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If you’re planning a trip to the southeast coast of Spain, you may have heard of a small town called Mojacar! And, you may be wondering about the best things to do in Mojacar. Whether you’re considering a quick day trip from somewhere like Alicante or thinking about longer holidays to Mojacar, this charming town has plenty to offer.
From the beautiful winding streets of Mojacar Pueblo to the laid-back beach vibes of Mojacar Playa, there’s a little something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what makes this corner of Spain so special. Including must-see spots, where to stay, and tips for making the most of your visit.
So, if you’re looking to spend some time in Spain away from the major cities and tourist hotspots, you’re in the right place! Mojacar and also the nearby town of Vera are perfect escapes.
Where is Mojacar, Spain
Mojacar is located in the southeastern part of Spain, along the Costa de Almería in the province of Almería. Sitting beautifully on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It’s about 90 kilometres east of the city of Almería, in the region of Andalusia.
Mojacar is made up of two main areas: Mojacar Pueblo, the historic whitewashed village up in the hills, and Mojacar Playa, the modern beachside area with beautiful sandy shores and a laid-back atmosphere.
Airports Near Mojacar
The nearest airport to Mojacar is Almería Airport, and from there, it’s just under an hour’s drive. Other nearby airports include Murcia (RMU) and Alicante–Elche (ALC).
Whether you’re driving from Alicante or flying into Almería, Mojacar is well worth the trip, it’s one of the most beautiful places I visited in Spain.
History of Mojacar
Mojacar has an interesting & vibrant history and one I learnt more about after my visit. If you only care about how Mojacar is today, then you can skip past this section!
This area has been inhabited for thousands of years, with roots dating back to ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans. However, the town thrived during the Moorish period, which can be seen in the town’s architecture and the iconic whitewashed buildings. The Moors ruled here for over 700 years until the Reconquista in the late 15th century when Mojacar was reclaimed by the Catholic Monarchs.
But Mojacar refused to surrender during the Reconquista. Instead of giving in, the town’s leaders negotiated a peaceful agreement with the Catholic forces, allowing the Moors to remain in the area.
As a tourist spending time in Mojacar Pueblo (old town), wandering through the narrow, cobbled streets and visiting landmarks like the Church of Santa María, which dates back to the 16th century, you can feel the history being brought to life.
The town also has several viewing points that offer stunning views of the surrounding area, giving you a sense of the town’s strategic importance throughout history.
When is The Best Time to Visit Mojacar
The best time to visit totally depends on what you’re looking for. If you enjoy warm, sunny days perfect for the beach, the summer months of June to September would be best, with temperatures often reaching the high 20s to low 30s (degrees Celsius). But, of course, this is also the busiest time, so expect crowds.
For a quieter experience and cooler weather, visiting in April to June or September to October would be perfect. The temperatures are still nice, ranging from 20°C to 25°C. Plus, shoulder seasons usually mean the accommodation will be cheaper.
11 of The Best Things to Do in Mojacar
Mojacar may not be teeming with tourist attractions but we wouldn’t want it to be. I believe visiting historic towns should be all about admiring the small details in the architecture, supporting local businesses, soaking in the best views and of course taking a bunch of photos along the way!
Here is my list of the best things to do in Mojacar
Discover Mojacar Pueblo
Start your visit in Mojacar Pueblo, the historic hilltop village known for its picturesque whitewashed buildings, narrow streets and beautiful flower pots that add a splash of colour everywhere you look.
There’s plenty of free parking at the lower level of town and if you don’t feel like walking the rest of the way up, there’s a lift located very close to the car park.
Plaza Nueva
Within Mojacar Pueblo is Plaza Nueva. This large square is often busy because of the views of the surrounding area. The rugged landscape and the ocean in the distance are the perfect backdrop for photos and a great place to stop and sit for a while.
Church of Santa María
A 16th-century church that’s a must-see in Mojacar Pueblo as it provides a glimpse into the town’s rich history. It was built on the site of an old mosque and has more of a strong castle-like appearance compared to what I had seen before. Then the inside has Moorish features, like the horseshoe arches.
Shopping in Mojacar Pueblo
Mojacar Pueblo is filled with boutique shops offering unique, handmade crafts, pottery, and local souvenirs. The most iconic symbol you’ll find in these shops is the Indalo Man —a prehistoric figure discovered in nearby caves, believed to bring good luck and attract wealth, abundance and peace.
The Indalo Man is deeply rooted in the culture of Mojacar and the surrounding region. You’ll see this figure everywhere throughout Mojacar and in stores, he’ll be crafted into jewellery, ceramics, home décor and fridge magnets. An Indalo is the perfect souvenir to remind you of your time in Mojacar but the catch is, you can’t buy this for yourself – it needs to be gifted to you!
Traditional Food
Food is usually high on the list during any Spanish holiday and Mojacar is no exception. Here you’ll find heaps of local restaurants selling traditional Paella & Tapas and many other local favourites.
Many of the restaurants have terrace seating, overlooking the town and out to sea. I found most of these restaurants priced higher than what I was used to in Alicante, but I guess that is to be expected in a tourist destination.
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Visit The Beaches at Mojacar Playa
Mojacar Playa has 17km of coastline and I only wish we had better weather because I would have loved to have seen more of it. These beaches would be the perfect place to unwind under the sun while floating in the Mediterranean waters.
You could spend your day lounging on the beach or even cycling along the boardwalk. During summer there are also plenty of water sports available, including paddleboarding, jet skiing, and windsurfing.
Then the beach promenade is lined with beach bars, cafes and restaurants (there are also a couple of supermarkets close by) where you can enjoy fresh seafood, cold drinks, and stunning sea views.
