Mojacar Pueblo is one of the most picturesque whitewashed villages in southern Spain. The village is perched high on a hillside, in the province of Almeria, just a short drive from the coastline. It offers visitors a beautiful blend of narrow streets, historic buildings, quaint local eateries, and panoramic views. Put this all together with the relaxed pace yet lively atmosphere of the village and you have the perfect combination. There are lots of great things to do in Mojacar Pueblo, even if you’re just spending a few hours here.
The history of Mojacar Pueblo stretches back over 4,000 years, with evidence of Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman settlements found by archaeologists. The Moorish nature of the village comes from a time when the Arabs ruled over much of Andalusia. It wasn’t until the 15th century that Mojacar Pueblo was incorporated into the Kingdom of Castile following the period of reconquest.
Despite all of these changes, Mojacar Pueblo has still retained much of its traditions and legends, which is why you’ll come across the symbol of the Indalo throughout the area. Here are some tips for visiting Mojacar Pueblo, as well as a few spots to add to your itinerary.
Where to park in Mojacar Pueblo
Before starting your list of things to do in Mojacar Pueblo, you’ll need a good parking spot if you’re driving here. Luckily, there’s a free parking lot just at the entrance to the old town. This is also the location of the Mojacar Market on Wednesday’s so you’ll only be able to park underground on this day of the week as the rooftop parking is closed off.
It’s quite an uphill trek from this parking lot to the centre of Mojacar Pueblo. Howeevr, if you don’t want to walk, you can use the nearby elevator to bring you to the top which is free of charge.
Things to do in Mojacar Pueblo
Museo “Casa de la Canana”
If museums are something you like to visit while travelling, then stopping at Museo “Casa de la Canana” should be at the top of your list of things to do in Mojacar Pueblo. This small museum offers a glimpse into everyday life in the village during the 20th century. It’s situated inside a traditional home that’s been preserved with original furnishings and personal items. Museo “Casa de la Canana” provides visitors with a unique experience, and if you take a guided tour you can hear stories about the people who once lived here.
Plaza Nueva
The heart of Mojacar Pueblo is Plaza Nueva. The plaza is surrounded by places to eat as well as souvenir shops, making it a busy social hub. However, what you really need to see here are the sweeping views across the valley, with mountains and the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. Plaza Nueva was once the site of an Arab fortress, and although you can’t see the fortress today, you can still enjoy strolling around the plaza and soaking up the atmosphere.
Iglesia de Santa Maria
Iglesia de Santa Maria (Church of St Mary) is a beautiful church in Mojacar Pueblo built on the site of a former mosque. It dates back to the 16th century and it served as both a church and a defensive stronghold at a time when pirate raids were common in the area. You’ll notice the architecture of the church has minimal ornamentations on the exterior, and its walls are thick, reflecting a fortress. This design is a direct result of the village’s need for protection after the Reconquista era.
Visiting Iglesia de Santa Maria is one of the best free things to do in Mojacar Pueblo. If the doors are open, you’re welcome to go inside as well.
Puerta de la Ciudad
One of the most popular things to do in Mojacar Pueblo is to take a photo at Puerta de la Ciudad. This city gate stands as one of the last remaining structures of Mojacar’s defensive walls. The gate was built in the 16th century and stood as the main entrance to the village, featuring a coat of arms given to the village in 1560 by King Felipe II. As you walk through the arch you’ll notice the shift from the outskirts of the modern village to the world of the historic old town.
Puerta de la Ciudad is also a very well known photo spot in Mojacar Pueblo. This is because of the vibrant blue doors and beautiful bougainvillea that stand out against the whitewashed walls.
Walk along the whitewashed streets
There may not be too many attractions in Mojacar Pueblo to see, but one thing that everyone enjoys is exploring the whitewashed streets. Mojacar Pueblo is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses that reflect the village’s Moorish past. The narrowness of the streets means you can find shaded and cool spots even in the middle of the day, when the Andalusian sun is at its hottest.
As you make your way around the historic old town, you’ll come across numerous shops, cafes, artisan workshops, and restaurants. There are also plenty of beautiful corners to take photos, and some nice viewpoints too.
