MOJACAR ALMERIA – HOW TO GET THERE AND WHAT TO DO

 

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

Before you rush to book your flights/accommodation/holiday to Spain, here’s the average monthly temperature chart because doesn’t everyone like checking the weather first?

Synopsis – winter sun, spring sun, summer sun, crazy hot August, autumn sun. Rainfall occurring in autumn and winter.

Nearest Airport to Mojacar

The nearest airport to Mojacar is Almeira, which is just over an hour away. Murcia and Alicante aren’t too far behind at around 2 hrs – 2 hrs 30, respectively.

I’ve done the Almeria and Alicante jaunt and have hooked up with the rather fabulous Exclusive Airport Shuttles for my transfers. Almeria has several shuttles that can link up with your flight at different times of the day. For Alicante, the service used to operate once a day (normally around midday) but there is now also an evening service.
Check Exclusive Airport Shuttles for timings. Another option is a pick up from Murcia.

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

There’s a handy section ‘shuttle stops’ across the top of their menu bar, where they have pictures of each of their, hmm, shuttle stops. Probably more useful for your return journey but thought I would give you the heads up to save dashing from one shuttle stop to the next.

Taxi fares (each way) range from around ¢100 from Almeria and ¢260 from Alicante.

So back to Mojacar, pronounced Mo-HA-car, location wise it hugs the south east coast of Spain and resides in the province of Almeria. Hence Mojacar Almeria. It has two distinct areas, the Pueblo (old town) and the Playa (beach).

Mojacar Pueblo – being with the locals

Mojacar Pueblo, also known as old town Mojacar, is perched up high in the hills, 175 meters above sea level. It looks like a rather fabulous multi-layer wedding cake. Gorgeous white-washed buildings in cobbled and winding narrow streets reflect its Moorish history. Suffice to say it’s very pretty.

I love ambling around and indeed walking 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

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

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

Local shops, alongside the tourist merchandise shops, Indalo Man a plenty. Azar Creative is my favourite with beautiful handmade garments, bags, and craft goods. Note check opening times as shops tend to close between 14.00 – 17:00.

4. Restaurants and Bars

There’s a selection of restaurants and bars but Ristorante Pizzeria Napoli, I concur not very Spanish, has the best view from its terrace, in my humble. 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) consists of 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.

Rest assured that there are still venues that are open in autumn and winter with live music all year. Check out https://mojacarbands.net/ 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.

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. 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 Gure-Toki Taberna and Mimi’s Bar. Both of these are at the top end of the Playa near Hotel Continental. 

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?

Yes, definitely. Let’s be honest, the temperatures are much higher than the UK. Winter sun – tick, although it can get chilly at night. Despite some places being closed for winter, there’s still plenty open.

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 21,000 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!