Travelling with young children can be a challenge and, as a mum of a little one myself, I know how important it is to choose your destination, pick a family friendly hotel, and get your activities organised before you go, if you are to have the perfect ingredients for a memorable family holiday. Mojácar is a wonderful destination that has made a name for itself with parents who have young kids. An excellent combination of beaches, great food, a safe environment in which to take kids out at night as well as plenty of activities, are all enhanced by the rich culture and history of the region.
From the minute you arrive, you can relax in the knowledge that this is a place used to catering for children. With play areas with clear signs pointing out any risks are dotted around town, several tourist information points, and menus tailored to children in the restaurants, it is clear that Mojácar is family orientated.
On the entertainment front, this little town has endless options for kids. Here is our pick.
For Little Animal Enthusiasts
Most kids, whatever their age, love animals, and riding animals is always great fun. From Playa de la Marina de la Torre, from June to September, kids (and mums and dads) have the chance to ride a camel. The half hour walk along the beach is a real experience and one the kids will talk about for years to come. It is €12.30 for adults and €9.80 for children between 3 and 12.
If it is more conventional horse riding that the kids fancy doing, you are in the right place. Stunning scenery, the national parks and incredible views are all on the menu when you head off into the spectacular natural landscape of this area on horseback. There are several riding stables in the area and you and the kids can take lessons or go on longer treks. Every stable has its own website, but here are a couple to get you started:
For Water Babes
A day trip to Aquavera Water Park is a must if the little ones love nothing more than splashing about for hours on end and you are looking to keep them cool. With a dedicated children’s area and plenty for the older kids too, this park is manned by lifeguards and is well managed. Dads can try out the Kamikaze or the Multipistas, while mums will love the Lake or Wave pool for a little relaxation.
With an on-site snack bar and plenty of green areas where you can just sit back with a book, it is easy to spend a whole day here.
For anyone over 140cm the price is €23, anyone from 120-140cm it is €18, and for little ones from 90-120cm the price is €15. The park is open from 11am-6pm in May and June, 11am-7.30pm in July and August and 11am-6pm in September. It is only a half hour drive from Mojácar. For more information check out their detailed website.
Stretching The Little Legs
Apart from strolling along the paseo, which is a lovely thing to do before dinner, you can enjoy several walks in the area around Mojácar. The Trail Marina de la Torre to Mojácar Pueblo is perfect for small children. It takes you through orchards and gardens from the seaside to the historic village of Mojácar Pueblo. Kids can look out for the birds and try to identify the fruit growing on the trees. It is only a 3km path, but you have to walk the same way back, so you can choose to go half way if you prefer.
The Mojácar Gardens Trail is a beautiful circular track that takes you though the gardens of the village and offers fabulous views of the town. You pass through Old Mojácar too.
Don’t forget that hats, water and sun cream are a must, as well as plenty of snacks for the little ones.
How to Get to Mojácar
Almería is the airport of choice for people travelling to Mojácar and, as it is only a 2 hour and 45 minutes’ flight, it is very doable with small children. Monarch and easyJet offer some great deals from London Gatwick and you can get return flights for around £200 depending on when you fly.
On arrival, any family is bound to want an easy transfer to their accommodation. For competitively priced, child-friendly Almería airport transfers, Shuttle Direct offers a great service. Drivers are all experienced and well versed in fitting car seats and packing prams and travel cots into their vehicles. Book with us and you will be met on arrival and taken straight to your accommodation ready for the start of your holiday. Booking child-friendly Almería airport transfers takes all the worry out of your onward travel. You can rely on great prices and a professional service for your 1-hour trip. Prices for a private vehicle start at £22.90 per adult, one way, based on a family with three children.
Child-Friendly Accommodation
Rancho del Mar – For a family friendly hotel in a quiet part of town, Rancho del Mar is ideal. Right in town for easy access, but with a convenient onsite restaurant offering local dishes, the hotel is spacious and simple, yet has all the facilities you need. Air conditioning comes as standard, which is great for the kids when they just need to cool off, and there is Wi-Fi so they can have some down time on their iPads or tablets. This hotel is the perfect budget option for families.
Hotel Simón – A step up in price, Hotel Simón is situated right at the bottom of Mojácar. Beautiful rooms, some with balconies or a terrace, offer great views of the surrounding area. The pool here is a real bonus, especially for families, and the bar-café, which serves snacks all day, is a lovely place to hang out if the kids need a break from sightseeing. There is a bus stop just outside the hotel, with buses taking you to the local beaches in just 3 minutes.
Hotel El Puntazo I – Hotel El Puntazo I offers relaxation in abundance. With the beach on the doorstep, the kids will be in their element. Families flock to this place and the staff are very good at catering for children. Close to the town and other attractions, this hotel, despite being slightly more expensive, is a great find.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct is the number one provider of transfer services in Europe and North Africa, providing airport transfers to Pisa and hundreds of other locations, including train stations, cruise ports, hotels, and other points of interest. If you’re looking to jet off on a romantic escape with your loved one, make Shuttle Direct part of your travel plans.
