The town centre is typically Spanish, comprising of a myriad of narrow, winding streets that are home to many of the excellent tapas bars that Motril is famous for.

The busy Port of Motril, where industry and leisure merge seamlessly through a thriving business community, offers visitors the chance to try out a variety of water sports, along with being able to sample the local fish catch of the day in one of the many bars and restaurants. Golf enthusiasts will be happy to know that Motril is home to Los Moriscos Golf, currently the only golf course in The Costa Tropical.

For history lovers, there are plenty of interesting buildings namely churches, hermitages, and civil buildings, in particular the 17th century baroque-style town hall with its Moorish panel work in the ceilings of the entrance and assembly halls. Also in baroque-style is the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza, built on the former Moorish palace of Aixa, mother of Boabdil. It stands gracefully on a hill overlooking the pleasant Park of the People of the Americas.

Well worth a visit too, is the Museum of Sugar, devoted to the production and processing of sugar cane, the main industry of this area for centuries. Sadly however, 2006 saw the last crop of sugar cane to be harvested in Europe as the last remaining factory, in nearby Salobreña, closed its doors in this year.

Located on Motril's Playa Granada beach, and surrounded by sub tropical gardens, is 'Casa Astrida', the royal residence of the former King of Belgium, Baudouin I. The King was in residence, in July 1993, when he died unexpectedly at the age of 62, of heart failure.

Motril Port area is a very popular destination for Spanish tourists during the summer months, largely owing to the wide variety of hotels, apartments to rent and campsites. This mix of accommodation attracts a diverse range of visitors every year, many of them returning year on year.