on the time and starts from €60 (approx. $62, £49, $87 CAD, $96 AUD) for 10 minutes. https://tropicopter.es/es/rutas/motril

Shopping + Restaurants. Are they open in the fall, winter, or spring?

There is a nice selection of shops and restaurants in Motril. Due to the permanent residents, most of these places are open in winters and it makes it a perfect holiday spot. Expect near the coast some closed shops and restaurants that are catering mainly to tourists.

You can find different types of restaurants, both budget and more up class, including:

• La Espichà: seafood.
• Restaurante Zarcillo: High end restaurant.
• Los Faroles Motril: seafood
• Restaurante Marelli: Italian.
• Titika Gastrodrink: multi menu restaurant.
• Restaurante El Candelòn: grill
• Como en Casa: chicken-based cuisine

There are many grocery stores, a small shopping mall and sea food markets that also remain open during winter season:

• Supermercado Coviran Castillo: Supermarket
• Lidl: discount supermarket
• Canizares by Javier: Clothing
• Spring field: women clothing
• Pecados y Mariscos Hnos.Terron: fish shop

Transport

There are two main bus stops in Motril:

• Motril, Playa Granada Bus Terminal, near the center.
• Motril, Bus Terminal, also close to the town center.

Check: https://getbybus.com/en/bus-from-motril

You can also check with the local tourist office for bus routes and the time table.

Motril's train station is in the center of town. You can find train routes to Granada, Almeria, Malaga, and other places in Andalucia etc. The train station does not have its own website but you can book tickets at https://www.alsa.es/?fbclid=IwAR0v5fXrdlnpvj4djc08hY0bQCn5zsj_p0kI9lCy0FowU9XjP0Brnoxb_8E#

The closest airport is in Granada, 83 km (52 Miles) from Motril. Using the Bus is the cheapest option usually costs around 10 euro and is available from 6 am till 8:45 pm. It can take up to 2 and a half hours to reach Motril.

https://getbybus.com/en/bus-granada-airport-to-motril

Health

There are several medical centers and a hospital in Motril. Normally you can find somebody that can help you in English:

• Almusalud Clinic Motril: they have a wide range of services available including dental, dermatology, general medicine and psychology etc.

https://www.almusalud.com/clinicas/motril-costa-granada/

• Hospital Santa Ana Motril: it is the general hospital of Motril (https://mumabroad.com/hospital_santa_ana/)

There are also several dental clinics:

• Clìnica Dental Adeslas (https://www.adeslasdental.es/clinica/clinica-dental-adeslas-Motril)
• Dentix Motril (https://www.dentix.com/es-es/clinica-dental-motril/calle-nueva-motril)

Accommodation

• You can find apartments in both the city and near the coast.
• You can get a small apartment fully equipped and furnished starting from as low as €400 (approx. $416, £332, $581 CAD, $640 AUD) per month.
• You can get a small house, fully equipped and furnished starting from €650 (approx. $676, £540, $945 CAD, $1040 AUD) per month. House also includes a pool and garage.
• If you want a larger apartment or house with a good view expect to pay from €1500 (approx. $1560, £1246, $2182 CAD, $2401 AUD) per month. https://www.idealista.com/en/alquiler-viviendas/motril-granada/

Winter Camping 

Motril does not have a camping. There are 2 major campsites not far from Motril that area suitable for campers, caravans, and tents. Most of them have special winter offers. The winter period can be quite busy, so it is advisable to make a reservation. 

• Camping Playa Granada: 5 km (3 Miles) outside Motril but is close to the beach, Playa de Granada. You have 48 plots with all the facilities available.   https://campingplayagranada.com/
• Camping Playa de Poniente: Also located 5 km (3 Miles) outside Motril, and only 500 meter (1641 feet) from the beach. They have plots and also bungalows. Prices start around €15 (approx. $15, £12, $21 CAD, $24 AUD) per night. https://www.campingplayadeponiente.com/

RV/Campers/Motorhome

If you have a Camper or Motorhome you can find 2 locations near Motril:

• Parking Playa Motril: Has a capacity of 50 plots. https://www.campercontact.com/en/spain/andalucia-04-11-14-18-21-23-29-41/motril/88668/parking-playa-motril
• Camping Don Cactus: 12 km (7 Miles) put from motril, it has 280 pitches with all the facilities. https://alanrogers.com/campsite/camping-don-cactus-es92950