Mojácar, rumoured to be the birthplace of Walt Disney, is a thriving resort town that sees many tourists every year. Located between Almería and Lorca, Mojácar sits high on a cliff overlooking the sea. Fabulous beaches and spectacular views are only some of the town’s highlights.

 

In the mid-twentieth century, Mojácar looked doomed to fail. Mojácar was a virtual ghost town. Many former residents had moved on to larger cities in need of work. Other families had moved on to America in hopes of a new life with more prosperity. Hard work and perseverance has turned the former ghost town into a delightful vacation spot.

This dazzling white town readily displays its rich Moorish heritage. The clay buildings, protected from the blistering sun by the pristine white paint, stand in rows on the slopes of the surrounding hills. Artifacts display a history that leads back to the Bronze Age. Barbarians supposedly dominated the area at one point adding another layer to the town’s formation. Mojácar truly came to life when the Moors built the impeccable fortress that protected the town from invaders.

 

It is known that the Christians conquered Mojácar in the same manner they forced the Moors from Spain. The question arises, nonetheless, on what led to the town’s ruin. Some feel a major earthquake destroyed many of the buildings forcing the town to be rebuilt; others think a severe drought drove many away. What is known is that the town’s population dwindled and Mojácar became a ghost town.

 

In the 1960’s, the town’s main feature a historic totem pole helped reshape the town’s future. Care was put into rebuilding the town. As more tourists began visiting the attractive location, the incoming revenue allowed the town to reshape its future. Today, Mojácar is a thriving seaside resort town with close to 6,000 full-time residents.

Mojácar’s main attraction is the Mirador Castillo. Towering over the town, the castle is a major site. Packed with architectural details, a trip to the castle offers you breathtaking views of the town and the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Built in 1560, the Church of Santa Maria was reinforced in the twentieth century. The church’s high point is a courtyard statue of a Mojaqueran woman who is carrying a water pitcher and is dressed in Arab clothing.

 

A short walk from the church, you will find the antique door to the city (Puerta de la Almedina). The flowering vines surrounding the door offer a dazzling array of colours against the stone walls. Beyond the city door is the suburbs that offer extensive architectural styles in the rows of buildings.

 

Casa Del Terréon was once the building where all residents had to go pay their taxes. Today, Casa Del Terréon is a town building that attracts many tourists. The building is gorgeous and worthy of a photograph or two.

 

Mojácar has an excellent golf course. The nine-hole course is lined with lemon trees. Golfer enthusiasts can take a break from sightseeing with a leisurely game or two.

 

With surrounding hills and mountains, sports lovers can rent a horse and ride the trails or they can put on some hiking gear and explore the area’s mountain ranges. Wildlife abounds and can often be spotted from the paths.

 

There are also pristine beaches lining the town. You can spend a day soaking up the sun and then hit the town at night for some excellent dining and perhaps a drink or two.

Tourism is Mojácar’s largest industry. Locals spend time creating their crafts (pottery, weaving, painting, jewellery, ceramics, and wood products) and then set up stands or stores where they can peddle their goods.

 

Restaurants, hotels, and hostels all bring in plenty of revenue from the tourists. As the money circulates throughout the community, the area is able to restore older buildings and add new attractions.

Meals are generally cooked in heart-healthy olive oil. Dishes are packed with seafood, rabbit, poultry, wild fowl, beef, and pork. Potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, and lemons are all common additions to meals.

 

As much of Mojácar’s cuisine is Mediterranean in style, the meals are healthy and satisfying. Fish can be broiled with fresh tomatoes and garlic or drizzled with fresh lemon juice. Other popular dishes include chunks of pork or beef that are stewed with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and broth. Grains of wheat are added to soak up the juices and the resulting stew is eaten with fresh loaves of bread.

Many restaurants can be found within Mojácar. Restaurants specializing in local fare are common, but you can also find Chinese, Thai, Hindu, British, and Italian restaurants in the town.

 

Tapas bars are extremely common. For a minimal cost, you can have plates of local appetizers delivered along with your alcoholic drinks. Items like fried whitefish, grilled shrimp, meatballs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce, or cheese platters are common.

 

Mojácar has a great selection of bars and dance clubs that cater to both tourists and locals. You will find plenty to do during your stay in Mojácar. Sax on the Beach is one of the top rated nightclubs. The club serves American style cuisine and live jazz is played nightly.

You can almost feel the warmth of the sun blend with the cool sea breezes. Mojácar is a beautiful town that deserves a place on your itinerary. Once you arrive, you will be charmed into staying.

 

Did Walt Disney start his life in Mojácar? The truth is no one knows for sure. Birth records were never kept on file in that day and time. It is easy to believe that a man who delighted children and adults started his life in a gorgeous town that shares that very same trait.