Mojácar´s unmistakeable silhoutte, clinging
to the hillside gives the distant traveller a tantalising
glimpse of the beauty within; Mojácar is the town
which best expresses the very essence of Eastern Almería.
The Moorish character of the town is evident in its narrow,
steep and winding streets, in the whitewashed walls of its
houses, and in the colourful flowers that embellish their
façades. This is a town to lose yourself in, a place
where, through countless small details, the past whispers
to those who listen.
In Moorish times, the town was called Muxacra and it was
a place where Muslims, Jews and Christians lived in harmony.
Today it is still an open, cosmopolitan town accustomed
to welcoming visitors from all over the world. In the unique
setting of Mojácar, it is easy to feel instantly
at home and enjoy the hospitality of its people. Both the
Valle de las Pirámides and Mojácar la vieja,
site of the prehistoric settlement, situated in the river
Aguas valley, can be seen from the Mirador in Plaza Nueva.
La Cuesta del Castillo leads us to Plaza del Castillo, the
highest part of the town affording marvellous views of the
sea. Originally the site of the old castle, of which nothing
remains, it is now home to the Centro de Arte or arts Centre,
which holds interesting art exhibitions.
Plaza Parterre beneath, which a Muslim cemetery has been
discovered, is presided by the fortified church of Santa
María. The church was built after the Christian reconquest
of the city. Next to the church is the statue of La Mojaquera,
holding typically Arab veil between her teeth.
Having passed through the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, with its
centuries-old ancient tree brought from America, we arrive
at the Puerta de la Ciudad or Puerta de la Almedina, gate,
the only gate in the 16th Century town walls.
Adjacent to the Puerta de la Ciudad is the former 18th-Century
Casa del Torreon, a toll house for collecting "gate
taxes". Outside is the Arrabal, or extramural quarter,
which was probably home to Mojácar's Jewish community.
The Fuente Mora fountain, also known as Fuente Pública,
dates back to Moorish times. In the past, the town´s
woman-folk used the water from its 12 spouts to do their
laundry.
Leaving the attractions of the town aside, let us now turn
towards the sea. Mojácar, with 17 kilometres of beaches
offers something for everyone, quiet or lively beaches,
resort or unspoilt beaches, large uninterrupted strands
or sheltered bays.
Adjacent to Garrucha is Marina de la Torre whose excellent
beach is complemented by unequalled hotel services, all
a stone´s throw away from a golf course. Further to
the west, next to the river Aguas´estuary and parallel
to the Paseo del Mediterráneo, we find La Rumina
beach offering everything from beach bars to watersports.
The beaches of El Descargador, El Cantal, Cueva del Lobo
and Las Ventanicas are all part of Mojácar Playa.
These beaches are all within resort areas and so offer the
widest range of services.
For a relaxing time in the sun, we recommend the beaches
between Castillo de Macenas castle, built on the coast in
the 18th Century, and La Granatilla, bordering with Carboneras;
this is the place to discover Mojácar´s most
natural stretch of coastline.
