Talking Travel

with David’s Coach Trips

The second largest region in Spain, Andalucia is also the most populous with a population of around 8 million people. The coast of Andalucia stretches for some 1100 kilometers from Huelva in the far south west to Mojácar in the north east.

Mojácar is one of the iconic "pueblos Blancas" (white villages) of this large, diverse region. How beautifully the delightful village was constructed on what seems an impossibly steep location for building. Row upon row of sturdy white houses reach for the clear blue sky, This impressive village overlooks the sparkling, blue seas of the Mediterranean.

Golden sandy beaches stretch for miles in both directions along the part of the town known as Mojácar Playa. (Mojácar beach). In common with much of the Spanish coastline, it was first the Phoenicians and then the Greeks who colonised the area. Being mainly traders they were attracted to the area by the presence of precious metals, particularly silver in the nearby mountain. Later to be replaced by the more warlike Carthaginians, Romans and Visigoths.

But again as so often is the case in Spain, it was after the Moorish invasion, that the castle and city walls of the upper village were built.. Sadly the castle suffered considerable damage during the earthquake of 1518.

The upper regions of the town still offer that wonderful imagination, stirring sense of history which is so present in Spanish towns, cities and villages. A visit to Plaza Nueva rewards the visitor with stupendous views of the surrounding mountain ranges, The sea, the valley of pyramids and neighbouring villages.

The unusual 16th Century Santa Maria Church has a strangely fortified look to it. Although serving as a church it also provided sanctuary in times of attack or invasion. The city gate, dating back to the 16th century replaced the original Moorish gate, which at the time was the only way in or out of the village. Providing a checkpoint against the entry of invaders.

Mojácar Playa on the other hand, as the name suggests, is more of a holiday resort. Tasteful hotels, bars and restaurants line the long stretches of golden beaches.Giving the visitor the best of both worlds. Getting around is easy with a 10 minute bus ride separating the two quite distinctive parts of this unusual town.

February is Carnival time in Spain. Which offers a brilliant opportunity to combine the delights of Mojácar with a visit to one of the most highly regarded carnival celebrations in Spain in nearby Aguilas. The origins of carnival celebrations are quite simple. Celebrated in February, they are timed to provide fun and laughter before the demands and deprivations of observing Lent. The word "carnaval" as it is spelt in Spanish is derived from "carne". The Spanish word for flesh. Lent involves forgoing the pleasures of the flesh. While carnival suggests the opposite. Thus was born the carnaval.

The town of Aguilas (Meaning eagles), although bordering Andalucia, is actually in Murcia Region. The Aguilas carnival is amongst the most famous in Spain, if not the most famous. Known to date back to the 19th century, and believed by some to even date back to the court of King Carlos III in the 18th century. Thousands of colourfully dressed locals, wearing a huge variety of different costumes, swagger and dance through the streets to the sound of bands and lively music. Fireworks go off, and everyone parties.

The main characters of the festival are the serious, god fearing Dona Cuaresma who struggles with the irrepressible, fun loving Don Carnal. At first Don Carnal wins these theatrical battles and so the festival is full of fun. But it finally ends in his defeat at the hands of the righteous Dona Cuaresma. Thus the Carnival comes to and end and Lent begins. The festival closes by the Symbolic burning of a doll of Don Carnal.

Davids Coachtrips offer a short break to Mojácar taking in the Aguilas carnival – 24th-26th February on a full board basis with wine and water included at mealtimes, staying at the 4* Hotel Puntazo II in Mojácar with an excursion to Aguilas for the carnival on day 2, for only 199€ per person based on 2 people sharing.

There is also an afternoon/evening trip to Aguilas for the carnival only – 17€ per person

Both of these trips can be booked online at www.coachtripsonline.com or by calling the office on 966785910