Mojácar, with about 7,500 inhabitants, is a village in the province of Almería, in Andalusia. The old village, a cluster of white cubic houses on a hill about two kilometres from the sea, is among the region's most photographed, while the resort of Mojácar Playa stretches along the coast. It is very popular with British and northern European residents.
History
Inhabited since prehistory, it was a Muslim town until 1488, when it surrendered to the Catholic Monarchs. In the 20th century emigration almost emptied it; in the 1960s the mayor offered free land to anyone who would build a house, attracting artists and foreigners and launching tourism. An unproven legend claims Walt Disney was born in Mojácar.
The indalo
The indalo, a stylised human figure with an arc over its head, comes from a prehistoric cave painting in the Cueva de los Letreros at Vélez Blanco. Locals painted it on their houses as a lucky charm against the evil eye and storms, and it has become the symbol of Mojácar and the whole province of Almería.
What to see
- The old town, with steep lanes, flower-filled squares and white houses.
- The Mirador del Castillo, the viewpoint at the top, overlooking the plain and the sea.
- The 16th-century church of Santa María, which looks like a fortress.
- The Fuente Mora, the Arab fountain where tradition says the surrender to the Christians was signed.
- The Puerta de la Ciudad, the old town gate.
Beaches
Mojácar's coast runs for about 17 km, with sand and pebble beaches such as El Cantal, Playa de las Ventanicas and Playa del Descargador, and wilder coves to the south, such as Cala de Macenas and Cala Sorbas, on the road towards Cabo de Gata park.
Festivals and food
Moors and Christians, in June, re-enacts the town's history with costume parades. Food: gurullos, a local pasta with rabbit, fried fish, migas and meatballs. Many beach bars offer music and cocktails at sunset.
Getting there
Almería airport is about 90 km away, Murcia's about 140 km. Buses run from Almería, Murcia and Madrid. See also cities of Andalusia.