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If you’ve heard of Mojacar, Almeria it might be from a friend or perhaps it was on an episode of a Place in The Sun. Heck, you might never have heard of it before. I certainly hadn’t before my mate moved there.

To be fair, she hadn’t heard of it either, and it was only when a local took her there that she fell in love. Not with the local, he was kicked into touch, but Mojacar ooh na na…

Having been there a few times myself now, sans man, here’s my take on why you should pay Mojacar, Almeria a visit:

Mojacar Weather

Mojacar, pronounced Mo-HA-car, hugs Spain’s southeastern coastline located in the enchanting region of Almeria. Before you rush to book your flights/accommodation/holiday to Spain, check out this average monthly temperature chart because doesn’t everyone like checking the weather first?

Due to its location, it has the added benefit of being a microclimate, translation, more sunny days all year round. 3000 hours are quoted, that’s winter sunshine, springtime rays, sizzling summer sun, including crazy hot August.

Note August is also the period when a lot of Spanish take their holidays so Mojacar is pretty rammed during that month. Autumn brings its fair share of sunshine too, with rainfall mostly making an appearance in autumn and winter.

Nearest Airport to Mojacar

The nearest airport to Mojacar is Almeira, which is just over an hour away, making it the quickest route to your destination. If you don’t mind a slightly longer ride, Murcia and Alicante aren’t too far behind at around 1 hour 45 and 2 hours 30, respectively.

I’ve personally been on board both the Almeria and Alicante jaunts and have teamed up with the rather fabulous Exclusive Airport Shuttles for my transfers. Brilliant. Super reliable, punctual, comfortable shuttle bus and great pre and post-arrival comms.

Here’s the lowdown:

Almeria – multiple shuttles to match direct flight schedules from the UK and Ireland. Flights arriving or departing within the hour are grouped together.

Alicante – twice a day around midday and early evening

Murcia – the same set up as Almeria. Shuttles match direct flights from the UK and Ireland. Flights arriving or departing within the hour are grouped together.

Each way fares are ¢19.99 for Almeria, ¢32.99 for Alicante, and ¢32.99 for Murcia.

Pro tip: Check the ‘Shuttle Stops’ section on their website. They’ve even included pictures of the stops, which are a lifesaver when you’re heading back and don’t want to be stressed and sweaty sprinting in search of the right one.

Prefer a taxi? Taxi fares (each way) are around ¢100 from Almeria, ¢260 from Alicante and ¢160 from Murcia.

On arrival in Mojacar, it’s a tale of two vibes.

The enchanting old town with whitewashed buildings and narrow streets – Mojacar Pueblo

The chilled, but also vibrant, beachside with beautiful beaches, bars and restaurants – Mojacar Playa

Mojacar Pueblo – being with the locals

Also known as old town Mojacar, Mojacar Pueblo, is perched high in the hills, 175 meters above sea level.

It looks like a rather fabulous multi-layer wedding cake. Gorgeous whitewashed buildings in cobbled and winding narrow streets reflect its Moorish history. Suffice to say it’s very pretty.

I love ambling around and also walking up there. It’s a 30 minute hike from the Parque Commercial (shopping centre). All uphill but on pavement so you’re not wading through undergrowth to get there.

You can just see the Pueblo peeking out in the distance in the image below. There are other routes you can take that run parallel to the sea, but this is the easiest to pinpoint and describe.

If you start to overheat and feel you need mouth-to-mouth, there’s a lift that can take you that last part to the top.

If being a sweaty betty isn’t your thing, then for ¢1.20 or thereabouts, you can also hop on the bus.

Once you’ve got your breath back or skipped off the bus, some highlights to check out:

1. Plaza Nueva

Talking of breath, Plaza Nueva is breathtaking and otherwise known as the viewing platform. A great place to grab a drink, take in the scenery and enjoy the hustle and bustle or solitude, depending on when you plan your visit.

Christmas time is pretty spectacular in Mojacar. Gifted stunning illuminations as the well-deserved winner of the Ferrero Rocher ‘Together We Shine Brighter’ competition, these adorn the Plaza Nueva during the festive season.

2. Fuente Publica de Mojacar

Fuente Publica de Mojacar is a historic fountain landmark of the old town. A picturesque setting to grab your water bottle and be like the locals with a fill up of fresh spring water. Additionally, a plaque commemorates the 1488 request for a peaceful surrender of the town by the Catholic Monarchs. A request that, allegedly due to heartfelt words by the Mayor Alávez, they did not have to fulfil.

