by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:30th April 2024
Under the watchful eye of The Indalo
We’re now exploring the picturesque hilltop village of Mojácar in the southeast of Spain, nestled along the Mediterranean shoreline. Mojácar Playa is perfect for an Andalucian sun-kissed getaway with golden beaches and shimmering blue seas.
We were visiting Mojácar as part of our Spanish road trip. So far, our chosen route has taken us south through the back roads of Spain from Bilbao, where we disembarked our Brittany Ferry.
Gary and I then headed to Pamplona, Zaragoza, Teruel, the Palm Tree Groves of Elche, Murcia, and Cartagena. We’re now off to Mojácar to stay with my brother and sister-in-law for a few nights.
After we’ve soaked up the rays in Mojácar, we hit the road again and explore Granada before journeying back north to Toledo, Valladolid, Astorga, and Burgos.
Did you catch our inspiration for this Spanish road trip?
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Where is Mojácar?
How to get to Mojácar
- By Air
Start creating your own Spanish adventure and discover the delightful mountain village of Mojácar, which is around 85km (54 miles) from Almería airport.
Search for your flights in one easy place with ebookers.com. Over 400 airlines are scanned for your favoured routes and chosen dates.
Mojácar Playa
Where to stay in Mojácar
Parador de Mojáca
Treat yourself to a stay at the hotel Parador de Mojácar. The Parador de Mojácar is perfectly positioned overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with a sun-kissed terrace and palm trees surrounding the enticing pool.
The Parador de Mojácar is modern throughout and has a stylish interior. It has two restaurants and a wellness and fitness centre on-site.
Alternatively, pop your dates in the Booking.com search box and discover further options for all budgets.
Brief history of Mojácar
A proud and rich legacyThe attractive hilltop pueblo of Mojácar is situated in the southeast of Spain in the province of Almería along the shores of the Mediterranean coast.
Mojácar has been occupied by various rulers over many centuries, and its heritage can be traced back thousands of years. Similar to Cartagena, which is further up the shoreline, it was once occupied by the Carthaginians.
Peaceful corner in Mojácar
The whitewashed homes in Mojácar
Whilst under Greek rule, the community was named Murgis-Akra; the name was subsequently Latinized to “Moxacar”, meaning sacred mountain. The name was then adapted to the Arab form of Muxacra Moros and, finally, the current name of Mojácar.
The Romans began to conquer this region at the end of the 3rd century BC. Then, the Barbarians took control during the 5th century. However, it was at the beginning of the 8th century that the Moors arrived, and their strong influences on the longstanding Muslim rule can still be admired today.
The low archways in Mojácar
On the 10th of June 1488, Mojácar was handed over to Christian rule under the Kingdom of Castille. However, the Mayor of Mojácar didn’t take it lightly. All the other mayors of the region surrendered to the Catholic Monarchs; however, the Mayor of Mojácar, Alávez, took exception believing they should be treated as brothers and not enemies.
A festival to celebrate the Moors and Christians is held annually in Mojácar on the weekend closest to the 10th of June.
The Mysteries of The Indalo
The legend remainsThe enchanting Mojácar Indalo symbol, which appears in all shapes and sizes, can be seen throughout Mojácar Old Town and Mojácar Playa. It represents a higher power, protects people and places from danger, and brings good luck.
The mystery of the Indalo remains as various mythological stories unfold from the Neolithic period to Almeria’s cultural movement in the 1950s.
The Indalo Man
The Indalo is also interpreted as an ancient hunter supporting a rainbow between his outstretched arms. In the past, the Indalo was painted onto the front of houses in the belief that it warned off evil spirits and safeguarded those within.
Today, there is a tradition that you shouldn’t purchase one for yourself; it should always be offered as a gift. So, as a welcoming gift, my brother and sister-in-law bought us one from Mojácar Old Town.
There are so many incredible places to discover in Spain and I love planning road trips. I often use the DK Eyewitness books, I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into searching for more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our Spanish road trips, now you can grab the revised copy.
Strolling the hilltop pueblo of Mojácar
Discover the Moorish influencesThe whitewashed homes in Mojácar’s old town appear as stepping stones ascending the rocky hillside in this captivating village. The pretty houses cling to the outcrops of the Sierra de Carrera and beyond is a maze of alluring narrow lanes.
The view from Mojácar Plaza Nueva
We jumped on the local bus from Mojácar Playa and weaved our way up through the streets to the hilltop pueblo above. Hopping out at the Mirador de la Plaza Nueva base, we are welcomed by the open Andalucian landscape on one side and the intimate steep lanes of Mojácar Old Town above.
