Mojácar is also a useful base for any of the following suggestions:
To the east lies Cabo de Gata (Cape Cat) where a fine sandy beach marks Spain’s south-eastern tip. Take good care to protect yourself from the sun as there is precious little shade in what is one of Spain’s hottest and driest corners. At certain times of the year you’ll even see flamingos here, attracted by the many salt water lagoons.
For a break from the sun why not visit the fascinating Cuevas de Sorbas where deep gorges and stalactite caves have been carved out of the limestone sub strata. Guided tours depart at 10am and 5pm.
Mini Hollywood celebrates a powerful series of ‘paella westerns’ shot in this semi-desert region – including Clint Eastwood’s ‘A Fistful of Dollars’ and ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’. Thrill to the horses and cowboy gunfights staged daily at noon and 5pm. A small zoo just next door (separate charge) is an added attraction.
For a good choice of handicrafts make a beeline for the pretty village of Níjar where you can take your pick from a whole street full of brightly coloured local pottery, esparto-grass baskets, stripy rag rugs and ‘jarapas’ throws.
Do take a look at Spain’s largest solar energy plant at Senes village, near Sorbas. It is hoped that it will one day power a desalination plant to increase the area’s water supply.
