February 2016.
The sites between Cartagena and Valencia have been so packed we have struggled to get on some of the better sites and even the Aires are full with motorhomers resorting to parking along the streets outside the sites waiting for their turn to be placed. Long termers book pitches for the whole of winter or book pitches for 3 months and dig themselves in until the end of February/March. When we were researching sites over the winter period in Spain many experienced campers said we didn't need to book but if you like the look of some sites it is a must.
Our next stop was to a new campsite Camping El Torres in Villajoyosa and 3km south of Benidorm. We were lucky with this site as it is new and word hasn't spread too much so they can still offer spaces but it won't be for long! It is a very modern and immaculate site by the beach with a stylish bar and restaurant. The only downside is it is a little remote, you need either a car of electric bikes to stay here really. All the pitches are large, each of which has hook up, drainage and water supply.
We met up again with Val and Ray who were also struggling to find somewhere to stay.
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| El Torres Camping Reception |
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| El Torres outside terrace bar |
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| A birds eye view of Camping El Torres |
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| My kind of pitch! |
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| Men never grow up do they! |
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| Sky Rocket loves a bbq! |
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| Some people wonder why it takes 2 hours to manoeuvre onto their pitch! |
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Villajoyosa's colourful houses.
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A few days into our stay at El Torres we had high winds that woke us in the night. We had left our canopy out and it was about to flip over the roof of Bessie so with all hands to the deck we struggled to get the canopy in but the worst damage was yet to come on the site. After a few hours the winds got stronger and the newly erected sun canopies over some of the pitches began to move, the canopies started to split resulting in whole rows of canopies ripped off and poles bending, some collapsing onto caravans.
The campers pulled together to help everyone the site management were very full of appologies and we all rewarded with free drinks in the bar that evening along with some hefty bills from some of the campers damaged caravans!
El Torres is just south of Benidorm so the next day we couldn't resist a ride in. It is just like the T.V programme 'Benidorm,' Madge and Mel Harvey's are everywhere here on their mobility scooters. They are cheap to hire and I think anyone whether you have a disability or not can hire them as a mode of transport up and down the hilly streets of Benidorm. You can even hire a tandem scooter for husband and wife! The place is packed with holidaymakers mainly pensioners looking for winter sun, just park yourself at one of the bars along the fabulous beach and promenade and you could spend hours people watching with a cheap beer or two!
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| Benidorm palace |
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| Benidorm is certainly an eye opener! |
The shell suits and leopard print look is still very much the fashion here!
Before we left El Torres we paid a visit to Expats. Expats is a warehouse full of English brands at discount prices. They also do a full English Breakfast for €4! Guess what we found! Ribena, Orange Barley water, pattaks Curry jars, mango chutney, Bisto gravy granules and Warburtons crumpets! all things we have missed from home, we are happy!
Our Next stop travelling North was Calpe. A large town with a prominent rock jutting out of the sea as Calpe's landmark. Our friends John and Denise who were staying for a month at Calpe Mar site managed to book us in for a few days, the site is packed mainly with long termers again and is very difficult to get in, John and Denise are 5th on a waiting list to return next year in February!. Outside the campsite there were rows of Motorhomes just parked up on the side of the road waiting their turn to get a pitch somewhere in Calpe.
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| The well known Rock of Calpe |
After 3 nights at Calpe Mar and Neil being poorly for most of it we headed north to our 30th Campsite called Camping Dunes at Daimus just outside Gandia where we met up with Val and Ray again for a few nights. The Aire is neat and tidy but wifi was non existent although they advertise it working, apparantly it was damaged by the high winds. We had a couple of mild evenings where we could sit out till late which was really nice. We had a competition with a group of German campers opposite with who could have the best light display they started it by illuminating their motorhome with a disco light so we just had to get out the christmas decorations! Of course we won!
Valentines Day was shared with Val and Ray at a very spanish restaurant along the beachfront. We had a menu of the day for €15 each including wine.We shared a mushroom salad, Meat pasties, prawns and mussels with a main course and dessert. It was one of the best meals we have had so far.
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| Camping Dunes Aire |
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| Morning Cuppa in the sunshine. |
Our next stop was Valencia, the closest campsite was Camping Colvert 6km from the city centre with a bus stop directly outside at a cost of €1.50 each. The site is very basic and quite run down but ideal for visiting Valencia.
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| Orange Groves line the roads around Valencia area |
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| Sky waiting patiently for one of Neils lamb chops cooking! |
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| Camping Colvert |
Valencia is beautiful we visited the Basilica with its stunning domed roof and we were fortunate to watch a holy communion. We enjoyed a coffee in the main square, people watching listening to buskers. I did see a Mojito on the menu but thought I would be good for a change.
The Indoor market is full of fresh food and drink you are spoilt for choice and I can guarantee you will not come out empty handed! I bought a big punnet of Spanish strawberries a freshly squeezed guava juice and we tried some fresh baked pies! I was tempted by the Orange wine and Strawberry Gin but we can't fit anymore in the drinks cabinet!
The modern side of Valencia with its striking Architecture is very different to the old town, both are worth a visit.
We said our final goodbyes to Val Ray and Sky as they had to head home, we have had a fun journey all the way from Portugal to Valencia with these two, we will miss them.
Our next campsite was Bonterra Park in Benicassim just north Castellon. Benicassim is a more spanish town with a few hotels. Bonterra Park is an immaculate site right in the heart of the town. Again most of the pitches are full of long termers over wintering. Pitches are neat and tidy with good facilities and a big restaurant and bar. We tried the menu of the day lentil,pork and chorizo soup, fish and chips with mushy peas and a panna cotta for dessert for €11 including a drink. Meal was good value.
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| Bonterra Park |
Just behind the site is a great cycle route called Via Verde part of the route which follows the coastline is a disused railway track with lovely views, we stopped in the next village called Oroposa for a plate of local mussels, Neil had omelette!
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| The Via Verde Cycle Route |
The weekends are much more busy with the Spanish families eating out and there are more restaurants and bars opening. We had a special lunch at a Michelin restaurant at the Voramar hotel on the beachfront in Benacassim. The 3 course menu for €65 was delicious, Neil even ate Octopus!
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| Octopus, prawn, Scallop and monkfish |
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Neil little dinner! Suckling roasted pork on a slate
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| 6 months into our Adventure and enjoying life! |
