Soft, sandy beaches, mouthwatering tapas and scorching hot summers — there’s a reason why Spain is the most popular holiday destination with Brits.
In fact, the country welcomed more than 18 million British tourists in 2024.
But its popularity has come at a price, and recent years have seen Spain’s most sought-after holiday spots introduce new rules to tackle overtourism.
Now, holidaymakers are looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations where tourism is less contentious and, fortunately, Spain is full of hidden gems.
Mojácar, in Almeria, is one of these, boasting a 17km golden coastline and an Old Town full of whitewashed Moorish buildings.
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Spanish travel writer and content creator Rubén García Hernández, from Alicante, visited Mojácar in 2023 and praised its ‘beautiful beaches and varied cuisine’.
He told Metro that while the hilltop village isn’t particularly well-known, it’s a ‘charming and peaceful place’. ‘You can stroll through narrow streets filled with shops and beautiful restaurants with rooftops offering incredible sunset views and live music,’ he explained.
He added that it feels like ‘time stops’ in Mojácar, offering the chance to ‘live the authentic Mediterranean lifestyle’.
And Metro‘s own readers have praised the destination, with Julie Hilton complimenting the ‘stunning white buildings built into a hillside’. Carole Carter commented on the ‘lovely pueblo’ (a whitewashed hilltop village) and lack of high-rise buildings.
Meanwhile, one impressed tourist on TripAdvisor gave Mojácar a glowing five-star review, writing: ‘Don’t be fooled though, it might look sleepy, but this small village contains many shops selling such diverse items.’
They added: ‘When a fiesta breaks out, as it does quite regularly, it becomes a place for dancing and singing in the square, where everyone is made welcome by the friendly locals, even if you can’t speak any Spanish.’
Other reviewers called it ‘idyllic, a ‘picture postcard town’ and ‘frozen in time’.
Chris Logan, commercial director at TUI, told Metro that Mojácar is one of Spain’s ‘hidden gems’, adding: ‘It’s brimming with quirky little bars, has lots of local artisan shops as well as a fantastic Sunday flea market.’
Things to do in Mojácar, Spain
Mojácar is split into two parts, Mojácar Playa, where the beaches are, and Mojácar Pueblo, the Old Town. A local bus runs between the two areas, and takes just 10 minutes to travel between them.
The Old Town is a must-see for lovers of history and culture — a labyrinth of cobbled streets and traditional whitewashed houses perched atop a hillside.
Visitors can browse the cafes, restaurants and boutiques selling local crafts including rugs, ceramics and jewellery, and explore the town’s many historical landmarks.
La Fuente Moro, Mojácar’s water fountain, has been a vital part of the village for centuries and was previously its only water source. An important location for the local community, even now visitors can witness residents drinking directly from it or doing their washing in the troughs.
Elsewhere, the 16th-century Arab Church of Santa Maria and the nearby Plaza del Parterre provide a secluded spot to sit and escape the sun, while the Plaza Nueva, towards the top of the town, offers spectacular panoramic views over the buildings below and out to sea.
Close by is Casa de la Canana, a museum that has recreated a traditional Mojácar household from the first half of the 20th century, as if frozen in time.
More of Spain’s hidden gems
- Jerez, in Andalusia, has been described as Málaga without the crowds, and Jet2 will soon launch flights to the underrated city.
- Cádiz, also in Andalusia, is an ancient port city. Metro‘s Sama Ansari Pour spent just £300 in a week when she visited.
- Estepona is a humble town overshadowed by its neighbour, Marbella, boasting quieter stretches of beach and mouthwatering tapas bars.
- Altea, also known as ‘the Santorini of Spain’, is just a stone’s throw from Benidorm and home to winding cobbled streets, blue-domed landmarks and views over the sea.
Meanwhile, Mojácar Playa is where visitors can find a stretch of 17km coastline. Many of the beaches in the area have been awarded with a Blue Flag, meaning they meet high environmental and quality standards.
This area is more modern, with a vibrant nightlife and many types of accommodation — from all-inclusive hotels to self-catering apartments.
For easily accessible beaches with plenty of facilities, Playa de las Venticas is wide and sandy, dotted with palm trees and in close proximity to shops and restaurants.
Marina de la Torre is another popular beach, offering a panoramic view of the old town of Mojácar.
How to get to Mojácar, Spain
The closest airport to Mojácar is in Almeria, roughly an hour’s drive away.
easyJet flies direct from London Southend to Almeria for as little as £37 return, while Ryanair and Jet2 fly from Manchester Airport to Almeria from £62 return.
When to visit Mojácar, Spain
Mojácar is home to several festivals throughout the year, offering multiple opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Saint Isidore Pilgrimage takes place every year on the Sunday closest to May 15, and sees locals travel on ornamental floats covered in flowers to the district of Sopalmo, to celebrate with food and dancing in the countryside.
Meanwhile, the weekend closest to June 10 is celebrated with a famous festival that commemorates the cultural and religious exchange between the Christians and the Moors in the 15th century.
It begins on Friday with the opening of the medieval market and concludes on Sunday with a grand parade which starts in the highest streets of the town.
On the weekend closest to August 28, Saint Augustine, the patron of the town, is honoured with festivals, sports activities and ribbon races on bicycles and on horseback.
For the best weather, Mojácar is at its warmest in August, when the average maximum temperature is 31°C and there are 11 hours of sunshine each day.
Visit during the shoulder season for a cooler, less crowded experience. Temperatures begin to heat up for the summer in April, with the average maximum temperature just shy of 22°C.
Mojácar will also soon be getting its first 5-star hotel, which could mark a turning point for the region’s tourism industry.
The hotel chain Hyatt is investing €40 million (£34 million) in collaboration with Spanish company Cosentino to redefine Mojácar as a luxury destination and, in good news for tourists who enjoy the finer things, the hotel is expected to be open by 2026.
But for those who prefer to travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations, head to Mojácar soon, while its charm remains relatively undiscovered.
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