2015 - Spain
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It was a pleasure to be in Javea. It was quiet in comparison with the frantic summer season. The streets leading away from Arenal beach had some delightful villas, most of which were closed up but still pretty to look at. The restaurants were pleased to have your custom but we were surprised how many customers they had. There must be quite a significant winter time population. We asked if it was possible to stay longer but the campsite said ‘Sorry, but your pitch is booked for the next two weeks’. So, it was time to move on again. On our way out of Javea Desnée managed to capture a lovely photo of the Elephant mountain, known locally as ‘El Montgo’ (below left - see the elephant’s eye). On journey took us past hundreds of almond tree orchards and the blossom was spectacular (below right)
Our next destination was Benicassim (6). Our neighbours, Geoff and Sandra, were already staying at Camping Azahar for a couple of months over the winter. We phoned them to check that there were pitches available and the campsite manager kindly agreed to save a suitable pitch for us providing we arrived within the next four days. The site was busy with long stay ‘refugees’ from the cold, northern European winter. It is not the smartest of campsites but there were good sized pitches (not all crammed together) and more important, everyone was friendly and made us welcome. Our first challenge was to get through the entrance arch without losing our roof! Only just enough headroom between the first A and the R (see below). We booked in for the next 7 days.
We had not visited Benicassim before but we were very pleasantly surprised. It is a lovely town and probably has the nicest promenade and beach that we have seen in Spain. (below) our first glimpse of the beach on approaching from the north. (second below) the promenade and yes, the lamp posts lean! (third below) when the promenade ran out there was a delightful boardwalk over the sand. Probably, horrendously busy in the summer season but for now it was quiet and you could get away with cycling along the boardwalk!
Some distance along the boardwalk is a beautiful beach side café and we spent several happy hours enjoying the view, the sun and the food. (below) the café veranda and our friends (l-r) George, Janet, Les, Sandra and Geoff
There are gorgeous walks and cycle rides from Benicassim. In the few hundred yards between the campsite and the beach there is a disused railway track. This has been converted into a ‘Via Verde’ cycle and footpath and runs north and south along the spectacular coast. In places the path runs through deep cuttings and then emerges again on to amazing coastal panoramas. (photos below)
(above left) from watch tower looking south to Benicassim (note Via Verde on the right of photo) (above right) Beautiful seascape along the Via Verde, north towards Oropesa (below left) from watch tower looking north (note the Via Verde and the cutting) (below right) in one of the steep cuttings - quite spooky !
You can also cycle up into the mountains behind Benicassim to discover far-reaching views along the coastline. George caused much amusement to the Spanish, lycra clad sports cyclists as they flashed past him plodding up the climb but giving him a cheery wave and a big grin. Not matter says George “ I can keep up with them on the way down!” (below left) view from Desert de Les Palmes with Benicassim in the distance (below right) it was a long climb up on a bicycle - but there was a bar at the top - thank goodness !
Whilst we were staying at Camping Azahar we met Helmut and his wife, from Germany,whom we know through the German owners club. We also met another English couple who are members of the UK Carthago Owners, Chas and Carol Anastasi, who were staying at Camping Bonterra, just about 500metres away. It was lovely to meet up with old friends.