Flamenco, Tapas, and Dobby: Life in Mojácar

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My husband and I had the unforgettable joy of calling Mojácar, Spain our home for a while, a charming village perched on the sparkling coast of the Mediterranean. With its whitewashed houses tumbling down towards the ocean, Mojácar felt like stepping into a dream where the sun kisses the sea and life moves at a delightfully slower pace. We weren’t alone in our adventures, our dog Dobby came with us, driving all the way from France to Spain, and spent several magical months exploring Mojácar by our side.

Our days often began with the gentle sound of waves and the salty breeze brushing past our balcony. Dobby loved nothing more than racing along the beach, retrieving his sandy frisbee, and carrying back pieces of driftwood that he deemed treasures. I found inspiration everywhere during those beach walks, and it was in Mojácar that I wrote my second children’s book, inspired by Dobby’s playful spirit and our adventures together.

We spent hours wandering the village and chatting with locals who were always eager to share stories or recommend the freshest catch of the day. And speaking of catch, the seafood in Mojácar is something to write home about, tender calamari, juicy sardines, and fish grilled to perfection, all paired with a glass of crisp local white wine. Dobby became a local favourite too, earning pats and treats wherever we went.

Evenings were for music, laughter, and dancing. I even took flamenco dancing lessons while we were there,  stomping, clapping, and twirling my way through the passionate rhythms of Andalusia. Watching local performers and then trying it myself was exhilarating, and a little humbling! We also ventured into the lively tapas scene, hopping from one cozy spot to another, savoring patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, and endless plates of little delights that made every night an adventure. And one of our favorite little treats was..... with every café con leche we ordered, the café would bring us free sweet tapas, tiny bites of local pastries that felt like a warm, edible hug from Mojácar itself.

Beyond Mojácar, we explored the surrounding Andalusian magic. We visited Sevilla, where the streets are alive with history and the scent of orange blossoms drifts through every plaza. We also ventured into the Tabernas Desert near Almería, about an hour’s drive from Mojácar, where many classic Spaghetti Westerns were filmed. Renting a car allowed us to explore iconic sites like Mini Hollywood (Oasys), Fort Bravo (Texas Hollywood), and other outdoor locations used in films such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Fistful of Dynamite. It was surreal to stand where cinematic legends once acted out epic showdowns.

Slowly, delightfully, we picked up Spanish phrases, practicing with the warm, welcoming locals who always appreciated our attempts. What made our time in Mojácar truly special wasn’t just the sun, sea, and food.  It was the feeling of being part of a community, even if only for a little while. From late night strolls under stars that seemed brighter than anywhere else, to mornings spent sipping café con leche while listening to local bands, every moment was a lesson in savouring life. And through it all, Dobby was right there by our side, adding joy, companionship, and a little mischief to every adventure.

For us, Mojácar wasn’t just a destination,  it was a chapter of connection, rhythm, and the simple joys that make travel unforgettable. And even now, thinking back, we can almost hear the strum of a guitar drifting from a nearby plaza, taste the salty sea air on our lips, and see Dobby chasing waves along the shoreline, frisbee in mouth, as I scribbled the next lines of his story.  

Thank you for coming on our journey.  Here's to life lived large and loved freely, wherever the road may take us next.

Did You Know?

• Mojácar is famous for its whitewashed buildings, designed to reflect the Andalusian sun.
  
  
• The area around Mojácar was a filming location for several classic Western movies in the 1960s.
  
  
• Tapas are more than just a meal, they’re a way of life in Spain, meant to be shared, savored, and enjoyed slowly.
  
  
• The main Spaghetti Western filming locations are in the Tabernas Desert near Almería, about an hour from Mojácar.
  
  

Top Tips for Visiting Mojácar (with Personal Stories!)

1. Catch the Sunset: Head to the promenade or the old town’s mirador. One evening, we shared a bottle of local wine as the sky exploded in shades of pink and gold, it was the kind of sunset that makes you pause and just breathe. Dobby happily trotted alongside us, tail wagging, soaking up the last warmth of the day.
   
   
2. Flamenco Nights & Lessons: Seek out small local bars with live flamenco. I also took flamenco lessons, and while my footwork wasn’t perfect, it was thrilling to connect with this deeply passionate art form. Watching local dancers and then trying it myself was unforgettable and a little humbling!
   
   
3. Hidden Beaches: Explore the coves along the coast for a quieter experience. We stumbled upon a tiny, almost deserted beach one morning, where the only sounds were waves and seabirds.  It felt like our own private paradise. Dobby spent hours chasing the gentle surf, making friends with other beach pups along the way, and carrying back driftwood treasures for me to collect.
   
   
4. Rent a Car for Adventure: To visit the Spaghetti Western sites in the Tabernas Desert, having a car is essential. Driving through the dusty desert landscapes to Mini Hollywood and Fort Bravo made us feel like we’d stepped straight into a movie. At one point, we even posed with a cowboy hat for fun, it’s a must for a little cinematic magic!
   
   
5. Eat Like a Local: Try fresh seafood and hop tapas bars. One night we ordered a dozen small plates at random, not knowing exactly what each was, we ended up discovering a few new favourite dishes and laughing at our slightly adventurous choices. And don’t miss the little cafés where, with every coffee, the barista brings a free sweet tapa, tiny, delicious pastries that make your morning feel extra special.
   
   
6. Learn a Few Phrases: Even basic Spanish words go a long way. We had the most fun when we tried to compliment a local chef on his paella, stumbling over the pronunciation, but he smiled and nodded, clearly appreciating our effort.