Historic Galleons Visit Motril — What’s Planned from 25 February to 1 March

SohaniSharma

The Port of Motril is preparing to welcome two striking symbols of maritime history next week, as historic galleons dock on the Costa Tropical for a five-day public visit. From 25 February to 1 March, residents and visitors will be able to step aboard El Galeón Andalucía and Pascual Flores, two vessels that bring centuries of naval tradition to the Granada coast.

The arrival of the historic galleons in Motril is expected to draw families, school groups and maritime enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to explore ships rarely seen in Andalusia’s smaller ports.

A Floating Museum at the Port of Motril

El Galeón Andalucía is a full-scale replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon, built to recreate the ships that once connected Spain with the Americas and Asia. The vessel has sailed thousands of nautical miles around the world, visiting ports in Europe and the United States as a floating exhibition of naval heritage.

Alongside it, Pascual Flores, a beautifully restored early 20th-century schooner, represents a later chapter of Mediterranean maritime trade. The ship once transported goods across the Mediterranean before being rescued and refurbished as a heritage vessel.

Both ships will be moored at the Port of Motril, one of the Costa Tropical’s key economic gateways. Organisers have confirmed that visitors will be able to tour the decks, learn about onboard life and discover how these vessels navigated historic sea routes long before modern technology.

Cultural Tourism Boost for the Costa Tropical

The visit of the historic galleons comes at a strategic moment for Motril and the wider Costa Tropical. With Semana Santa approaching in late March, local authorities and businesses are keen to reinforce the area’s cultural and tourism appeal after recent winter storms affected parts of the coastline.

Unlike larger Andalusian ports such as Málaga or Cádiz, Motril does not regularly host tall ships of this scale. Their arrival therefore carries added significance, particularly for families looking for educational activities during the final week of February.

The Port of Motril has increasingly positioned itself not only as a cargo and ferry hub linking southern Spain with North Africa, but also as a venue for cultural and leisure events. Hosting the historic galleons supports that broader strategy.

Public Access and Special Activities

The ships are scheduled to remain open to the public from Tuesday 25 February through Saturday 1 March. In addition to standard onboard visits, selected dates may include short coastal sailing experiences aboard Pascual Flores, weather permitting.

For Motril residents, the event offers something different from the town’s usual calendar of markets and festivals. For visitors staying in nearby Almuñécar or Salobreña, the short drive to the port presents an easy cultural excursion within Granada Province.

Given the vessels’ popularity in previous ports, organisers expect steady attendance, particularly over the weekend. Families with children are likely to find the interactive nature of the tours especially appealing, with crew members often explaining navigation techniques and daily life at sea.

Maritime Heritage Meets Modern Motril

The image of wooden masts rising above the modern port infrastructure creates a striking contrast — a reminder that today’s commercial shipping routes across Andalusia evolved from centuries of seafaring tradition.

For the Costa Tropical, events like this underline a broader ambition to diversify beyond sun-and-beach tourism. Cultural initiatives, particularly those with strong visual impact, help position Motril as more than just a transit point.

As the historic galleons prepare to dock later this month, the Port of Motril will briefly transform into a living chapter of maritime history — an experience that promises to connect the Granada coast with its seafaring past in a tangible and memorable way.

Ahmedabad