I had seen it in travel brochures, read about it in guidebooks, but never actually visited. Mojácar Pueblo always intrigued me—one of those quaint Moorish towns with whitewashed houses perched on a hilltop, full of history and charm. When my sister and brother-in-law, Paul, came to stay with us for a week, I found myself racking my brain for ideas of places they hadn’t already seen. That’s when Mojácar Pueblo sprang to mind—just about an hour and forty minutes by car, roughly 150 kilometers down the AP-7.
As always, good old Tom was nominated to be the chauffeur, and we set off on a bright morning. Arriving around midday, we were surprised to find the car parks bustling with activity. Despite it being off-season, the town was lively, and we were lucky to park close to the foot of the steep hill that leads to the old town. Several coach trips and guided tours were visiting that day, making us wonder how crowded Mojácar must get in the summer months.
The Ascent: A Walk Through History
The town sits atop a hill, and while there was a lift available to take visitors up, we decided to stretch our legs and make the climb via a set of steps. The walk up was pleasant and gave us the chance to soak in the atmosphere of this enchanting place. At the top, we were greeted by Mojácar’s signature narrow streets, all lined with whitewashed walls adorned with colourful pots of flowers. It felt like stepping back in time as we wandered through the labyrinth of winding alleyways, where every turn revealed something new—tiny boutiques, artisan gift shops, and cozy cafés.
Our first stop was in the heart of the town, Plaza Nueva, where we paused for a much-needed coffee.
This square is the perfect spot to take in panoramic views of the surrounding valley and the rugged mountain ranges of Bédar, Almagre, and Cabrera. It’s one of those places where you feel like you’re standing on top of the world, surrounded by nature and history.
Exploring Mojácar’s Soul: From Streets to Churches
With no specific plan in mind, we meandered aimlessly, soaking in the beauty of the town. Mojácar is a place where it’s easy to get lost—in the best way possible—walking up and down its cobbled streets, peeking into tiny shops, and admiring the architecture. Eventually, we came across the Church of Saint Mary, a grand 16th-century structure that was built on the site of what was once a mosque. Its imposing size almost tricks you into thinking it’s a fortress, though the bell tower reveals its true identity.
Nearby, we discovered Parterre Square, a unique little space that felt more Mediterranean than Moorish. It turned out to be one of the town’s most historically significant areas, offering a clear reminder of Mojácar’s Muslim past. Archaeologists believe this square was once a Muslim necropolis, as tombs found in the subsoil were oriented towards the East, facing Mecca. It was fascinating to stand in this quiet square, imagining the layers of history beneath our feet.
Mojácar pueblo:
A Quaint Escape Worth Returning To
As we wrapped up our day, we couldn’t help but feel charmed by Mojácar Pueblo’s tranquility and beauty. It’s a town that invites you to slow down, wander aimlessly, and appreciate the simple things — whether it’s the stunning views, the ancient architecture, or the warm hospitality of the locals. We all agreed it would be a place to revisit, perhaps for a leisurely weekend or even a girls’ shopping trip. For now, though, I’m content with the memories of that sunny day spent exploring one of Andalusia’s most picturesque villages.
Helen
October 2024
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