Don’t even try to imagine this place, for to see is to believe.
This is dedicated to Belinda9, who reminded me of this quaint picturesque village, which hugs a steep hill some 40 miles from Almeria.
It also proves that I respect other peoples reasoning for rating, as Belinda also rated my last op lower than anyone else!
Let me tell you all about the most unspoilt, infrequently visited, jewel in the Spanish Crown.
I don’t know if anyone has ever seen a Moorish town, but they have the historical presence that dominates your mind and blinds you vision.
Dating back to the early 800’s, the present village of Mojacar is situated about 1 mile from the original.
The Moorish architecture is visible from miles away, and is as authentic as you can get.
The small houses/villas, twist and turn up the narrow steep streets, as you make your way up to Main Square.
Each house has claimed its rightful nook or cranny, which the hillside has provided.
You will not get two cars on a road once you have past the square, or even one, as the small alleys bare witness to persons of foot only.
There are a few small curiosity shops selling artefacts mainly depicting the history and supersticion of the Almerian past.
Namely one small man holding what appears to be a rainbow above his head.
I think he is called Indalo man, but excuse the spelling.
He was found in a cave painting dating back to prehistoric times, and locals believe that he is actually wearing a space helmet rather than holding a rainbow.
They also believe that this may have been why Dinosaurs became extinct, through Alien influence,
But then again, they may have been pulling my leg, for the people of Mojacar, do have a good sense of humour.
The main pastime is chess, where locals gather in the numerous small bars outside the square, and wallow the hot afternoons away.
Surprisingly enough, down a small alley, there was a hidden bar, which was owned by one of the great train robbers, who I now believe has passed away!
Strange place to hide, but like I said, infrequently visited by the masses.
There are 3 or 4 restaurants surrounding the square, with many different variations of food (but no egg and chips!).
But the main reason to eat here is the amazing views over Cortio Grande, a large valley that stretches for miles.
They filmed part of Raiders of the Lost Arc here.
They also filmed Spaghetti westerns in the mountains above Mojacar.
Accommodation can be found about 1-2 miles away on the Playa, where Thompson’s now have a hotel.
I found them full of Spanish people mainly, which cant be bad!
Along the Playa, you have many pubs, restaurants and small discos, including 2 open air night clubs, but these places are mainly for the Spanish and also the English ex-pats who live out there (about 300 strong)
Last bit of useless information, apparently Walt Disney was born here, and made his way to the States on a boat that left a local harbour as a deck hand at the age of 8.
This is hot news and greatly disputed by the Americans as they long to believe that he is their own.
However there is a monument to him in the town square.
Need I say more?
Angus