If you’re looking for a place in the sun to escape to when the winter months roll into the UK, the Costa de Almeria in the south-east of Spain is a safe bet.
Towns dotted along this stretch of jagged Spanish coast enjoy more annual sunshine than anywhere else in Europe, and yet, properties in some of its prettiest towns can go for as little as £53,000.
Mojacar, which has a healthy British expat community, but is a relative unknown compared to the staple holiday resorts of Marbella, Benalmádena and Estepona, has plenty of properties listed for sale on thinkSPAIN for less than €100,000 (£82,765).
And despite it growing in popularity after featuring in Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun, Mojacar remains an ideal spot for Brits looking for an authentic Spanish experience.
Retired chef Maureen Maxwell, 84, from Essex, told this website that compared to other areas along Spain’s southern coast, Mojacar is markedly more relaxed.
“Unlike the Costa del Sol it is not commercial, blingy or glitzy”, she said.
“It is unlike the Costa Blanca because there are no high rise hotels or apartment blocks. The front line is only occupied by beach bars & restaurants with an uninterrupted view of the Mediterranean.
“If you’re looking for KFC & McDonalds don’t visit Mojacar because you’ll be disappointed.”
Her son, Andrew, 56, the owner of an osteopathy business, echoed that view.
“Mojácar is a place to reset”, he explained. “Everything’s a bit slower, relaxed and easy going. People are less angry and agitated than in towns and cities in the UK.
“It’s great for walking slowly along the flat coastal paths. But there’s great hills and hikes if you get away from the town.
“The Pueblo [Old Town] is a collection of tiny white buildings built into the hills – you can see it from the plane on you way in. It has lots of tiny lanes, homes as well as cafes and restaurants. But it transforms when it has its fiestas and annual celebrations.”
