Just a short one hour drive from the city of Almeria brings you to Mojacar. This beautiful part of the province is made up of two areas: Mojacar Pueblo and Mojacar Playa. While one area offers visitors the chance to walk around historic, winding whitewashed streets, the other is a haven for beach-lovers and those looking to relax in boutique hotels with sea views and beach bars. This means there are a lot of things to do in Mojacar for all interest types. You won’t find this laid-back Andalusian town to be quite as busy as other hotspots in southern Spain, like Malaga and Marbella.
Mojacar’s rich history can be dated back over 4,000 years. Its development has been influenced by groups such as the Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors. You can see the Moorish influence in the pueblo’s architecture and streets, but one of the town’s most long-lasting symbols is the Indalo, which was discovered in nearby prehistoric cave paintings and is said to be from around 2,500 BC.
Whether you choose to spend your time enjoying the sunny weather along the beaches of Mojacar, or you’d rather take the time to learn more about the history of the town and the surrounding area, Mojacar is a fantastic place in Almeria to base yourself from. There are always plenty of unique things to do in Mojacar throughout the year too, so it’s not necessarily a summer-only destination.
Where is Mojacar located?
Mojacar is located in southeastern Spain, in the province of Almeria. The pueblo is perched on a hilltop, between the Sierra Cabrera mountains and the Costa de Almeria. It’s only a short drive away from the Mediterranean Sea, overlooking the long stretch of coastline that’s known as Mojacar Playa. If you’re visiting Mojacar from the city of Almeria, it will take approximately one hour to drive here.
Almeria does have its own airport, but most people will fly into either Cartagena (1.5 hours away) or Malaga (3.5 hours away). Mojacar is very easy to get to via car or bus thanks to the A-7 motorway as well. Although it’s a quieter part of Spain to visit, it’s very well-connected and perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Best things to do in Mojacar, Spain
Walk along the seaside promenade
If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Mojacar, Spain, you’ll want to spend some time along the seaside promenade. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the coastline and you’ll find some fantastic places to eat in Mojacar located along the waterfront, as well as beach bars. It’s a very magical place to walk at sunset and it’s accessible for everyone with an abundance of free parking lots available.
Although the promenade at Mojacar Playa is popular with visitors, it’s still significantly less busy than some of Spain’s more popular coastal areas, like the Costa del Sol. Be on the lookout for a few historic attractions too, as some of the beaches still have medieval watchtowers located along them.
Torre del Pirulico
One of my favourite things to do in Mojacar is to drive to Torre del Pirulico. This is definitely still a hidden gem in Almeria, as it’s only accessible by driving down a narrow, dirt road along the cliffside.
Torre del Pirulico is a restored watchtower dating back to the 13th century, when the Moors controlled the area. It served as a lookout point to warn the nearby town of any incoming attacks from the sea, particularly from pirates.
It’s a beautiful attraction in Mojacar to visit, perched on a cliff with the sea dramatically crashing against the rocks below. The tower is open 24/7, but you’ll need good walking shoes to climb to the top of it. There’s also a beautiful natural arch next to the watchtower that’s perfect for a postcard-like photo.
Relax at a beach club in Mojacar
What a lot of people visit Mojacar for is a relaxing seaside getaway. Mojacar Playa isn’t short of beach clubs to choose from, many of which can be found along the seaside promenade. You’ll find beach clubs in Mojacar that offer live shows and DJs, as well as those with more relaxing pool areas and dining experiences.
I’d recommend visiting at least one beach club in Mojacar if you can. For a chilled vibe that’s a short drive from the main stretch of beaches, head over to LACALA Beach Bar that’s located inside Macenas Mediterranean Resort. Or, for a more upbeat experience, Mandala Beach Club and Maui are great options for partying.
Mojacar Pueblo
While you’re visiting this corner of Andalusia, you shouldn’t miss the chance to walk around Mojacar Pueblo. There are a lot of things to do in Mojacar Pueblo despite its small size. This includes wandering the historic streets, visiting local shops, admiring the traditional Andalusian architecture, and visiting its historic landmarks, such as the Iglesia de Santa Maria. You’ll also come across numerous restaurants, tapas bars, and cafes, though many are catered to tourists so do some research beforehand.
I spent half a day in Mojacar Pueblo, which was enough to see the majority of the town at a leisurely pace. Many visitors choose to spend a full day here though, so they can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and sit down with a drink or some food at the various viewpoints in the pueblo.
