Leaving KISC is always hard but knowing we were traveling south made it easier. We were heading back to Villa Martin near Torrevieja and would be staying just one night in the apartment there before picking the caravan up the following day.
Our return journey was basically the same as the outward one but we stopped over at different towns and hotels.  The first stop was just north of Montelimar in a B&B hotel. We like this chain of hotels as you know exactly what you get and for the price they are always very clean and give you a good buffet breakfast in the morning. There was a pizzeria/restaurant next door for our evening meal and the wine and pizzas were really good.
The following morning on our way out of Montelimar I wanted to visit the Carrefour as this would be our final chance of shopping in a French supermarket before we returned to the UK. We purchased some of our favourite things, wine included and then we were on our way.
We had decided to have a long driving day and were heading for Benicassim and the Hotel Voramar. This hotel stands right on the beach and we have visited it for drinks in the past during our stays on Bonterra Park. It didn’t disappoint us and even our basic room was lovely. When I booked there were no sea view rooms available but Andy would have liked one as they each have a hammock on their balcony. His idea of bliss!!
After drinks on the terrace we walked along the seafront and had a lovely evening meal. In the morning, sitting overlooking the sea at breakfast was really good. The sun was shining and breakfast was gorgeous.

 

We were then on our way to Villa Martin. Well nearly!! We realised we were passing Heather and John again, they were staying on Camping Azul at Oliva so we called in to see them for a couple of hours.
Once back at Villa Martin we had to pack the car ready for the morning. We just managed to fit everything in and then we were ready to pick up our caravan once more.

It was a great feeling to be back with the caravan. It was like being home again.
Driving south along the coast leaving Torrevieja behind and heading for Almeria.
We were on the road once more.

The views changed along the way and soon most of the land around us was covered with poly tunnels. If you look at a google satellite image of Almeria it shows the extent of the coverage. This area is known for growing things such as peppers, cucumbers, table grapes and tomatoes out of their natural seasons.

 

We stayed at Camping Mar Azul in Balerma for 2 nights. People must have thought we were a little OTT for a 2 night stay as we had to sort out the caravan and car contents. Moving the ski gear away and putting summer clothes back in place. Awning equipment came out of the caravan but not put up, just moved into the car. By the time we were relevantly sorted we were starving so it was good that the restaurant on site did takeaway pizzas.

We didn’t go far as Andy was struggling a little with an injury from the ski slopes. His calf was swollen and sore. We got chatting to a couple (Deborah & Geoff) and shortly after Geoff came running over asking for help! Deborah had slipped on their caravan steps and gashed her lower leg open. It was a definite hospital visit so after I had cleaned and dressed it took her to get sorted. Returning sometime later with stitches and skin clips in situ. They were staying on the site for a couple of weeks so she could continue her treatment at the same hospital.
Continuing our journey south, our next stop was at Camping Cabopino, near Marbella. The site was good and busy too. We stayed here for 5 nights as Andy had flights booked from Malaga back to the UK for meetings. I happily stayed on site, enjoying life in the sun. I would swim each morning in the lovely covered and heated pool, take walks to the beach, relax and read my book. Oh and I did some washing and cleaning!

The site was great but the busy road outside wasn’t good for cycling anywhere at all.

Next we were going to Tarifa. I have had this on my list for ages but at last we were actually going to make it. Tarifa is the southern tip of Spain and in fact the southern tip of Europe! It is world famous for kite surfing and windsurfing.

The beaches are amazing and the sun was shining. We stayed at Camping Valdevaquaros and this was yet another great site with good, clean amenities, bread available each morning and just a stroll to the beach, all that for €18 a night including electric hook up.
The town of Tarifa was also worth a visit. With a lovely old walled town that had winding streets to stroll around plus a beautiful beach and promenade.

 

On Tuesday 12th March we made a day visit to Gibraltar. We drove to La Linea, Spain and made the crossing through passport control to Gibraltar and onto Winston Churchill Ave, strangely driving over the runway of Gibraltar Airport.

We parked at the far side of “the rock” and then used the bikes to take a tour. There were some great views and interesting history to be found. Then a stroll down the main shopping street and we were amazed at the prices. A few bottles of spirits purchased and Andy’s watch strap repaired, then back to the bikes for another tour in search of the car. We found it after a few wrong turns, one of these leading us through dockyards where nobody batted an eyelid as 2 Brits on bikes rode in and out of warehouses trying to find a way out!! Once in the car and heading back to Tarifa we decided to fill up with fuel as it was so cheap in Gibraltar. The drive back to the caravan had stunning views all along the way.

 

The following morning after a leisurely breakfast we set off for El Puerto de Santa María, locally known as El Puerto, it is located on the banks of the Guadalete River in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia. Our journey was only 70 miles and we were soon settled on a pitch at Camping Playa Las Dunas. We had a little wander to check out the area around the site and just across the road was a lovely beach. There was a cycle path heading into town so we decided that was our route to explore the next day.
We followed the cycle path towards town until it ceased to exist!! Then it was just follow your gut feeling and hope for the best. We found the Tourist information centre and across the square was the Castillo San Marco, a 12th century fortress. With map in hand we set off on foot to explore the old town. We walked along the park by the river and then into the centre of town to the market halls where there were many strange looking fish for sale. Strolling around the back streets of town we came across Bodegas Obregon, a great place to taste different sherries while standing around a cask inside or out in the street. Seeing people come in with their own jugs to have them filled lets you know this is a well regarded local place.

 

We took a look inside and barrels lined all sides of the bodega and the walls were full of bullfighting memorabilia going back many years. We ordered two glasses of different sherries that were taken straight from the casks and we soaked up the atmosphere of the place. We walked through the Main town square and back to our bikes at the Tourist information centre to ride back to the caravan site. We came to the bullring, a very impressive huge building. Bullfighting in El Puerto de Santa Maria has a long history and the bullring in El Puerto is one of the most important in Spain. In fact, it is the third largest in Spain after Madrid and Valencia.
On Friday 15th March we headed towards La Redondela and Camping Playa Taray. It was 150 miles and took 3 hours 15 minutes. Our checking in was very efficient and in no time at all we were all settled on our pitch. It was only across the road and then a path through some pine trees to the beautiful beach that stretched for miles. The sun was still shining so we had a lovely stroll along the beach. Once again there was a good cycle path along the road to use for the next days exploring.
We were sat by the caravan when our Dutch neighbour came and asked if we would be going to the supermarket as she would like to go but they were in a motorhomes and didn’t have bikes. Of course we said yes we would be going in the morning and she was welcome to come with us. She was a lovely lady and presented us with a bottle of red wine for our kindness. So everyone was happy!!

 

We then cycled into Isla Cristina and found the port with yachts to swoon over! Then we cycled along the seafront and past the lighthouse. Isla Cristina is well known for its fishing and its catch is highly prized throughout Spain. It is also very popular as a holiday resort with the Spanish themselves.
We came across a wooden bridge going over to a strip of beach so it was a good time for a relaxing hour by the sea. Then it was back to the caravan for dinner.
The next day we were leaving Spain and heading for Portugal. It was only a few miles to the border. We were soon on our way.

It’s a big world out there, it would be a shame not to experience it.

Carol & Andy