Last weekend we wanted to do a morning walk before the weather really gets too hot to even think about walking – so our friends Mike and Gill, who are very keen walkers – told us about one particular route they had done which gave you two options. The first one is a much more challenging walk over quite big hills above the beaches beyond Mojacar; the second is a coastal walk, but along a decent, flat track for the less ambitious. Both start from the tower at Macenas beach as you head for Carboneras.
Meeting point at Macenas tower
We didn’t have to start too early, although the forecast was for the high eighties on the Saturday that we went. But anyhow, we agreed to meet at an acceptable 10.30 and promised Gill that we would be on time as we always seem to be 10 or 15 minutes late when going to theirs for lunch! So, we set off extra early, and they still beat us to it.
Signposted all of the way
We were hoping to be 6 or 8 but everyone else cried off for various reasons, so with it just being the four of us, Mike gave us the option to either do the more difficult, over the hills walk (I hasten to add there was a promise of a beautiful beach and tapas lunch in the chiringuito at the end of the two hours that it would take to get there!) or to do the easier coastal walk to the same point, but which would only take an hour or so. I thought as it wasn’t too hot, that even I would brave the hills.
The sea view
Shelters on top of the hill
This is where someone having done the route already pays off, as Gill kind of kept me up to date with what to expect; it was tricky here, steep there, over the worst bit – that kind of thing! Not being much of a walker myself, it all helps to keep you going. There were several gorgeous natural stops on the way where the council have put up seating areas and little cabins to get a bit of shade while you catch your breath and have a glug of water (which obviously is essential to take with you).
Keep going!
The way down.
It was as challenging a walk as I would like – a few quite hairy bits going down some steep slopes with nothing to hold on to, but nothing that phased our 70 something companions! They are quite amazing and remained undaunted, but seriously, if you are of a certain age and not used to walking, then take the coastal route which is just lovely too.
The beach before Treasure Island beach
2 hours later we arrived at Treasure Island beach (yes really they shot the Orson Wells version here in 1972). It is just lovely, unspoilt and with just one chiringuito, Manaca, to have drinks, tapas or lunch. You could quite happily spend the whole afternoon here – and the good thing is that it can be reached by car too, so you could pack everything up and come for the whole day, away from the more popular beaches in Mojacar. You need brollies and something to lie on though as it really is a natural beach with no other facilities apart from the beach bar.
Treasure Island beach
Chiringuito Manaca
He was a bit thinner then
We arrived for lunch and of course a much needed drink, tinto verano in my case (summer wine a bit like sangria) – just lovely. Then the owner came out with the menus and a chameleon – (see the picture!) who live naturally here in the trees. He was very friendly and unphased by being handled by us (the chameleon, not the owner).
Karma, karma, karma, karma, karma etc.
The walk back to Chiringuito Macenas is a about 40 minutes long and passes past the old lookout point. Very dramatic scenery here.
The walk back
The old lookout point
Walkers delight – Chiringuito Macenas
So maybe from now on, if you do want to try this walk, you would need to start by 9 in the morning at this time of year, a little earlier as we go through to July, or even go when the sun is setting and have a swim and a sun-downer atTreasure Island beach.
Life doesn’t get much better than that.
Yummy Almeria 