Our first stop on the Mediterranean was Benicassim. However, after a tour of the town (we were able to buy a data SIM card for our router there) and a walk on the beach, we realized that the campsite and the town did not suit us in any way.
So we continued, destination was Villajoyosa or La Vila Joiosa. This beautiful place enchanted us. The town is famous for three things: its brightly colored houses, its wonderful beaches and delicious chocolate made by the Spanish chocolate manufacturer Valor.
After these very relaxing days we went to the Bay of Snakes, Playa de Percheles. This bay is a palm beach (Caribbean flair) between Puerto de Mazarrón and Águilas. A simple RV park without electricity for nature lovers. If you're lucky enough to get a seat in the front row (we were able to do this thanks to the efforts of the friends who accompanied us), the view is absolutely stunning. You meet the van driver, countless motorhomes (actually far too many - as I said, you have to be lucky in the front row), converted expedition vehicles but also the million-strong liner.
After 3 days of being self-sufficient, we had enough and moved to a nearby “German” camper village.
Area Camper Mazzaron is very popular with winterers. There is absolute cleanliness and order there. The fact that the countless connecting roads in the large area are not regulated with a traffic light system is truly a miracle. However, we also took advantage of the brilliant infrastructure of this place to have a big washing day. My better half cycled to the mines of Mazzaron, one of the most historic lost places ever. Minerals were mined here in the Bronze Age, later the Romans made the place their own and shipped the mined minerals such as silver, lead and zinc across the sea to the Roman capital. Mining in Mazzaron was at its peak around 1880, when mainly alum and almagro were mined until the mine was closed in 1969.
After spending 2 days in Mazzaron we went inland to Fortuna. This place is close to the larger city of Murcia and is very famous because of the magnificent thermal springs. Although the water in this area is rather sparse, it bubbles vigorously from numerous springs in Fortuna. We stopped at the Fuente campsite in Los Baños de Fortuna. The site offers four heated swimming pools (32-36 degrees water temperature) with bubble baths and waterfalls, it was lovely. As you walked through the small town, you often found yourself smiling. Hotel vacationers in this health resort, who have to walk a short distance to the thermal baths, stroll through the streets in white bathrobes as a matter of course.
We continued to Finestrat. Finestrat is a small, charming coastal town located about 12 km from Benidorm. There is a very attractive bathing bay with many small tapas bars and cafes. The bay is framed by a high mountain range. A visit to the market (takes place on Saturdays) should be on the to-do list. Thanks to friends and the car we had, we had the great pleasure of visiting a mountain village. Guadalest lies in a swath between the Aitana and Porta mountain ranges. The old town center of the originally Moorish city was declared an art-historical cultural monument. It's worth walking up to San Jose Castle; This is a Moorish fortress from the 11th century, which is accessed through a natural tunnel in the rock. From the fortress wall you can see a turquoise reservoir that supplies the district with water. It should also be mentioned that you have a sensational view of the skyline of Benidorm from the Womoplatz in Finestrat. Particularly beautiful in the evening. We will see the beautiful old town of Benidorm in just under 6 weeks. Then we will be back in Spain over the Christmas period after a stay in Germany.
It was a long way to Peñiscola. This place is located in a privileged location on the Mediterranean. We liked the historic old town high on a rock with its countless small winding streets and the almost 6 kilometer long sandy beach. We waded several times for kilometers through the still warm water of the Mediterranean (November 2023). It is worth mentioning that this corner of Spain can also be called extremely bike-friendly. Wide bicycle lanes along the sea to neighboring towns are normal. Unfortunately, you won't find anything like that in Germany.
Now we slowly started planning our return trip to Germany. Since we wanted to enjoy the beautiful weather and the Mediterranean for as long as possible, we planned a stopover for 5 days in Roses. Long sandy beaches, good tourist infrastructure and a charming environment are the attractions of Roses, the largest holiday resort on the northern Costa Brava. Here too we visited the old town and walked through the many small streets with really nice shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. Of course, the kilometer-long walk and the short morning run on the beach that I loved were part of it. Instead of jogging, Ralf preferred a long MTB tour through the adjacent mountain range.
5 weeks in Spain, mainly on the Mediterranean, are now coming to an end and we are already rolling through the Massif Central of France. I can understand so well the countless pensioners who have chosen Spain as their winter retreat. In the last few weeks we had some rain on 3 nights (of course it is a different story that Spain is suffering from the drought). Despite the month of November, summer temperatures prevail during the day (at least for the perception of a Central European). As fish lovers, we are also thrilled by the selection and the very low prices. In general, it can be said that the cost of living, be it fuel, groceries and restaurant visits, are far below the German level.
So: Muchas Gracias and Adios Espana, we'll see each other again in just under 6 weeks.
