|
Costa Azahar - the Orange Blossom Coast, is one of Spain's most
unspoilt regions. Located between the lands of the Ebro Delta and
the lively Costa Blanca, it boasts magnificent beaches, soaring
mountain ranges, picturesque villages, and the stunning cities of
Valencia and Castellon. Costa Azahar is a treasure.
Visit early in the year to enjoy the aromas and beauty of the orange
blossom and any time of year to appreciate how this remains a coastline,
which has largely escaped the ravages of mass tourism.
Alcossebre/Las Fuentes is in easy reach of some of Spain’s
great natural and cultural sites. A self-drive car is essential
to take in the best the region has to offer. Here is an exciting
selection of day trips, which can be enjoyed from resort. Accessibility
is variable as many of the locations are ancient sites but simply
travelling through this beautiful part of Spain is a pleasure in
itself. We feel that venturing beyond the coastal fringe and into
the hinterland of the Costa Azahar is well worth the effort!
Morella - Mediaeval
magic!
Discover the mediaeval town of Morella in the El Maestrazgo region,
perched on high and crowned with a spectacular ruined castle. En-route
from resort visit the small hilltop town of Cervera del Maestre
and see local craftsmen carving from olive wood (souvenir opportunity).
Continue your meanderings through the mountain villages to Vallivana
and discover its beautiful church. Once in Morella, take time to
explore its narrow (steep) winding cobbled streets lined with artisan
stores, bars, boutiques and restaurants. For those with the energy
a journey to the castle is memorable (and physically demanding)
- the views truly incredible! Winding your way back to resort visit
the old town of San Mateu and the mountains of Alcala.
|
|
Morella at night |
Sagunto Castle
|
Villafames and Cabanes -Traditional
Spain
Wander through unspoilt valleys to the intriguing mediaeval town
of Villafames. Explore the maze of sloping streets, which lead to
the restored castle keep. Admire the stunning church and museum
of contemporary art housed in a 15th century mansion house. See
the old washhouse, which is still in use today! Enjoy a traditional
lunch of tasty tapas and local beverages before continuing your
journey.
Drive back to resort along the picturesque mountain road winding
slowly down to the beach at Torre la Sal, where you can enjoy a
stroll along the promenade with its tiny old beach houses and local
bars.
Peniscola and Alcala de Xivert
- Local castles
The location of the film El Cid, Peniscola is less than half an
hour from resort. Visit the castle and old walled town (steep and
cobbled) for some great views, hundreds of tiny shops, bars and
restaurants. Choose to dine in one of the numerous eateries offering
balconies or roof top terraces before strolling down the long, long
paseo, which comes to life in the high summer season with street
performers and artists. Boat trips available from the harbour where
you might also see the fish market in full swing as the many fishing
boats deposit their catch.
Visit Peniscola day or night time for a memorable short trip.
The journey home on a sunny day can be best enjoyed via the 'Hidden
Valley', which takes you through dramatic mountain scenery and provides
the chance to visit ancient Alcala Castle.
|
|
Peniscola |
Caves of St. Joseph |
Sagunto Castle and the Caves of St.
Joseph - History and Wonder
Sagunto, with its beautiful buildings, Roman temple and amphitheatre,
splendid church, cobbled streets and landmark castle holds a special
place in Spanish history. It is here that Hannibal is believed to
have stayed and now offers the visitor a memorable insight into
times past.
Continue your travel through the orange groves to Valle d'Uixo
and experience the underground river at the Caves of St Joseph.
The boat trips through this underwater grotto are simply delightful
although access to the boats will be difficult for those with restricted
mobility. The caves even have an underground restaurant! This trip
is not available on Mondays.
Ebro Delta - A
Wildlife Haven
Discover the largest stretch of wetland in Catalonia and an aquatic
environment second only to the Camargue region of France. This is
a prosperous and fertile rice growing areas with 27 square miles
of nature reserve. Explore deserted sandy beaches and take a boat
trip to Illa de Buda, a breeding ground for rare sea birds and flamingos.
The Ebro Delta is a very special place.
|
|
Ebro Delta boat trip |
Albarracin |
Albarracin - Dramatic
and Picturesque
This delightful town, with its walls and towers dating from early
Muslim times, a sixteenth century cathedral and mediaeval galleried
houses has rightly earned the honour of an international award for
historical preservation.
Perched above a river on a dramatic cliff side the town provides
a perfect setting for the attractive cluster of mellow pink buildings,
numerous ceramic and delicatessen shops, bars and restaurants. A
truly memorable excursion into 'real' Spain.
|