This Parador is right on the beach, in the sunniest point of Spain © Paradores
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Mojácar Parador
Review by Lily Taylor
The ultimate beach hotel. The Parador in Mojácar, on the fabulous, unspoiled Coast of Almeria is right on the beach in an area known as the sunniest point in Spain – thanks to the number of clear, sunny days every year.
The Mojácar Parador is a modern facility built in the whitewashed traditions of Andalucía. In addition to providing the perfect place for a family holiday, it’s also a good choice for business conferences and conventions as there is ample accomodation for these types of meetings.
Mojácar is a beautiful village in the provice of Almería. Its whitewashed town and touristy coastal area create a perfect balance between a traditional Spanish village and a summer hotspot, also known for its nightlife.
Why should I stay there?
The highlight of the Parador hotel is its close proximity to the sea, just metres from the beachfront and with direct access to sea views. You can enjoy traditional Almerían rice dishes and locally sourced seafood in their restaurant and make use of their many facilities, such as gardens, pool and sports facilities.
Aerial view of Parador de Mojácar© Paradores
Where is it?
Mojácar is a small village and coastal area located just under 90km west of Almería city and 25km east of the Comunidad Autónoma of Murcia, and the border of Andalucía. Mojácar Playa stretches across 17km of the Costa de Almería and Mojácar Pueblo lies in between the mountains of Sierra de Cabrera and is part of the Pueblos mas Bonitos de España.
It´s beachfront boasts of shops, restaurants and a very vibrant nightlife, as well as, the crystal-clear, balmy sea which lines beaches such as, Playa de la Piedra de Villazar ( the beach opposite the Parador), Playa de Marina de la Torre and Playa del Cantal, amongst others.
It´s neighbouring towns are fishing village, Garrucha, known for its famous red prawns, villages such as Turre, Bédar and Los Gallardos and, other coastal areas such as Carboneras, Níjar and San José, some of the towns which border the idyllic Cabo de Gata coastline and Cabo de Gata- Níjar Natural Park, famous for their long beaches such as Playa de los Muertos and Playa Monsúl.
Mojácar's closest city is the capital, Almería City, which is where the closest airport is located, Almería Airport (LIE), as well as, the Almería Intermodal Station which connects to Madrid and other Andalusian cities such as Sevilla or Granada via Renfe trains.
What kind of person stays at the Parador de Mojácar?
The Parador de Mojacar can fit varied profiles and people, with facilities and surroundings to suit different types of holidays or business trips. If you are looking for a relaxing, romantic holiday, enjoy the extensive gardens and pool with the beach opposite as well as a room with a sea view for a peaceful getaway.
Parador, the state run hotels, prioritise local culture and gastronomy, with their restaurant Marmitia, which serves local cuisines, attracting visitors who search for a more cultural holiday, through trying local foods, visiting Mojácar Pueblo and exploring local attractions and surroundings.
Perfect for a couples holiday © Paradores
The Parador de Mójacar is only a 20 minute drive from the Cabo de Gata- Níjar Natural Park, making it a great base for those who love a more ‘outdoorsy’ experience, exploring and hiking the coves, and volcanic beaches and landscapes.
Its safe and relaxed atmosphere attracts families, who can enjoy the beach and pool as well as other summer activities. With the Marina de la Torre Golf course just a 3 minute drive away, golfers often stay at this hotel too.
Finally, the Parador de Mojácar hosts events, corporate retreats and business meetings in their convention centre and meeting rooms, such as Arco Iris, making it ideal for business trips.
What is the Parador de Mojácar like?
Unlike some of the other historic castles and monastery Parador hotels, the Parador de Mojácar is a moden building. Built in the 20th century, in the form of a summer resort, its building is low rise and stretched horizontally opposite the coast. Despite being modern, the mid-century building remains loyal to its Andalusian roots with its white walled exterior and terracotta tiled floor.
Reception of Parador de Mojácar© Paradores
Its simplistic design features clean white walls, simple furniture and warm lighting with wooden details as you enter reception, giving it a traditional feel. Its lush green gardens surrounding the hotel are decorated with vibrant bouganvilla and palm trees. Its large seasonal rectangular swimming pool, includes space to sunbathe with sunbeds just outside the bar and restaurant.
The hotel boasts a large outdoor terrace area to dine al fresco and the communal areas, such as indoor lounges, are clean and simple with subtle traditional touches, such as spanish artwork.
The rooms vary in size, but most have a private balcony with sea views or garden views, white washed walls, large glass terrace doors, allowing the sunshine and fresh air to stream in.