Take a photo with “La Mojaquera”
Another iconic spot to snap a photo in Mojacar Pueblo is just outside Iglesia de Santa Maria, with “La Mojaquera”. This stunning statue is located in Plaza del Parterre and it depicts a traditional woman from the village carrying a water jug on her head. This is a nod to the historic water collection practices at Fuente Mora, located down the hill from the old town.
Admire the views of Almeria’s unique landscape
There are several incredible viewpoints in Mojacar Pueblo to enjoy. This includes those at Plaza Nueva, but my favourite view can be found at Mirador del Castillo. Sadly there’s no castle left standing today, but the views are worth the short uphill walk to see in person. This viewpoint is slightly higher and on a different angle than Plaza Nueva, so you’ll get an even more impressive view of the desert-like landscape and the Mediterranean Sea from here. Visiting Mirador del Castillo is one of the most underrated things to do in Mojacar Pueblo.
Grab a snack from Yoggy
There are plenty of places to eat in Mojacar Pueblo, but for the most part we dined along the coastline. However, we did stop to grab a cold snack at Yoggy so we could take a break from the scorching sun. Yoggy is a popular spot for frozen yogurt in Mojacar Pueblo, but they also serve smoothies, drinks, and sandwiches. It’s located around the corner from Plaza Nueva so it’s very easy to find, and they have both indoor and outdoor seating available.
Shop for a handmade Indalo
The Indalo is the most famous symbol in Mojacar. This prehistoric figure is said to be holding a rainbow-like arc above its head, and it’s believed to bring you good luck. You’ll come across Indalos on ceramics, decorative art, and jewelry, but try to avoid souvenir shops if you want one that’s handmade. I’d recommend visiting Indalos Juan where you can find a huge selection of handmade Indalos of different styles, materials, and sizes for very reasonable prices.
Fuente Mora
While this may not be one of the top things to do in Mojacar Pueblo, visiting Fuente Mora should be of interest to history-enthusiasts. Fuente Mora is also referred to as the Moorish Fountain, and it’s tied to the village’s history and legends. According to local lore, this was the meeting point between the Catholic Monarchs and the last Moorish leader of Mojacar in 1488, which led to a peaceful surrender.
Today the fountain has been adapted to modern times, with twelve spouts providing fresh spring water. If you’re spending time in the old town, it’s quite a steep trek to get down to the fountain, and it’s even worse walking back in the heat. I’d suggest visiting this landmark in Mojacar last so you can drive to it.
Yacimiento Arqueologico de Mojacar la Vieja
Many people looking for things to do in Mojacar Pueblo completely miss Yacimiento Arqueologico de Mojacar la Vieja, located a short drive from the old town. The archaeological remains at this site reveal the original settlement of the village, dating back to Moorish times. Archaeologists have uncovered defensive walls, homes, and street layouts in recent years. The site is free and open 24/7, but you’ll need to do a short climb from the parking area to access it.
Where to stay in Mojacar
Nestled between Mojacar Pueblo and Mojacar Playa is one of the best places to stay in Almeria. Cortijo El Sarmiento is an adults-only rural B&B situated inside a traditional restored Andalusian farmhouse. It’s completely surrounded by nature, offering a relaxing getaway and plenty of on-site facilities and amenities. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, culinary experiences, yoga classes, a beautiful pool area complete with a bar, and a delicious breakfast with panoramic views.
There are several types of rooms available at Cortijo El Sarmiento, and each one has been lovingly decorated in a modern way with nods to the traditional nature of the building. This is the perfect place to stay in Mojacar at any time of the year, and its location can’t be beat either.
>> Take 15% off your stay with the code “explorer” by booking direct <<
Is Mojacar Pueblo worth visiting?
So, is Mojacar Pueblo worth visiting? Absolutely! This charming whitewashed village in Almeria has everything that other, more well-known pueblos blancos in southern Spain have, but with significantly less people. There are numerous things to do in Mojacar Pueblo for a day. And if you’re planning on staying longer in the area, Cortijo El Sarmiento is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
If you have any questions about things to do in Mojacar Pueblo, or you think something else should be added to this list, please feel free to get in touch. You can contact me by email or through the form on my website. Don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok too, where I’m always sharing up-to-date information and unique places to visit.
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