Costa Tropical Air Show
Motril Air Show is one of the four Spanish Air Shows celebrated annually. The Costa Tropical has it´s own Air Show on the first day of Summer. This year it is the 20th Edition of the Festival Aereo Internacional de Motril.
The centre of the action is at on Playa Poniente in Motril. Just off the main road just past Playa Granada. This year the festival will be on the morning of Sunday 21st June 2026.
The official start time is set for 11.00am. You will need to get there early to park easily (and nearby). Local authorities advise arriving 2 hours ahead of time. There is a large car park between the road and the beach, but this is a popular festival.
Family Day Out
The first time planes were on show in Motril was back in 2006. Since then this International Air Show has grown and progressed over the years. Now in its 19th year, a few days before the festival you may even see training sessions or rehearsals along the coastline.
- Sunday 21st June 2026 – Playa Granada, Motril, Spain
To entertain the crowds before the show this Guardia Civil Helicopter was there one year. You could go and see it inside and get your photo taken too. The show opened with the local Tropicopter Helicopter flying the Spanish flag over the crowds to welcome the spectators. Acrobatics by French team Cartouche Doré followed.
Please note that it is not permitted to use DRONES at all, due to airspace restrictions it´s illegal.
Recommended Parking Areas
- Avenida Rector José Vida Soria
- Los Moriscos Golf Club (close to Villa Astrida)
- Outside beach bars Hoyo 19 or Pura Vida.
- Next to the campsites and around Katena restaurant.
International pilots
This festival is an international one and has pilots from different countries. The last time I visited there were French, Turkish and Spanish pilots made up the display. The commentary on the beach was mainly in Spanish but two parts were done in French and English. Back in 2017 I saw a F-16 C Block-40 aircraft display by Solo Turk.
Air Rescue demonstration
The Sea Rescue Helicopter from Almeria performed a rescue in the sea just off the shore, winching up a man from the sea into the low flying helicopter.
Finally to close the International Air show the Patrulla Aguila (“Eagle Patrol”) the aerobatic demonstration team of the Spanish Air Force, impressed the crowds with their formations. Closing the display with this colourful fly past, the Spanish flag trailing in coloured smoke along the Costa Tropical
Festival Aéreo Internacional de Motril
The show lasted around 3 hours and made a great day at the beach. In 2024 150,000 people enjoyed this sky festival.
For more photos see the official website: Motril Air Show – Photos
This 20th Edition will feature:
- Panavia Tornado
- Patrulla Aspa (acrobatics
Helicopters
- CH 47 Chinook Helicopter
- Nh 90 Lobo
- H 135
Tips to see Motril Air Show
-
- How to get there: Drive to Playa Granada, Motril. Follow signs to Playa Poniente, Motril.
- Get there early: Arrive around 10am. Park up and head off for a coffee or a swim.
- Facilities: Beach toilets and showers are open on the beach nearby.
- Take hat, sun cream and your camera!
- Signed posters were available from the different pilots.
- Small children may need to cover their ears with very powerful engines such as F16
