Continuing Our trip.....
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| Castle at Peniscola |
1st April - Down the mountain again from Morella today towards the coast at Peniscola where we had hoped to spend a couple of days but the weather closed in, the town and castle all looked a bit sad and we decided we rather liked being inland or at least not near tourist beaches so one day here was enough.
2nd April - Now that's better we have arrived at Delta de l'Ebre a lovely natural area where the Paella rice is grown. We are parked up next to a museum of this area which includes an old thatched farmhouse, open to the public, and a few bird hides for viewing. We drove into the small town had a nice walk by the waters edge and finished with a set lunch and a spot of the local rice liquer - very nice.
In the afternoon we decided to move further up the coast to Castel de Sant Jordi where the Aire looked very nice. What we didn't realise was it was very complicated to get to and we had to pass under the main road on a very dubious looking track, through housing and eventually popping out in this lovely spot where four or five other vans had made it too. A quick walk around the small coastal castle and we were soon having our pre dinner drinks by the sea again.
3rd April - A short drive this morning to Tarragona which was again built on a former Roman town. We knew there was a car park with just four spaces with daytime places for vans so we wanted to arrive early. Even so, we made a quick detour to the Roman Aqueduct first, arriving just before the school children disgorged from their bus trip - quite something, and with more Roman remains in the town I expect the Spaniards also wonder "What the Romans ever did for them" too!
We are eventually making our way to a campsite in Barcelona for three nights but wanted to get nearer for the drive tomorrow so moved again up the coast to Callafel port. As we neared we could see another British van making its way inside the gates so we knew we were in the right place. There was a lovely sandy beach with a boardwalk right next to the van parking so ideal.
4th/ 5th/6th April - We arrived at the campsite at lunchtime and spent the rest of the day relaxing, doing the washing and generally tidying up. There is a courtesy bus which leaves the site early morning and returns about 6pm but this must be booked, so we did this and Les looked forward to being driven for a change. There is so much to see in Barcelona but some if it can be very expensive and with long queues so on the first day we walked in and around Rambalas, sampling the chocolate at Amatller (a gorgeous place founded in 1800) and finished by booking a ticket for the Palace of Catalan Music - Theatre tour. What a fantastic place and so ornate we are so pleased to chose this, all worth the wait in the lobby having coffee and cake. Another stroll around and bus pick up at 5pm - so easy!
Next day found us back on the bus again, this time heading for Palace Guell another Architectural gem designed by Gaudi but before he became famous. The ornate walls and ceilings of the receiving room disguised small viewing windows high on the walls where the owners could view their guests from the upper floor and get a 'sneak peek' before greeting them in case they needed to adjust their attire accordingly. The outside roof was also interesting but we had to leave early as it spotted with rain (the uneven tiles get slippery) All this without the hoards we saw at the more well known Gaudi buildings.
Next, a quick look inside the History museum before making our way by local bus to the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. Oh dear, it started to rain heavily so another umbrella purchased in haste. Seems we do this a lot in Spain! (Granada comes to mind). We didn't go inside, so many people waiting, but made our way on foot! to Park Guell. Big mistake on two fronts 1) it was the wrong park and 2) the bus back down was stopping every minute. We thought we would miss our connection for our campsite bus so hopped off and ran the last 500 metres just to make sure. Made it, ... whew! A bit frazzled we eventually fell into the van and both had a nap!
More Barcelona photos to come on dedicated page
7th/8th April - Up the coast again to another campsite for two nights at Blanes right on the coast under some pine trees at the end of the prom, ideal for walking into the pretty small town. It was lovely to sit and have a drink at the beach lounge bar and people watch. We felt like we were on holiday at last.
Next day we went along the prom again and found a lovely tea shop serving Hot Chocolate and Churros (Les's favourite). A few minutes later we noticed some villagers gathering in the small square all chattering before some music and dancing started up. Another jumper purchased in one of their small boutiques and I am a happy bunny, not like me at all to find things I like.
