Visiting Granada and the Alhambra during your stop at Motril Port? Granada is about 70 km (43 miles) from Motril port — roughly 60 minutes by road. There are two ways to do this Motril Port to Granada shore excursion with us, and this guide helps you choose the right one: a private, tailor-made tour exclusively for your group, or a scheduled group departure at a lower price per person. Both are led by an official local guide and include a guaranteed on-time return to your ship. Get in touch for more information.
| Private (tailor-made) | Group (scheduled) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Families, couples & small groups wanting exclusivity | Solo travellers, couples & anyone wanting the best value |
| Group | Just your own party | Shared, small groups (max 55, average 26) |
| Dates | Any day, on request | Fixed scheduled departures |
| Price | From €499 per group | From €119 per person |
| Itinerary | Fully customisable, flexible pace | Set 9h itinerary: Alhambra + Albaicín + San Nicolás + free time |
| Languages | EN, DE, FR, IT, PT, ES | English & Spanish (with whisper system) |
| Guide | Your own private official guide | Official guide + whisper system |
Table of Contents
Option 1 — Private, tailor-made tour
A private day trip just for your group, fully customisable in pace, itinerary and language — ideal for families, couples and small groups who value exclusivity.
Your day begins with a morning pickup at Motril Port and a comfortable one-hour transfer to the Alhambra. There you will enjoy a guided visit to its exteriors (if you do not have tickets to the Alhambra), starting at the Justice Gate, with views over the Albaicín, the Wine Gate, and the Palace of Charles V. On days other than Monday, we also visit the Museum of the Alhambra and its Nasrid art collection. However, if you contact us with enough time, we can also arrange tickets to the Alhambra — including the Nasrid Palaces — so you can visit the entire complex. Afterwards, enjoy free time at your own pace to explore Granada’s historic city centre — the Alcaicería silk market, the Royal Chapel and Cathedral, and Plaza Nueva — have lunch, or simply soak up the atmosphere, before we return to Motril Port.
Duration: flexible — from around 4 hours, extendable to a full day · Price: from €499 per group
Ready to plan your day? Discover our private Motril to Granada day trip and request a tailor-made quote for your group.
Option 2 — Scheduled group departure
Join a scheduled group on fixed dates and enjoy the best value per person. Led by an official guide with a whisper audio system, in English and Spanish.
After a morning pickup at Motril Port and a one-hour transfer, you’ll enjoy a guided walking visit of the Alhambra grounds — including the Palace of Charles V and the Alhambra Museum (no Alhambra ticket required). Next, a guided visit of the Albaicín up to the famous San Nicolás viewpoint, with the Alhambra set against the Sierra Nevada. You’ll then have free time to explore Granada at your own pace before a guaranteed on-time return to the port.
Duration: 9 hours · Price: from €119 per person · Group: shared, max 55 (average 26)
Led by locals, not a generic cruise package — discover the authentic Granada on our Motril to Granada shore excursion.
Highlights of the Motril Port to Granada day trip
- Direct Pickup and Drop-off: Hassle-free transportation from Motril port.
- Explore the Alhambra Exterior: Discover the beauty of historic sites in a small-group setting.
- Historic Granada City Center: Explore Granada’s rich cultural heritage.
- Guaranteed On-Time Return: Ensuring you return to your ship with ample time to spare.
- Quality Excursion: Offering unbeatable value and quality.
- Private Tours Available: Customised tours for any group size upon request.
Key Details
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water and ensure your phone is fully charged to take tons of pictures.
Motril port FAQs
Is there a train from Motril to Granada?
No — Motril has no railway station, so the train is not an option. Your choices are a pre-booked tour or transfer, a taxi (limited availability on cruise days), or the ALSA bus from Motril bus station.
Are taxis available at Motril cruise port?
The short answer is: do not rely on finding a taxi on arrival — pre-book your transportation in advance.
Unlike larger cruise ports, the Motril cruise terminal does not have a permanent taxi rank directly outside the terminal. While it is possible to call a taxi after disembarking, availability is not guaranteed.
The reality is that Motril is a small coastal town with a limited number of taxis. When a cruise ship carrying 2,000+ passengers arrives, taxis can become unavailable within minutes. Some passengers choose to take the shuttle bus into Motril city centre and look for a taxi there, but the situation is the same: demand quickly exceeds supply.
If your day trip or transfer depends on a taxi, our recommendation is simple: book your taxi or private transportation before arriving at Motril Port. This will save you valuable time and avoid the stress of trying to arrange transport at the last minute.
For cruise passengers with limited time ashore, arranging transportation in advance is the best way to make the most of your visit and ensure you return to the ship comfortably and on schedule. Contact us for more information.
