The Port of Motril, as part of its strategic plan to develop services for cruise ship passengers and regular ferry lines, has presented a “cultural proposal of great value” at the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), in the words of its president, José García Fuentes. It is a route that brings together sites related to the Battle of Lepanto—which pitted the Holy League against the Ottoman Empire in 1571—and its key figures, particularly Miguel de Cervantes. In fact, history places him in Motril in 1594, serving as a tax collector for King Philip II to raise funds for his major campaigns.
“The tour centered on the rebellion and the figure of Miguel de Cervantes—as García Fuentes has explained—offers a flexible itinerary that can be adapted to the needs of each cruise line, with optional routes.” Thus, passengers will be greeted at the Port of Motril by the tercios and will be given a badge as soldiers, both upon arrival and at departure.
The proposal outlines tours of the Nazarí Gardens in Vélez de Benaudalla, Granada, including visits to the Abbey of the Sacrament, the Monastery of San Jerónimo, the Church of Saints Justo and Pastor, Álvaro de Bazán Street, Bibrambla Square, the Church of San Gil and Santa Ana, and the original inn on Mesones Street—possibly the residence of the writer Miguel de Cervantes during his time in Granada as a tax collector. The tour will then return to Motril with a visit to Cervantes Street and a commemoration of his stay there. There will be a reading of the passage describing the death of Alonso Marañón, Knight of the Order of Santiago, based on the shipwreck of the Spanish Armada in the Port of La Herradura in 1562. History also places Cervantes in the coastal towns of Salobreña and Almuñécar, “destinations of great interest and strongholds for the Port of Motril,” emphasized García Fuentes.
The most prominent figures of the 16th century will serve as the central theme of the narrative commemorating the Battle of Lepanto along the route, including, among others, Don Álvaro de Bazán; María “La bailadora,” the only female soldier in the battle; Philip II; Don Juan of Austria, Captain General of Granada during the War of the Alpujarras and at Lepanto; and Pope Pius V, the driving force behind the Holy League.
In designing this tour, in addition to seeking innovation, we have taken into account the quality and reliability of the sites included in the tour, as well as the ability to offer it in different languages and to visitors of various nationalities.
The overall objective of this project is to provide customers with a unique experience. In addition, it aims to enhance the value proposition of the cruise experience by incorporating elements of heritage and history, promote awareness and understanding of a specific historical period, strengthen the ties between tourism and education, and bring history to life with the support of participants, who will play an active role in carrying out the activities.
The project was designed by Cesar de Requeses Moll, a journalist and writer with an extensive professional career. He has worked for newspapers and is the author of several books, including the guide *Granada Insólita y Secreta*. In 2008, he founded the company Granada Secreta, which specializes in cultural tourism.
