Monday, 17 November 2025
Motril, Spain 

Another new port today as the Encore docks at Motril on Spain's Andalusian coast. This is a small port a few kilometers from a small city whose primary attraction is its direct route to Granada. Will and I had been to Granada on a driving tour from Madrid in March 1996--almost 30 years ago--so our plan is to have a day of leisure in Motril. This was a wise decision because all the shore excursions to Granada were cancelled because all tickets to the Alhambra were completely sold out. This was a disappointment for Anita and Deb since they had signed up for one of the tours.

As we sail into the harbor we are exposed to a very shocking view--snow! The high mountains of the Sierra Nevada are clearly highlighted by the bright sunshine. This is shocking because since we left Istanbul on 26 October, the weather has been delightfully warm, usually in the mid to high 70s. But I remind myself that this is mid-November and the mountains are pretty high. Temperatures on the ground in Motril, however, are still quite comfortable.

As usual on Seabourn cruises there are free shuttle buses for the 15-minute drive from the port to the city. There is a good deal of uphill walking, since we are in the foothills of the mountains, but Will and I are able to enjoy a sampling of what the city offers to tourists and shoppers. 

After a couple of hours Will decides to take the shuttle back to the ship, so I walk with him to the bus stop. Rain showers are predicted for later this afternoon, so I do a quick tour of some of the historic sights.

Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Cabeza (1631, restored 1960's)

Victoria Church/Augustinos (1604-1610)

The Plaza de Espana is the center of the old city, with the Church of the Incarnation (1510-1514, rebuilt and restored in late 1940's), and the Town Hall (1631).

There are better views of the church from the Plaza de la Libertad on the north side.

The pundits have predicted rain for the afternoon and some drops start falling as I make my way back to the shuttle stop. Just after I board the bus, and find Anita and Deb already seated, the sky collapses and torrential rain falls. However, by the end of the 15-minute ride to the port, the rain has stopped and is over for the day.

Only two photos from dinner--desserts, of course.

Coconut Chocolate Meringue & Chocolate Caramel Nougat (left);

Apple Strudel (right)