In the land of orange trees

Before I go to Valencia, I want to spend a few days in nature, so I drive to a hiking parking lot in the Serra Calderona National Park.

The next morning, I start a conversation with my camper neighbors, a couple from Switzerland who are on a sabbatical and have been traveling in Spain for a few months.

In the afternoon, I go for a short hike and in the distance, I see a monastery and orange plantations as far as the eye can see. The sun is shining and has incredible power. During the three hours that I am out, I don't encounter a single soul, even at the viewpoint, I am alone.

When I come back, the Swiss couple is out. The parking spot is actually perfect, but unfortunately, I'm missing a bathing spot... So I inquire about bathing spots in the Valencia area and in the evening, I come across a river where I can take a quick 'shower'. Since the parking lot costs 5 euros according to Google Maps and apparently camping is not allowed, I decide to continue driving. This way, I can also turn up the heating and warm up during the drive ;)

At the parking lot at the entrance of Chelva, I have dinner, but unfortunately, the place is right next to the road, not ideal for staying overnight.

I'm glad that I continued driving, up to a church on a mountain. Here, I can stay and spend the night safely :)