Exploring the Countryside

We had a drive out the other day, we thought it was about time we did a bit exploring and so went down the coast a bit to the next town,Castellon.

In the end we didn't stop here for long as once we drove out of the town we were in an industrial area and seemed to be moving away from the coast. So in the end we decided to go inland and towards the mountains where we were sure to get some lovely views.

Eventually we came to this small town perched on the hillside, Lucena

Along this part of the road are these lay-byes which are very handy for stopping in and taking in the view. A great idea on these narrow winding roads.

We stopped for a while in Lucena and just had a wander around.







Don't know who these horses belonged to but they were happy to be photographed.

Around this area there are a lot of Ceramic Factories and it was strange to see this one so far into the countryside. Apparently the ceramic tile industry has recently been hit by the economic crises so a lot of the factories have closed down.

We drove back to our site on a different road which was even more windy and narrow but once again we had some wonderful views.

We came across a few of these settlements along the way, some of the buildings were almost completely demolished and others looked as if they were being re-built.

I wonder who has lived here at some point.

Right in the distance is the sea

Benicassim and Bonterra Park

All packed and ready to leave

We have moved on now about 250 miles down the coast from Roses. We had a good journey down although it was on motorway most of the way and we had to pay some hefty tolls, it was fairly busy particularly around Barcelona and it took us about 5 hours altogether.

The town we are in is Benicasim and the campsite is called Bonterra Park which is a couple of streets back from the beach. It is a large campsite with a swimming pool, restaurant and bar area as well as some bungalows to rent.

The other morning we had breakfast in the restaurant, which looks over the pool, a full english for 5 euros each, all very nice. I am sure we will do that again soon.
The pitches are mainly marked out with hedges but we decided they were too difficult for us to get into with our large caravan so we found a pitch at the back of the site with no hedges so that was easier for us.    



This was the position we were in for the first night.                                                                                                                                    

The next morning we then had to man handle our caravan a bit as there were a couple of trees to avoid as we wanted to put our awning up. We had a bit of help from a passing couple at one point and some unhelpful advice from another chap who said we should get a motor mover!! (some cost over £1000 for twin axle caravans like ours) 

Anyway we eventually had it where we wanted it and we are now comfortably placed to stay here for a month.

The view from our caravan overlooking the playground and some empty pitches, however when Friday arrived it did become a lot busier but it is now Sunday and a lot have left so it is quiet again.

The beach area is not quite as pretty as Roses but has the usual wide promenade which goes on for miles.

A lovely area once again for cyclists, skateboarders and runners as well as the people who enjoy walking like ourselves. (Rob says, as long as we don't go too far)









Along the beachfront are the usual bars and restaurants interspersed between the apartment blocks, hotels and villas.

 

Some of the villas have been here since the early 1900's when this area first became a popular seaside resort.

At one end of the beach was this fort like building which was built in the late 1500's as a watch- tower to help to look out for pirates!

There is a gate at the back of the campsite which opens on to a foot and cycle path which seems to be very well kept. 

This is the view from the back, not too far away is a railway line but we don't hear too many trains and the main road is also there and occasionally we are aware of the traffic. But we have no complaints and on the whole we find it a peaceful campsite.