Motril

Motril sits between the Mediterranean and the Sierra Nevada, an hour's drive from Granada. The port is a working fishing harbour where colourful boats share dock space with yachts. A few steps from the quay, the old town has cobbled streets lined with tapas bars and artisan shops. Tropical fruit, especially custard apples and mangoes, grows in the surrounding microclimate and shows up on menus and at the markets. The main reason ships call here is access to the Alhambra in Granada, one of the most visited monuments in Spain. Buses and excursions make the trip in about an hour. The Costa Tropical beaches are less crowded than those on the Costa del Sol. The old sugar cane factory in town has been converted into a cultural centre. Spanish is the only language you'll hear, and the euro is the currency. Tapas near the harbour are a good use of spare time.