Halls in the Parador de Mojácar© Paradores
The hotel also has a private on-ground parking, making it easy for clients to load and unlad the baggage to and from the lobby.
What is there to see and do in the area?
As stated before, a perfect relaxed stay, includes bathing in the Costa Almería waters, wandering down Mojácar Playa visiting local shops and cafés and at some point, a non-negotiable is, going up to Mojácar Pueblo, to enjoy the windy cobbled streets, quaint local shops and enjoy a drink watching the sunset with the most beautiful mountain views. If you are staying for a few days, visit a neighouring town or village such as Garrucha or Vera, another coastal town with access to Vera Waterpark.
The Parque Natural Cabo de Gata-Níjar is the largest coastal and marine-terrestial protected area on the Mediterranean coast, which covers both land and sea. It's recognised for its rugged cliffs and dramatic landscapes shaped by lava and volcanic activity from approximately 15 million years ago. It's home to some of Spain's most famous wild beaches, known for their unmatched beauty, golden sand, and untouched shores contrasting with the dramatic volcanic backdrop. It is the habitat of local flora and fauna such as migratory flamingos in salt flats. It holds the title of UNESCO Biodeversity reserve awarded in 1997 and UNESCO Global Geopark in 2006, due its fossilised coral reefs, lava formations and volcanic structures.
If you enjoy water sports such as diving or snorkelling, the Cabo de Gata is perfect due to its marina reserve, populated by rich marine biodiversity, including fish and octopus, easy to spot with its crystal clear and shallow shores.
Game of Thrones used the historic 18th-century Torre de Mesa Roldán in Cabo de Gata as a filming location utilising its tower and landscape as the background of the series city of Meereen.
Combine this adventure to the Cabo de Gata with a cultural and educational visit to the Casa de los volcanes, (The volcano house) in the municipality of Rodalquilar. This free museum was built in an old gold foundry, and explains the volcanic, geological and history of the surrounding landscape and areas as well its gold mines.
Another fantastic experience is a visit to Tabernas desert. It is the only official ‘proper/true’ in Europe and it is located in Tabernas, an hour's drive away from Mojácar, north of the city of Almería. It is a very popular attraction and plays an important part in the film industry as over 300 wild-west movies were shot there. Some of the most famous include: The Dollars Trilogy by Sergio Leone ,Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Game of Thrones and Exodus: Gods and Kings. Visit the themepark, Oasys Mini- Hollywood, and the areas of Fort Bravo Texas Hollywood and Western Leone to see film sets and experience a mini wild-west! More>
What should I eat and drink there?
The Marmitia Parador de Mojácar is the restaurant located in the hotel. Its beautiful views of the Mediterranean sea combine beautifully with the local Mediterranean cuisine included in its menu.
Dining alfresco at Parador de Mojácar© Paradores
Its highlights are local fish and seafood, and traditional guisos (stews) from the Alpujarras, a mountain region located between Almería and Granada. Its star dish is the arroz garruchero, which includes the famous gambas rojas de Garrucha, unique to Mojácar’s neighbouring town, Garrucha.
Other items on the menu include various types of local fish dishes, a selection of meats, salads and vegetables from the ‘Huerta Almeriense’ (Almería’s vegetable patch) amongst others. To accompany, it's only fitting to pair it with a Alpujarra-Almeriense local wine.
What is unique about the Mojácar Parador?
The Parador de Mojácar’s most unique feature, as we’ve stated before, is its close proximity to the beach and the beautiful Almería coast crystal warm sea. Additionally, its unique mid-century modern arquitecture stands out against the more historical buildings typicaly associated with Parador´s around Spain.
An interesting story surrounding this hotel, is that originally, it was planned to be built in the town of Roquetas de Mar, another Almería municipality, but it was Jacinto Alarcón Fuentes, the mayor of Mojácar at the time (1960s), who travelled to Madrid to request it was built in Mojácar and eventually, succeeded in doing so.
Thirty years down the line, in 2026, after the hotel’s 30th anniversary it was announced that 600,000 euros would be destined to majorly renovate and redesign a lot of the hotel.
If you are planning on visiting Mojácar or the surrounding areas, the Parador Mojácar is definitely a great option due to its location, gastronomy, environment and standards. So book your next holiday and enjoy some gambas de Garrucha, looking over the Mediterranean at one of Almería province’s most prestigious and famous hotels.
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Book Parador Mojacar
Location
Paseo del Mediterráneo 339,
Mojácar,
Almería