Yacimiento Arqueologico de Mojacar la Vieja
Not many people know this, but there’s a very unique archaeological site located at the base of Mojacar Pueblo. The Yacimiento Arqueologico de Mojacar la Vieja is said to be the original settlement of the Moors before the town was rebuilt on its current hilltop. There were remains of a fortified village found here dating back to the 9th century as well as cisterns and ancient walls. This is still an active archaeological site in Almeria, so it’s possible to see the excavations taking place in real time.
Visiting Yacimiento Arqueologico de Mojacar la Vieja isn’t one of the top things to do in Mojacar as it’s not advertised much. This means it’s missed by a lot of visitors which is a shame. To access the site, you can park near the base of the hill in a small parking lot, and from there you’ll need to continue on foot following a narrow (and somewhat overgrown) path until you reach the archaeological site. If you like off the beaten path attractions, you’ll want to add this to your Mojacar itinerary.
Buy an Indalo
One of the top things to do in Mojacar is to buy an Indalo. It’s the perfect gift or souvenir to bring home with you, as it’s tied to the cultural identity of Almeria. This prehistoric figure with its outstretched arms was found in cave paintings and it quickly became a symbol of Mojacar. It’s seen as a good-luck charm that brings protection and strength as well. The figure can be found on everything from hand-painted artwork to jewelry and keychains.
Make sure you look for handmade Indalos made by local artists so you’re supporting the community. Many souvenir shops sell mass-manufactured ones that aren’t well made for cheaper prices.
Enjoy nearby virgin beaches in Almeria
If you don’t mind driving, you’ll find yourself with many virgin beaches only a short distance from Mojacar’s main coastline. You won’t see many tourists at these beaches, which is always a good sign! Beaches such as Cala de Enmedio and Playa de los Muertos are popular for their crystal-clear waters and stunning cliffside backdrops. The natural serenity of the virgin beaches in Almeria are a far cry from the often overcrowded urban beaches. They’re great for activities such as snorkeling too.
It’s important to note that many of these beaches are accessible only by dirt roads, which are often poorly maintained. Take your time driving along them to avoid any damage to your vehicle. It’s also helpful to look at the route on Google Maps beforehand. There are also no beach facilities at most virgin beaches in Almeria.
Drive through the Cabo de Gata Natural Park
While not technically in Mojacar itself, the Cabo de Gata Natural Park is a must-see for anyone visiting this part of Almeria. It’s known for being one of the most picturesque natural areas in the country, with salt flats, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches just some of the many draws this park has. If you’re a fan of nature, the wetlands offer great birdwatching opportunities, and there are many options for hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
There may be a lot of things to do in Mojacar, but if you have a vehicle with you, it would be a shame if you missed spending at least half a day in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. The temperatures can reach extremely high numbers in the summer though, so make sure you’re prepared for the climate and bring plenty of water with you.
Places to eat in Mojacar
Aku Aku
Located right along Mojacar Playa is one of the best places in Mojacar for paella. Aku Aku is a beachfront restaurant serving up all types of fresh seafood, as well as other dishes that revolve around locally sourced ingredients. Their menu has a focus on Mediterranean cuisine and Andalusian-style dishes, with their wide variety of paellas being the most popular among locals. It’s a great restaurant in Mojacar to dine at if you want a relaxed atmosphere with a refreshing sea breeze while you tuck into some high-quality food.
Gastro Malabar
After spending some time exploring all the things to do in Mojacar, you’ll no doubt want to dine somewhere that has a bit of everything on the menu. Gastro Malabar is located across the road from the seafront, with a globally-inspired modern dining menu, and a few twists on classic Spanish tapas dishes such as croquettes and patatas bravas. The prices here are slightly higher than other restaurants in the area, but the quality really can’t be beat and the staff are very friendly. Their terrace can fill up quickly in the evening, so make sure you reserve ahead of time if you can.
Jungle Bar
A relatively new restaurant in Mojacar that’s worth trying is Jungle Bar. It has a menu centred around international food, with a tropical-themed interior. The menu consists of dishes such as burgers, loaded fries, curry, and grilled vegetables, most of which are served like tapas. The sizes aren’t very small, so although they advertise themselves as a tapas restaurant, the prices and dish sizes suggest otherwise. The food was very well presented though and came out freshly made.
Aurora Dulce & Salado
If you’re looking for somewhere quick to grab brunch or even just a coffee or a snack, you might want to try Aurora Dulce & Salado. This cafe and bakery offers visitors a nice selection of fresh, homemade desserts as well as breakfast and light lunch options. Their patio is a great spot to sit out of the sun for a while, and it’s always busy with people indulging in their popular artisan cakes. This cafe in Mojacar is more catered to tourists than locals, but it’s not a bad option for something quick.
