Mojácar - Spain
Mojacar was once a haven for writers and artists from all over the world due to its picturesque landscape and unspoiled view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Cobbled stone alleyways dotted with ancient Roman and Moorish architectural details vie for attention against the modern state of the art hotels, restaurants and villas that line the beach front make up the old and new parts of this town.
It is another of the many beach resort towns that dot the Costa de Almeira that lies between the Sierra Cabera Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Mojacar is also believed to be the birth place of Walt Disney.
An aerial view of Mojacar reveals a criss cross of white washed houses that look more like lumps of snow set against a sunny beach. Its history dates back more than 4000 years and the town itself has been developed by one of the most ancient communities of Spain. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors have all had their tryst with this town. However the Moorish sultans were said to last the longest, driven out 500 years ago, leaving a far stronger presence than their predecessors. This is why Mojacar has more similarities to a Moroccan village than a Spanish tourist town.
Known as Munsaqar under the Arab reign it was regained by Christians under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in the late 15th century. Since then the town has been through numerous changes in terms of culture and tradition but the Arab architecture survived as testimony of its history a very interesting point of discussion for most tourists.
In contrast, the sea front tells a more modern and hip and happening story as this is where all the fun and entertainment begins. The beach front is typically dotted with bars, nightclubs, fast food joints and elegant diners all jostling for space on the crowded road.
Mojacar has restrictions on the height of its modern hotels and buildings so that they blend in with the existing landscape rather than stick out like sore thumbs to mar the beauty of the coastline.
What to see and do in Mojacar
The beach front is where most of the action is for most holiday goers. While some prefer to relax and bathe in the sun others more adventurous in nature can partake of the few water sports offered by relevant operators. Water skiing, paragliding, wind surfing, fishing and scuba diving are the best options for water sport lovers throughout the day.
Visitors often spend most of their time on Brit Street located along the Mojacar Playa or beach. This street is lined with pubs, night clubs and other British themed diners. Most of these places also offer happy hours and free tapas to go along with the main orders. The safest nightclubs are the ones run by some of the big hotels. Most bars also arrange for Flamenco dancers and other live entertainment at your request.
Mojacar also has 11 golf courses of which three take centre stage. Shopping can be enjoyed at the Commercial Centre, a large mall, or at the many small shops that sell souvenirs. Horse riding, off road biking and lawn bowls form the other entertainment in Mojacar. The Moors and Christian Fiesta held in honor of the regions history is a spectacular delight inclusive of costumes and sabers to remember their Arab ancestors.
M.A.H.
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