Take a Sunset Cruise
If you have more than one day in Mojacar an awesome way to spend your evening would be to take a relaxing sunset cruise along the Mediterranean coast. It’s a peaceful way to see the area from a different perspective. The stunning views of the coastline at sunset would make for such a memorable experience.
For the best variety of cruises and water sports around Mojacar Playa, check out Get Your Guide.
Get Your Guide Mojacar Water Sports.
Visit the Fuente Mora (Moorish Fountain)
The Fuente Mora, or The Moorish Fountain, is a historical site in the lower part of Mojacar Pueblo. It’s a beautiful spot to learn about the town’s Moorish heritage and the fountain’s role as a vital water source for centuries. And, the fountain is still in use today!
Hike the Sierra Cabrera Mountains
I unfortunately wasn’t in Mojacar long enough to experience any hiking but wanted to include the option here as I’m sure fellow adventure seekers will love hiking in the Sierra Cabrera Mountains, which surround Mojacar.
In my research, I found that these trails offer stunning views of the coastline and countryside, and you can choose routes that suit your fitness level. Click here to be taken to All Trails for more info!
Explore Nearby Vera
Just 22km from Mojacar Pueblo is the small town of Vera. Vera offers its own attractions and is worth stopping by if staying in Mojacar. Or if you are visiting on a day trip and the weather isn’t suitable for the beach, I would suggest spending some of your day exploring Vera.
While in town you could visit the Plaza Mayor for a taste of local life and see the historic Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Victoria. Or spend time at Plaza de Toros de Vera, which is one of the oldest bull rings in Spain. Entry to the bull ring and adjoining museum is free. All the information in the museum is in Spanish, but I still found it all very interesting.
Shop at the Local Markets
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a town’s local culture is by visiting the markets in Mojacar and nearby towns like Vera. On market day, the streets come alive with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted items. It’s a fantastic way to pick up unique souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Mojacar Pueblo Market is every Wednesday morning from 9 am – 12 pm. The market is located close to the sports centre, with parking available nearby, but the easiest way to find the market is to type “Mojacar Mercadillo” into maps.
The Vera Market is every Saturday morning and starts in Plaza Major, then spreads down adjoining streets and along the small alleyways. The perfect place to pick up fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.
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Things to Do in Mojacar for Families
Mojacar and Vera are also a great destination for families, in my experience the variety of sites and activities kept everyone entertained. Spending the day at Mojacar Playa, where kids can play on the beaches and the waves are gentle enough for young kids to swim. Plus, there are plenty of places nearby to get food.
Or, for a more adventurous outing, head to AquaVera – a water park in Vera, and located only 16 km from Mojacar Playa. The water park has slides, pools, and attractions for all ages.
Then exploring Mojacar Pueblo can also be a family-friendly activity, where kids can enjoy the colourful markets and discover local treats. But I wouldn’t be surprised if they eventually tire of shopping!
What to Do in Mojacar When it Rains
Even on a rainy day, Mojacar has plenty to offer. Mojacar Pueblo has some indoor attractions, such as the Church of Santa María, or you could visit one of the local art galleries to see works by regional artists and get a taste of the cultural scene.
If the rain is heavy, remember to take care when walking the streets as the cobblestones can get slippery, and don’t forget your umbrella.
Then when you need a break, find a cozy spot in a traditional café or restaurant to enjoy a warm meal or a cup of coffee while watching the rain outside.
In Mojacar Playa, there’s a boardwalk that you can wander along to still get views of the ocean, but I understand this is less enjoyable when it’s raining.
Accommodation in Mojacar
Boutique Hotel El Olivar (old town)
Miramelindo Encantador apartamento con terraza panorámica (old town)
Parador de Mojácar (beach)
Mda Playa del Cantal (beach)
How Long to Spend in Mojacar?
Any amount of time your itinerary allows for a visit to Mojacar is worth it. A day trip from Alicante is an easy option and a full day will give you enough time to explore Mojacar Pueblo and even stop at the small town of Vera on the way. However, this day trip option won’t allow for much time to spend at the beaches along Mojacar Playa.
If you want to truly soak in all the best bits, including relaxing on the beaches, visiting nearby Vera, and taking in the local culture in Mojacar Pueblo, I’d recommend staying at least three or four days. This will give you a more relaxed pace to explore, and even catch a sunset or two!
Mojacar, Spain ~ In Conclusion
In this post, I’ve covered everything you need to know about planning your visit and the best things to do in Mojacar (including for families and when it rains). From exploring the historic charm of Mojacar Pueblo, and the relaxing beaches of Mojacar Playa. Plus, how easy it is to venture from Mojacar to Vera.
Whether you’re spending a day or a week here, Mojacar offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that’s sure to make your visit unforgettable. I found Mojacar to be one of the most beautiful places I visited in Spain and just wish I had longer here. I believe it’s a very underrated part of Spain.
So, is Mojacar, Spain worth visiting? Yes! This whitewashed, charming village, plus the 17 km stretch of coastline should not be missed.
What do you think, have I convinced you to add Mojacar to your Spain itinerary? Let me know in the comments below.
Ps. Be sure to check out my other guides and tips to make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Spain!
Thanks for reading,
Happy Travels.
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
Mojacar sounds like the perfect village we enjoy staying at while on holiday. Beaches,, white villages, narrow streets and hikes are perfect. It looks even better than El Bosque where we stayed on the andalucia mountains to explore this beautiful region. Thanks for the tips. 🙂
There is so much h to do for a little town. Mojacar seems like the perfect town to disconnect and relax in for a few days.
Oh this looks like such a cute place! We love Spain and have visited countless times but haven’t made it to the gem … yet!
This is an amazing guide! I love that you included information about what to do when it rains!
I love historic towns, so Mojacar is on my list to visit the next we’re going to Spain. A sunset cruise sounds perfect to end a day in Mojacar.