Delacalle Smash Burger
A short drive along the coast will bring you to the town of Vera, where Delacalle Smash Burger is located. We came across this local burger joint at one of The Champions Burger events that take place around Spain, so we were excited to visit their original location. All of their smash burgers are made using high-quality and locally sourced ingredients, and they have some tasty starters like nachos and loaded fries available too. It’s worth the short drive in the evening to grab a bite to eat at Delacalle Smash Burger if you’re a burger-enthusiast.
Where to stay in Mojacar
Boutique Hideaway Cortijo El Sarmiento
When you visit Mojacar, there’s only one place to stay and that’s at Cortijo El Sarmiento. This adults-only boutique hideaway is located in the foothills of the Sierra Cabrera mountains, only a 5 minute drive from Mojacar Pueblo and 10 minutes from Mojacar Playa. It’s a beautifully restored traditional Andalusian farmhouse that’s surrounded by nature – perfect for a relaxing weekend (or week) away.
At check-in, the owners will greet you at the entrance and provide you with the keys to your room and the automated door for parking. Both Yvonne and Carsten are extremely welcoming and easy to talk to. They’ll provide you with a quick tour of the facilities so you can better orientate yourself, and they’re on hand throughout the day to help you if you need anything.
Cortijo El Sarmiento has a fantastic range of facilities available, and there are many parts of the property to explore in your own time. The heart of this rural property is the traditional Andalusian courtyard where some of the rooms are located, and in the centre of the courtyard is a charming water fountain.
Guests can also enjoy the wellness area which offers spa treatments and regular yoga classes for guests who are seeking more relaxation during their stay. Around the corner from the Andalusian courtyard is where you’ll find the cortijo’s stand-out feature though – the pool.
The pool area is beautiful. With breathtaking panoramic views of Almeria’s countryside and plenty of areas to relax in the sun or shade thanks to the comfortable sun loungers. There’s also a covered outdoor seating area if you’d rather stay out of the sun. Next to the pool is an honesty bar where you can make your own cocktails, pour yourself a refreshing soft drink, or have a glass of wine. Everything you use will be paid for at check-out, which is very convenient.
Our room was located between the Andalusian courtyard and the pool area, with a nice private outdoor patio. The room was beautifully decorated with Andalusian touches and a colourfully tiled bathroom which I thought was a nice addition to the neutral tones of the bedroom. The room included a small seating area next to the bedroom, plenty of wardrobe space, and reusable water bottles (like every room) for the duration of the stay. Luckily, air conditioning is also provided!
The shared living and dining room at Cortijo El Sarmiento makes you feel like you’re living in a well-designed home rather than staying at a hotel. It’s very cozy, with a fireplace at the far end surrounded by chairs and bookshelves. You’ll also find some unique decorations centred around wine too thanks to the in-house sommelier. This is a nice area to relax on cooler days or if you want to escape the heat in the summer months for a while.
In this communal area you’ll find recommendations about where to eat in the pueblo and the coastal part of the town, a wine fridge, snacks to purchase, a coffee machine and kettle, and plenty of information about things to do in Mojacar and the surrounding area. If you need any advice, the owners are always happy to give you some tips and personal recommendations too. You’ll also find items such as locally produced olive oil and handmade Indalos available to purchase as a keepsake from your time in Almeria.
One of my favourite things about staying at Cortijo El Sarmiento is the breakfast. Every morning, you’ll be treated to a delicious poolside breakfast made up of locally sourced ingredients. The continental breakfast spread can be complimented by bacon and eggs if you want too. It’s a very relaxing way to start the day, and you won’t find a better mountain view either.
Make sure you enquire about the culinary experiences that are available at Cortijo El Sarmiento during your time here. They offer options such as lunch by the pool, sharing platters in the evening, and wine tasting activities.
Staying at Cortijo El Sarmiento during a trip to the province of Almeria will be one of the best experiences you’ll have in Spain. It’s a great place to base yourself from as you explore all of the incredible things to do in Mojacar and beyond.
>> Use the code “explorer” for 15% off all direct bookings <<
Is Mojacar worth visiting?
Many people ask if Mojacar is worth visiting, and the short answer is yes! There are a lot of things to do in Mojacar, from walking around the pueblo to indulging in the local gastronomy and spending some time either at the pool or on one of the many beaches here. It’s a beautiful corner of Andalusia to visit, and although it’s becoming more popular with tourists, it’s still very much a quiet part of Almeria that doesn’t become overwhelmingly busy in the summer months.
If you have any questions about staying in Mojacar or things to do in Mojacar and nearby areas, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or by filling out the contact form on my website. Make sure you also follow along with my travels on Instagram and TikTok where you’ll hopefully find more ideas about where to travel to next.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I would personally recommend.
Pin this blog post for later!
