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Mojácar looks out over the Mediterranean from the foothills of the Sierra de Cabrera, in eastern Almería province. Its old town, with whitewashed cubic houses and steep streets, has been part of the network of Spain’s Most Beautiful Villages since 2013, and in 2025 the Andalusian regional government recognised it as a Tourist Municipality.
Hilltop village and open coastline: this dual character is the key to deciding where to stay in Mojácar. We’ll tell you what each area has to offer and suggest places to stay that we’ve hand-picked.
How to choose an area
The municipality has three very distinct settings:
- Mojácar Pueblo: the historic centre on the hill, with the Church of Santa María, Plaza Nueva and its viewpoints. Atmospheric at night, with lovely views, but steep streets and limited parking.
- Mojácar Playa: the coastal strip, with guesthouses and hotels close to the beach. A practical choice in summer and for families.
- The countryside and mountains: farmhouses and secluded homes among olive groves and hills. Guaranteed peace and quiet, but a car is essential.
The village and beach are close, so you can’t go wrong with either. If you plan to spend your days by the sea, stay down by the coast; if you’re drawn to dinner with a view and an evening stroll through the old town, stay up in the village.
Where to stay in Mojácar: our picks
These six places cover all three areas, from a simple guesthouse to an adults-only home with a pool. We’ll start in the village; you can find the rest of the options on our page of places to stay in Mojácar.
Boutique Hotel El Olivar
A small hotel right on Plaza Arbollón, high up in the village, with a Finnish sauna and a solarium to help you recover from the steep streets. Some rooms look out towards the Sierra de Cabrera or the old town. Nearby parking is paid and must be reserved, and reception closes at 19:00: let them know if you’ll arrive late.
Hostal Arco Plaza
A simple guesthouse beside the old town, with viewpoints just a few steps away. Rooms have private bathrooms, and some have a balcony or terrace overlooking the village rooftops. A good base for hikers and cyclists; there’s no parking or included breakfast, and check-in ends at 20:30.
If you’re looking for complete peace and quiet, this adults-only home is the most tranquil option on the list.
Boutique Hideaway Cortijo El Sarmiento - Adults Only
An adults-only guesthouse with a pool, terrace and mountain views, designed for a relaxing break. Breakfast can be adapted for vegetarian and gluten-free diets, and private parking is free. Rooms don’t have TVs and can accommodate a maximum of two people.
And if you’re all about the sea, these three places are just a short walk from the beach.
H Bellavista Mojácar
Just 50 metres from Piedra de Villazar beach, with rooms overlooking the sea, mountains or an inner courtyard, plus triple rooms for small groups. Ideal for strolling down to the beach in flip-flops. There’s no parking or lift, and check-in ends at 19:00.
Hospedería Ancladero
Double rooms with terraces and sea views, an outdoor pool, garden and restaurant with a bar; Ventanicas-Venta del Bancal beach is about 800 metres away. Pets are welcome and parking is free. Wi-Fi is only available in the shared areas, and reception closes at 19:00.
Jardines de la Mata Boutique Beach
An adults-only hotel with a garden, seasonal pool, restaurant and café, about 350 metres from Rumina beach. Very convenient if you’re travelling by car: private parking is free and doesn’t need to be reserved. It’s not right on the seafront, and airport transfers cost extra.
What to see in Mojácar
A stroll through the village begins at the City Gate, rebuilt in the 16th century over the old Arab entrance. Nearby stands the Church of Santa María, built around 1560 on the site of the former mosque, with the look of a fortress. From Plaza Nueva and the Castle viewpoint, you can take in the coast and the mountains.
Further down, the Fuente Mora, with its washhouse, recalls the area’s Andalusi past. You’ll see the indalo everywhere: this prehistoric figure, with an arch above its head, was painted on façades as a protective charm and is now the village’s symbol.
On the coast, the Castle of Macenas, an 18th-century defensive tower, marks the start of the wilder coves to the south. Mojácar also makes a good base: Garrucha is next door, the coastal road leads to Carboneras and, further on, Cabo de Gata and San José; the city of Almería is just over an hour away.
When to visit Mojácar
Eastern Almería is one of the driest and sunniest corners of the Iberian Peninsula. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking without the heat, and the sea is still inviting in September. July and August are the busiest months on the beach.
The big event is Moors and Christians, held each June on a weekend around the 10th. It recreates Mojácar’s peaceful surrender to the Catholic Monarchs with parades, gunpowder and a medieval market; if you’re visiting then, book well ahead.
Getting there and getting around
The nearest airport is Almería, just over an hour away by car via the A-7; Murcia Region Airport is another option. Direct buses run from Almería, Murcia, Alicante and Madrid. There’s no train: the future Murcia–Almería high-speed line will have a station in nearby Vera, but there’s no opening date yet.
Once there, a local bus connects Mojácar Playa with the village. A car is very useful for visiting the coves and going on excursions; in the old town, it’s best to leave it at the entrance and explore on foot. If you’re continuing your trip, see our places to stay in Andalusia.
If you’re heading further south, see where to stay in San José, in the heart of Cabo de Gata. To add some cities to your trip, take a look at where to stay in Granada and where to stay in Málaga; for the bigger picture, see where to stay in Andalusia.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we’re most often asked by people planning a few days in Mojácar.
Is it better to stay in Mojácar Pueblo or Mojácar Playa?
It depends on your plans. The village, high on the hill, has the charm of its whitewashed old town, viewpoints and terraces for dinner with a view, but you’ll have to tackle steep streets and parking is tricky. Mojácar Playa puts you just metres from the sand and is usually more convenient with children or if you’re spending the day by the sea. They’re about two kilometres apart and connected by a local bus.
Do you need a car to stay in Mojácar?
It’s not essential if you’re staying between the village and the beach: a local bus connects the two, and many places to stay are close to the sea. But a car will give you much more freedom to explore the coves to the south, Garrucha, Carboneras and Cabo de Gata. Parking is limited in the old town, and several places to stay don’t have their own parking.
How do you get to Mojácar?
The nearest airport is Almería, just over an hour away by car via the A-7; Murcia Region Airport is another option. Direct buses connect Mojácar with Almería, Murcia, Alicante and Madrid. There’s no train: the Murcia–Almería high-speed line, still under construction, will have a station in neighbouring Vera, but there’s no opening date yet.
When is Mojácar’s Moors and Christians festival?
It takes place each June, usually on the weekend closest to the 10th. The festival recalls Mojácar’s peaceful surrender to the Catholic Monarchs, with parades through the village, gun salutes, beach shows and a medieval market. These are the liveliest and busiest days of the year: if you want to stay in the village, book ahead.
What day trips can you take from Mojácar?
Garrucha, with its fishing port, is right next door. Head south along the coast road to the coves near the Castle of Macenas and to Carboneras, then on to Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, with San José as a base. Almería city and its Alcazaba are just over an hour away. Inland, the Sierra de Cabrera has hiking trails with sea views.