Can I visit the Alhambra’s Nasrid Palaces on a cruise stop?
Yes, if it’s planned ahead: official tickets are named, ID-checked and often sell out weeks in advance. Contact us early and we can arrange tickets — including the Nasrid Palaces — as part of your excursion. If your date shows sold out, here’s what you can still do.
Is there a hop-on hop-off bus in Motril, Spain?
There are no hop-on hop-off (HOHO) bus services operating in Motril. As a smaller coastal town, Motril does not have the same sightseeing bus networks found in larger cities. However, if the weather is pleasant, it is a walkable destination, and you can comfortably explore its main areas within a couple of hours.
Can you walk to Motril from cruise port?
The cruise pier at Motril is located within a commercial port area, approximately 4.3 kilometres (2.7 miles) from the city centre. Walking to town takes around 55 minutes, but the route is not particularly scenic and is not the most convenient option, especially for cruise passengers with limited time ashore. For this reason, transportation is highly recommended.
Fortunately, there is a free shuttle service running regularly between the cruise pier and Motril city centre, with drop-off right in front of the local Tourist Information Centre. This is where many visitors face challenges: once they arrive in town, they may be unsure where to go, taxis can be difficult to find (especially when several cruise ships are in port), and popular attractions such as Alhambra tickets are often already sold out.
Our local tip: plan and book your transportation, tours, and main attractions well in advance. This will help you maximise your time in Andalusia and avoid unnecessary stress on your day in port.
What if I’d rather stay in Motril?
That’s a fine plan too — Motril is a genuine working Andalusian town with good beaches nearby. See our guide to what to do in Motril in one day.
Contact Us About the Motril Port to Granada Day Trip
Don’t miss out on this exclusive shore excursion from Motril to Granada. For more information about this day trip, see all the details here. If you’d like to book your excursion directly, complete the form to check availability for your desired date. Experience the best of Granada and the Alhambra with our expertly guided tour. Embark on a journey through time and culture with our shore excursion from Motril to Granada. Book now and visit Granada with our local guides.
What Our Clients Say
Our clients delight in their experiences on our Motril to Granada shore excursions.
Phoebe from Texas shared, “The convenience of direct pickup and on-time return to the ship was a huge relief. This tour is a must-do for anyone docking in Motril.” Join our satisfied customers and make your visit to Granada an unforgettable adventure.
On a private customised tour, Ted Campbell wrote: “Andalusia Travel knocked it out of the park! We had tried a couple times to get into Alhambra but always seemed sold out. Not only did they get tickets but we had a private tour guide Miriam who was fantastic. They picked us up at the port and delivered us safely back and on time. It was a wonderful day thanks to the crew at Andalusia Travel. Great job Ricardo you are amazing”.
Benefits for Our Clients
- Fast and Personalised Attention: We understand the importance of timely planning. That’s why we guarantee prompt responses—always within 24 hours.
- Trusted and Recommended (NPS >90): We are proud to consistently earn a Net Promoter Score of over 90 reflecting our commitment to excellence and the satisfaction of our clients.
- Experienced professionals: International backgrounds, including MSc degrees from the University of York—offering a combination of local insight and international standards.
- High-Quality Tours: Gain access to unique destinations and travel experiences that are not available to the general public.
- Based in Andalusia with On-the-Ground Knowledge: We are proudly rooted in southern Spain. As locals, we don’t just know the landmarks—we live the culture. This gives us the ability to offer honest insights, unique recommendations, and insider access.
- Fully Licensed and Insured: You can trust in our professionalism. We’re a fully licensed and insured DMC, meeting the highest standards of safety and service.
- Experienced with All Types of Travellers: From families to student groups, and corporate clients—we’ve done it all. Our team understands how to tailor each experience to the interests and dynamics of your group, under international standards.
- Expert Tour Guides: Certified guides with deep historical and cultural knowledge. Their engaging presence is one of the reasons our guests return and recommend us.
- Tailored to You: Every group is unique, and so are our services. Whether you’re looking for a fast-paced itinerary or a relaxed cultural immersion, we customise each tour based on your pace, interests, and expectations.
- Sustainable Tourism: By partnering with us, you will also ensure that we respect the environment and support local communities.
Conclusion: Motril Port to Granada Day Trip
The Motril to Granada shore excursion isn’t just a tour; it’s an immersive experience with local guides who will adapt to your needs and show you the very best of Granada’s history and culture. You’ll also enjoy authentic local tapas away from the typical tourist restaurants, ensuring the tour feels genuine and tailored to you. Reach out to us for a personalised offer, and don’t miss the chance to visit the Alhambra and the historic city centre of Granada.
If you want to learn more about us, check out the video below where we highlight four reasons to travel with us.