8th/9th April - We moved on up the coast missing out Tossa de Mar (unfortunately, as I am told it's quite nice) because of the very narrow and winding roads, to Sant Feliu de Guixols. One night in the town Aire so we could check it out and walk around the town, and another above a large bay which gave us access to the Cami de Rhonda a lovely walking route around the rocky coast. There is another much more strenuous Via Ferrada too which we saw the signs for but decided we are much too old for that kind if thing!
10th April - We left early today stopping for a quick look at the Plage de Sa Conca bay, one of the best around here and as it was so early we had the place to ourselves.
Next stop Pals, a lovely medieval village which in the summer is full of day trippers - for us, it looked quiet and unspoilt and a pleasure to look around.
After lunch we moved on a short way to Peratallada where we knew we could stay the night. Off out again to see the town and this one was even nicer than Pals, much on the same design though. We had parked up next to another British van so it was nice to chat and exchange information on our next stop Girona.
11th April - Travelling to Girona, and after an early start we arrived at the gated Aire in the centre of town. So easy to walk into the medieval part of the city, first checking out the 12 Century Moorish baths,
then a quick look around the History Museum, walking around the city walls.......
and finishing off with a lovely ice cream at the famous Rocambolesc Galateria. Girona is quite a small town so its easy to get around in a day.
12th April - We had a long drive today and wanted to get out in the countryside and mountains again so set off in a westerly direction to before turning off for San Estaban de Litera just outside Binefar. This was place was very quiet and had been a mining area with lots of tracks some of which lead up to the village with a tower perched up high. Lovely to see the wild flowers and views from the top by the tower. We had our first BBQ's of the trip, in the sun but sheltering from the slight breeze that sprang up from nowhere!
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| View from the tower |
13th April - First stop, Barbastro and we had heard they have very good wing here so we planned to go up to the Office of Tourism where there was supposed to be a wine shop - well, we couldn't find it, seemed it had moved but no-one we asked seemed to know where. Then we spotted a very small bar with a sign saying Tapas and wine 1.50 Euro!... what was there to loose... so in we went and even though it was 11am it seemed quite normal to partake of this offer. No choice as to the Tapas, and only the house wine only but who cares! Wine was also sold by the bottle so of course we had to purchase some. We loved the regulars coming in and with no word spoken, sat down and were brought their 'usual' - much the same as ours so we felt part of it all. Another great wine region we had never heard of!
On then towards Ainsa - only one glass of wine as Les was OK driving...ha! We soon saw the snowy mountains in the distance, passing a couple of lakes as we went - this really was beautiful and we arrived in a large grassy parking area with views all around.
After lunch we strolled into the main town square finishing up the their lovely outside bar in the sunshine. There are lots of long walking and biking routes from here but for now we content to relax in the sun.
14 April - We have a lot of ground to cover on this return route, hoping to stay overnight in Olite. First we made a quick detour to Sos del Rey Catolico and had a look around - there are so many opportunities in this area it's difficult to choose just one but this would have to do if we are to make good time.
15th April - Off once again, stopping in Estella for lunch where the nobles used to show off their family crests on their houses.
We could see the town perched up high so knew it would be quite a hike. We fancied lunch here and the favourite one per the guide books suggested we get in early, luckily there was a one spare table with a view out across the countryside. The waitress put us off one choice (apparently it was various offal cuts) and we came out very satisfied and enough energy to walk around and visit the castle. Once up those steep sided roads was enough for us so better make the most of being up there!
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| Waiting for the castle to open! |
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| Frias from the Drone |
17th April - Our ferry leaves Santander tonight so we have time for one more stop just to the west at Santilla del Mar. However, it turned out to be quite touristy and after Frias, not really the type of town we like. We did walk around and bought some of their famous Artisan baked tart but knew we wouldn't be back. Lunch taken in an 'out of the way' family run restaurant to save us from the ferry food!
.. and as we were a little early we found a nice parking area with a sea view before arriving at the ferry terminal.
All too soon our trip was over and about 4000 miles driven this time. There was a lot to take in and much to think about and remember in future years. Spain always surprises us, it is so diverse with lots of interesting small towns full of history that they are proud of. Away from the coast, the countryside is stunning and the roads so quiet - and luckily this time, no speeding ticket arriving in the post a few weeks later!
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| Our Route |
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