3. Local shops

The local shops here are a delightful mix of authentic gems and touristy finds – expect to see plenty of Indalo Man souvenirs! My personal favourite, Azar Creative, has beautiful handmade garments, bags, and craft goodies. Heads up to check opening times as many shops tend to close between 14.00 – 17:00 for a siesta.

4. Restaurants and Bars

As you would expect, there’s a selection of restaurants and bars. Ristorante Pizzeria Napoli, I concur not very Spanish, has the best view from its terrace, in my humble. Aside from great pizza, I have it on good authority that the goats cheese salad is to die for. For a warm and friendly welcome, head to Bar La Sarten situated behind Iglesia de Santa María.

Mojacar Playa – take me to the beach

The Playa (Mojacar beach) covers 17 km of coves and sandy beaches and is sandwiched between Garrucha and Carboneras.

The beach area is lovely, with sunbeds and parasols set up in the summer, albeit for a daily charge. Alternatively, you can plonk yourself down on a towel or BYO sunbed and parasol if gifted by your accommodation or kind host.

No high rises are allowed, the most I believe are three-storey and not a McDonald’s or alike to be seen. Hip Hooray. Apparently, both of these stipulations are at the bequest of the local mayor. Big up that mayor.

Mojacar Almeria – nightlife and restaurants

It’s a very different vibe from the Pueblo. This is live music central, and although you can experience some live music in the Pueblo, it’s not as prolific as it is along the Playa.

Great live music venues in Mojacar Playa include Ankara, Yamaya, Maui Beach, and Valery. Be aware that some do close end of September/beginning of October, especially if they are beach bars.

Although Mojacar is a lot quieter than in the summer months, rest assured that there are still venues that are open in autumn and winter offering live music. Check out Mojacar Live for gigs in and around Mojacar. 

As well as the live music scene, which can also include afternoon gigs, there’s a choice of nightclubs, restaurants, and bars. Note, the same with bars, that the nightclub scene is buzzier in the summer with some of the clubs closing for the winter. 

One club, Mandala Beach, even includes a swimming pool in the middle. Although I’m not sure how that works when you’re wearing your high heels and balancing cocktails. Great places to visit along the Playa also include Lua, Dolce Vita, Playa Juana, Bocaina Beach Club and Vista Del Mar.

Restaurante Martin Morales is very popular with the Spanish so you know it’s a good place to eat. Neptuno is the best fish restaurant in Mojacar so I suggest you head there for your paella and anything fishy. There’s also a lovely friendly bar opposite called Cokkia, which I highly recommend.

My absolute favourite place to eat is La Parata. My mouth is salivating just thinking about their food. Oops TMI? Moving on, it’s a 5 min drive up the hill from the seafront. If you don’t have a car, grab a drink in Cheers or La Gaviota and ask them to call you a taxi.  

On a more sedate note, if you love a quiz, ooh ooh me too,  *waves hands in the air*, check out Badgers, Scotty’s El Tropico and Meson Meme. 

Not sure if you could head to a music bar or a quiz on your own? Head on over to How To Travel Solo If You’re Shy And An Introvert. 

FAQ

Is Mojacar a good place to visit in the winter?

Ok, let’s be honest, it’s a lot quieter than in the rip roaring summer months. But. Are there some bars and restaurants open, perhaps with some live music thrown in too? Yes, definitely. The temperatures are also much higher than in the UK. Winter sun – tick, although pack your cardy/coat or jumper as it can get chilly at night.

What’s Mojacar famous for?

Aside from the lovely beaches, and stunningly pretty Pueblo, it would have to be the Indalo Man. You will see him everywhere. I mean e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. Scroll back to the pathway image. Voila, there he is, in the railings. A symbol of good luck, more so if gifted to you. His image dates back to cave paintings circa 4,500 years ago.

Can I see Flamenco in Mojacar?

Yes, you can. I would suggest checking out a show timetable for El Pimiento in the Pueblo, a bar restaurant with a terrace and authentic Flamenco shows. Dolce Vita is also known to host Flamenco shows too.

Are there lots of expats in Mojacar?

Yes, Mojacar does have a thriving expat community. Figures from a few years ago estimated around 50% of the population are expats. The Mojacar forum on facebook has over 32,000 members sharing experiences and answering Q’s about life in Mojacar.

Finally and most importantly don’t forget to check out the entry requirements for travelling to Spain.

Have you been to Mojacar Almeria? Do let us know in the comments!