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Aerial view of Motril Beach, Spain

When you book a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, you'll get to visit stunning ports like Motril, Spain. This Spanish city sits right on the Mediterranean coast, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and sandy beaches where you can recline and take in the sun and salty, fresh air. There's also a lot to do in Motril, whether you enjoy taking a hike through nature or delving into a city's rich history and culture.

Here are some of the top things to do on a cruise to Motril, Spain that you can enjoy when you cruise with Norwegian.

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Iglesia de la Virgen de la Cabeza, Motril, Spain
Iglesia de la Virgen de la Cabeza, Motril, Spain

Go Green - A Sustainable Tropical Corner

The Go Green - A Sustainable Tropical Corner offers a chance to learn more about sustainable farming and methods for protecting the environment while taking part in agriculture. During this activity, you'll journey to a private estate on Costa Tropical, which is an area that's shielded from the coastal wind. Here, you'll tour the farm and get to see huge varieties of plants, including avocados, mangos, and cherimoyas, which are special local apples. Once you finish your tour, you'll go to the coastal village of Almuñecar, where you can visit St. Michael's Castle, a stunning relic from the Middle Ages.

Nazari Gardens & Winery Visit

If you're a fan of vintage wines and beautiful gardens, you'll love the Nazari Gardens & Winery Visit excursion. During this four-hour tour, you'll explore the Nazari Gardens, one of the last Muslim gardens you can find in Spain. Here, you'll notice sensational blooms in every color you could imagine, with many flowers producing strong, beautiful smells. After the garden, you'll visit the historic Bodega Señorio de Nevada to tour the winery, where people have been making wine since ancient Roman times. You'll enjoy vintages and tapas at the winery, including local favorites made with the famous native tempranillo grape.

Casa De Los Bates & Almuñecar

The Casa De Los Bates & Almuñecar transports you back to the 19th century as you tour a coastal Spanish village and a luxurious historical estate. First, you'll visit the Casa de los Bates, where you'll tour the grounds and get lost among the twisting garden paths. Here, you can bask in the majesty of native flowers, kentia palms, and trees that have stood for centuries.

After the estate, you'll drive to Almuñecar, which is a quaint village on the Spanish coast. Whether you want to relax in one of the plazas, tour St. Michael's Castle, or recline by the sea, you'll have a wonderful time in this idyllic town.

Tourist couple enjoying the view of Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Alhambra, Granada, Spain

A Glimpse of Granada

You won't be limited to just Motril when you stop in this port, as excursions like A Glimpse of Granada will take you to all the most exciting Spanish sites. During this excursion, you'll visit the city of Granada, first enjoying a scenic drive along the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Aplujarras Mountains. In the city, you'll traverse winding paths and view historic remnants of the old city, taking in Granada's rich history. Next, you'll visit Capilla Real and the Cathedral of Granada, both of which showcase the city's historical and impressive beauty.

The final stop on this tour is the Renaissance Cathedral, which is known around the world for its breathtaking exterior and ornate decorations inside, covered in white and gold. With roots stretching back to 1521, you'll be able to feel the history in the cathedral's walls, walking the paths that 16th-century citizens once did. Fans of Baroque architecture will be especially excited by the intricate facade designed by Alonso Cano.

Andalusian Village Life & Traditional Tapas

For a taste of the local culture in Spain, there's the Andalusian Village Life & Traditional Tapas excursion. This activity provides an immersive experience that lets you take in all the whimsy of a small Mediterranean village. First, you'll drive down the Andalusian countryside and enjoy views of mountains and small villages. You'll stop at Alfarnate, where you'll tour olive groves and find countless other plants, like almonds and chickpeas. This tour also gives a detailed look into the history of Alfarnate, including tours of the Church of Santa Ana and its striking Mudéjar tower.

Next, you'll take another drive to Alfarnatejo, where you'll take a tour of a traditional Spanish home. While you're there, you'll get to enjoy a wine tasting and a Spanish meal that will excite your tastebuds. You'll likely even meet local residents and their families during your visit as you explore the home and your meal.

Chorizo and olive tapas
Chorizo and olive tapas

Gourmet Tour - The Treasure Caves & Wine Tasting

The Gourmet Tour - The Treasure Caves & Wine Tasting excursion is the perfect activity for food lovers who want to sample all the local cuisine in Motril. Before your meal, you'll get to explore the Treasure Caves, a network of caves that used to sit underwater. Here, you can admire Paleolithic wall art and search for buried treasure. You might even catch a glimpse of an underground lake, a remnant of the caves' time under the sea.

Next, you'll stop at the Valle Niza restaurant for wine and tapas, an establishment praised for its delicious food and drink. You'll enjoy local favorites like confit cod, ratatouille, and coconut ice cream. Each course will come with an expertly paired glass of wine, giving you the chance to appreciate all the tastes of Motril.

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