As we wend our way through the labyrinth of lanes, you feel like each turn holds an ancient Moorish tale amongst its historic cobbled pathways.
Church of Santa Maria, Mojácar
Calle Enmedio
One significant building in the pueblo, which is quite distinctive as it isn’t white, is the Church of Santa Maria. The church was erected towards the end of the 16th century, it served a dual purpose as a place of worship and a defensive fortification.
The church is believed to have been built on the site of an old Arab mosque and represents a pivotal point between the Muslims and Christians of Mojácar.
Plaza del Parterre, porticoed square
At the steeped lower side of the church is a beautiful square, the Plaza del Parterre. The Church of Santa Maria and the plaza are connected by a stone staircase within the church.
The Plaza del Parterre is a former ancient Arab necropolis where the tombs look towards Mecca. Today, the porticoed plaza is a pleasant place to sit and escape the Andalucian sunshine.
The vibrant contrast of colours
The steep lanes of Mojácar
We amble further amongst the captivating streets, admiring the tumbling flowerpots and colourful boutiques. If I wasn’t with my brother, I’m sure I would have gotten lost within the labyrinth of lanes and steep pathways.
Tempted to?
Discover more of historic Spain and tour its picturesque countryside in the north, or head south to explore the Sierra Nevada National Park just south of Granada.
You can do it all on a road trip; Rental Cars searches multiple well-known car hire brands and discovers the deals that suit you the best.
Mojácar public fountain
The heart of daily lifeNot to be missed within the steep streets of Old Town Mojácar is the historic public fountain, essential to the continuous livelihood of this close-knit neighbourhood. Today, the attractive fountain courtyard has been restored and reconstructed, though references to the fountains were recorded in ancient Arab texts.
Mojácar public fountain
In 1488, the then-Mayor of Mojácar was summoned here to discuss the Christians’ progress in gaining rule over the Muslims. A plaque commemorating this meeting can be seen above the main fountain.
Spouting water fountain
The waterspouts are still in use today; however, in centuries past, the ladies of Mojácar would have filled large pitchers with water and carried them home on their heads. The Mojácar public fountain was later used as a laundry, and the ladies used their feet to wash the clothes.
As you can imagine, these public fountains would have been an important necessity to the village and quite a hub for discussing the goings-on in daily life.
Just nearby by the public fountain are the ruins of an old mill.
Tourist Information
If you’re planning to explore Spain, ensure you check out the Visit Spain official tourism website. It is overflowing with helpful information covering every region of this beautiful country from north, south, east, and west.
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A short road trip from Mojácar
Discover the Templo Hippie de ÁngelFor something a little different, let’s go in search of the little-known ‘Templo Hippie de Ángel’, just north of Carboneras.
We head south out of Mojácar Playa along the coastal road AL-5107, this is a stunning route to follow as the views across the Mediterranean Sea are incredible. This route will also navigate you onto the roads through the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.
Mirador de la Granatilla
En-route to the Templo Hippie de Ángel’, we stop at Mirador de la Granatilla. It may just look like your average layby, but I urge you to pull over and jump out to take a look. The panoramic view of the opal seas along the Andalucian coastline is magnificent.
An Indalo at Templo Hippie de Ángel
However, we are in search of the ‘Templo Hippie de Ángel’. We continue along the AL-5107, and when you see the Torre del Rayo appear in the distance, there is a dirt track off to the left. The ‘Templo Hippie de Ángel’ isn’t signposted, but if you continue slowly along the track, you will come to a rustic car park; here, you’ll need to hop out.
Templo Hippie de Ángel
The ‘Templo Hippie de Ángel’ is a heart-warming sight to see and so much bigger than I imagined. Thousands of stones have been delicately balanced on top of each other to create stunning cairns. You are unknowingly drawn along the dusty pathway, weaving in and out of these delightful sculptures and pebble statues.
View across the Med
This artistic modern-day temple is just a beautiful place to be; you’ll undoubtedly see the nod to Mojácar depicting the historic Indalo man.
Every day, more and more people visit and place stones at this sanctuary to create a little symbol of peace for themselves. Take time to wander around and enjoy the time and effort that has been given to this lovely place.
An oasis along the Andalucian coast
Due to its location along the Spanish shoreline, it is open to the elements. If Mother Nature does choose to intervene, local folk will return to rebuild it once more.
There are so many incredible places to discover in Spain and I love planning road trips. I often use the DK Guides,
I find them extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into searching for more
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Visiting the charming pueblo of Mojácar, Spain
Under the watchful eye of The Indalo
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