Ferry to Motril

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Motril in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

Popular Connections: The port of Motril connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Melilla - Motril, Tangier Med - Motril.

Top-Tier Operators: Regular services to and from Motril are provided by leading carriers like Balearia, Grimaldi Lines, Naviera Armas.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Motril feature:

Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.

Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.

Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.

Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Motril.

Motril is currently served by 4 ferry routes operated by 3 ferry operators including Balearia, Grimaldi Lines, Naviera Armas.

Motril is well-connected to Spain's transportation network, with the A-7 coastal highway providing direct access from Málaga (about 75 minutes by car) and Almería (90 minutes). From Granada, the journey takes approximately 50 minutes via the A-44 motorway. Regular bus services connect Motril with major cities throughout Andalusia, with ALSA offering frequent routes from Granada, Málaga, and Almería directly to the town center. For international travelers, Granada Airport is the closest option (about 65 km away), while Málaga Airport offers more international connections (110 km). The ferry terminal itself is located in Motril's port area, with ample parking facilities available for those arriving by car.

Perched along Spain's Costa Tropical, Motril combines the charm of an Andalusian town with the allure of Mediterranean sea access. This vibrant coastal hub serves as a key gateway to North Africa and the Balearic Islands, with its bustling port connecting travelers to exciting maritime routes. With mountains at its back and sea at its feet, Motril offers visitors a perfect blend of authentic Spanish culture, stunning beaches, and rich agricultural heritage centered around its famous sugar cane production.

Motril enjoys a privileged microclimate with over 320 sunny days per year, making it a year-round destination. Summer (June-September) brings warm temperatures between 25-30°C, perfect for beach activities but also the highest tourist numbers, especially in August when Spaniards take their holidays. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer ideal conditions with comfortable temperatures around 20-25°C, fewer crowds, and more affordable accommodation rates. Winter remains mild with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below 15°C, making it appealing for northern Europeans seeking winter sun. Ferry services to North Africa operate year-round, though winter can occasionally see rougher sea conditions, while summer offers the most frequent sailing schedules.

Motril serves as a strategic jumping-off point for several exciting destinations across the Mediterranean. Ferries connect Motril to Melilla, a Spanish enclave on Morocco's coast, with crossings taking approximately 4-5 hours and offering a fascinating glimpse into Spain's North African territories. The port also provides services to Al Hoceima in Morocco (around 5 hours), opening doors to the exotic sights and sounds of North Africa. During summer months, connections to Nador expand the Moroccan options available to travelers. For those interested in exploring the Spanish mainland further, coastal ferries link Motril with Almería and Málaga, creating opportunities for scenic maritime journeys along the stunning Andalusian coastline.

Motril rewards visitors with diverse experiences, starting with its beautiful beaches like Playa Granada and Playa Poniente, where the clear Mediterranean waters invite swimming and water sports. History enthusiasts should explore the 16th-century Iglesia Mayor de la Encarnación and the Pre-Industrial Sugar Museum, which highlights the town's historical importance in sugar production. The local gastronomy offers delicious seafood dishes like 'espeto' (grilled sardines) and tropical fruits grown in the surrounding countryside – best sampled at the atmospheric restaurants in the fishing quarter. For spectacular views, head to the Mirador de la Virgen de la Cabeza, which offers panoramic vistas of the town, mountains, and Mediterranean Sea. Before departing, stroll through the palm-lined Paseo de las Explanadas and pick up local products like ron de motril (rum) and artisanal goods.

Motril holds the distinction of being Europe's only place where sugar cane has been cultivated continuously since the 10th century, earning it the nickname 'Sweet Port of the Mediterranean.' The town's unique microclimate allows for the cultivation of tropical fruits like cherimoya, avocado, and mango that can't grow elsewhere on the European continent. Motril's port has a fascinating history as a strategic point in the battles against Barbary pirates during the 16th and 17th centuries. Perhaps most surprising is that despite being a coastal town, Motril's economy was historically more dependent on agriculture than fishing, with sugar production shaping its development for centuries.