Our journey south on the N340 along the east coast of Spain started very smoothly. The road runs alongside the toll road and is a very good road with lengths of dual carriageway in many places. Suddenly it became very windy with very strong gusts from time to time. Andy had to drive with great care! (As he always does! 😂😂) We did well and arrived at Camping Bonterra Park after 3hrs 15mins.
We were very pleased they had space for us. Armed with a map of the site we walked around to find a pitch we liked. C1-5 it was and we were soon in position and set up.

 

A stroll down to the beach and a lovely sunset. It was still a little windy and we put our tie down strap over the awning as we had been told someone had lost their awning earlier in the day.
We woke up the next morning in the sun and the awning had survived the overnight winds.

The campsite was recommended and we can see why! It’s very clean and very organised. There are a lot of British here but lots of other nationalities too.
The area has cycle paths and hiking routes, along the seafront or into the hills. The beach goes on for miles, it’s gorgeous.

We soon decided we would stay here for the next two weeks and we settled in to a very relaxing routine of leisurely mornings with breakfast in the sun followed by exploring the local area.
Bike rides along the “Via verde” a cycle path made on the old coastal train line and passes through the old train tunnels. It took us to Orpesa, the next town north of Benicassim.

We went for walks along the beach in both directions, it stretches for around 8 miles. The whole length is clean and has regular amenities such as foot showers, play areas, volleyball nets, small goal nets, seating, disabled access and toilets.
On these outings Andy took many photos. He waited patiently for crashing waves and at one point they surprised him and he got soaked! 😂😂

We went out in the car to explore a lake we had seen on google maps. Heading out of town and up into the hills we made our way on small winding roads. Finding the lake was easy but finding access to it was harder. Finally we came across a parking area and surprisingly there were 3 motor homes parked up, all 3 were British. The men were fishing and had managed to catch enough for tea. After a chat with them we went over to the dam so Andy could take some photos and have a flying session with the drone.

Another car journey was to the city of Castellon close by. It’s a large city and very busy. We browsed through small streets and saw the sights. Andy took photos everywhere. After a drink stop en route we found the Bull ring. The date above the main entrance was 1884 and you could imagine how it must have been on fight days many years ago.

Thursdays are market days in Benicassim and I love browsing around markets, being in the hustle and bustle with local people, buying fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh eggs and other bits and bobs.

On all our outings we always found a lovely drink stop. Sitting in the sun with a cold beer or a glass of white wine with nibbles was so relaxing. It could be the little Bar Casino in the market square or the lovely Hotel Voremar on the beach, the LaCalma beachfront bar or the Cerveceria Cruz Blanca in Castellon. But our favourite of all was definitely Club Palasiet, it sits high above the end of the beach and the view is amazing.

 

There is a programme of activities available on the campsite and we took advantage of the Spanish classes on offer. I find the language so difficult to speak and even harder to understand but we keep trying, actually I think Andy did very well, both at learning the language and being very patient with a Swedish lady in the group that really was driving him crazy! 😂😂
We took part in a Remembrance Day service on site, it was well attended.

We met some lovely people on site from many different countries and places. After posting on Facebook I had a message from a friend at home to say that her Aunty was on site and maybe I could find her and say hello. I managed to find her and what a coincidence as they were on the next pitch but one to us. 😀😀
The weather has been so kind to us and even though it has been rather windy at times the sun has shone every day. The days are short and it soon gets chilly as the sun goes down but we are now in the middle of November and still wearing shorts and T-shirts every day. We are so lucky. 😍

Washing and cleaning still needs to be done but we can handle that. 😂
At the end of our stay at Bonterra Park I can understand why people choose to come and spend their winter months here. I am sure we will return.

On Monday 20th November we head for Vilanova Park. 😍