THINGS TO DO, PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO SEE

Mojacar Pueblo The old town Mojacar at the top of the hill built by the Moors. Small shops and cafes in tiny winding streets. Well worth going up there.
Garrucha  go out of Mojacar, going north on the Paseo de Mediterraneo (ocean on your right) about 10 minutes drive. Interesting port with some of the best fish restaurants in the area along the front.
Coastal tour: Drive south along the Paseo del Mediterraneo (the Ocean on your left) and out following this coast road (AL5107) to Agua Amarga and on through the Cabo de Gata and San Jose. The scenery along the road is truly spectacular but you will need a head for heights! There are many secluded beaches (Playaza, Isleta, Las Negras) and hidden coves off the main road. You can then return via the main A7 to save time at the end of the day.
Inland mountain scenery and traditional Spanish villages.  Drive west out of Mojacar back towards the A7 but after at Los Gallados turn right signed to Bedar. A lovely drive up through the Karst Limestone country to Bedar, where you can lunch looking out over a magnificent vista all the way back to the sea. Then drive on to Lubrin and back towards the coast again via Sorbas stopping at the villages on the way to explore traditional Spain, craft shops and cafes.
For film fans, a day trip out to Tabernas and the Tabernas Desert (about an hour from the villa) where the Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Westerns and Indiana Jones films were made.  Take the A7 south west, turning off to Almocaisar and Sorbas, Carry on through Sorbas to Tabernas. There are specific tours you can book on to see the sets and a zoo at Tabernas.
Nijar 30mins south west off the A7. Famous for its pottery.
Cartagena  just over an hours drive North via the A7. A historic walled town with the well known port.
Almeria  50 mins. Port, Castle and alcazabar old quarter.
Granada and the Sierra Nevada about 2hrs, but the magnificent Alhambra Palace and fortress is worth the effort.

Activities:
Kyaking, and quad bikes:  Go along the sea front (ocean on your left) Just as you reach the edge of town there is a turning into the Puerta Marina hotel on your right. Activities can be booked in the small cafe on the right hand side.
Bowling. On the main sea front.
Diving: Paddy approved dive shop.  From the Commercial Centre go north on the sea front for about a mile. Pass the Intercontinental Hotel and the shop is on your left just off the next roundabout.
Fishing: Tackle shop is located next to the Petrol Station on the edge of Mojacar going along the Sea front North towards Garrucha.
Go Carting: Go out of Mojacar back towards the A7 but turn right on the AL7017 to Vera when you meet the main road. Go Carting track is about a mile on your left.
Water Park: go past the Go Carting track and stay on the AL7107 for about three miles, going straight over every roundabout (don’t turn off to go inland to Vera town) and you will find the Water Park on your right. Big queues in summer so go early!

Restaurants:
It is actually possible to eat out every night in Mojacar for two weeks and not go to the same bar, nightclub or restaurant twice!
The traditional Spanish and best way to eat out is to pick from the “menu del dia” (menu of the day) and they will generally bring you “Tapas” which is small nibbles to sample other food which might tempt you back another day. I am still sampling but these are some of my favourites.
Top of my list for a special evening is Casa Rural (Cortigo de la Media Luna) a short walk from the villa along (as long as you don’t mind walking back up the hill!) the Camino de las Marinas (the back road) towards the commercial centre. These guys are my neighbours (“nos vecinos” – which the locals take very seriously). The first time I dined there, we were the only non Spanish people in the restaurant which speaks volumes and it was packed even out of season. The cuisine is quite simply outstanding and the ambience on the terrace over-looking the sea is enchanting.
Neptuno a beach front restaurant on the sea front in Mojacar Playa on the north side of the Commercial centre. Their fire pit grilled fish is excellent.
Dolce Vita on the beachfront near the Parque Commercial (commercial centre) good lunch and evening meals.
Casa Egea traditional Spanish restaurant with a great menu del dia. Located on the right of the sea front road by the El Sitio bar.
Sensations. On the Paseo de mediterraneo south of the Commercial centre. Smart modern restaurant good food and occasional live music evenings.
Antonella on the beach just past the riding stables. Good Italian restaurant.
Badgers: If British food and a really top quality fillet steak is your thing, Badgers on the right of the Paseo de Mediterraneo opposite Tito’s is highly recommended.
Restaurante Rincon del Puerto On the front in Garrucha by the port. Excellent sea-food restaurant and tapas bar.

Bars & nightclubs:
Tito’s is probably the best bar on the beach with regular live music events and a lively athmosphere. The Mandala the thatched building it the bottom of the hill below my house. Good restaurant and nightclub right on the beach.