Spanish Road Trip 2024 - Days 1 and 2 - Benidorm to Pals
Let the road trip begin..... This years trip is going to be slightly different to previous years, which we have mostly taken during the summer months, last years began in early November but we found the dark nights a slight problem, so this year we began our journey on 2nd October, before the clocks are changed and the nights draw in too early.
The change in season raised questions: Would accommodations be easier or harder to find? Would they come at a more budget-friendly price? And how would the cities, towns, and attractions compare to their liveliness during the summer months?
Join us on our journey as we bid farewell to Benidorm.
Spanish Road Trip 2024 - Day 1, 2nd October - Benidorm to Tarragona (Catalonia) 430km
As with all the best made plans, something always goes awry, as per our top tips, the car was scheduled for a service on Monday 30th September, it was deemed necessary for us to get 2 new front tyres, these had to be ordered and were not able to be fitted until the 2nd in the afternoon, so our early start was curtailed, we generally do not use any motorways, but due to our late start and the need to check into our accommodation at a certain time, we took the fastest route (E-15 and AP-7 from Benidorm to Tarragona.
We normally enjoy, good reasonably priced meals at the many road side restaurants attached to the garages, but being on the motorway, these were large chains and extremely expensive, out of principle we were not hungry enough to warrant the horrendous price of 9€ for a rather sad looking sandwich, the 3€ for small bottles of drinks were enough of a rip off.
Having left sunny Benidorm as we headed further North the weather began to change, getting much cooler with some some quite heavy rainfall.
Due to our late arrival we had no time to check out Tarragona itself, so that will be on a list for a future road trip.
Spanish Road Trip 2024 - Night 1 Accommodation - Mediterrani Natura Spa Resort - 35€, FREE Parking. Situated 9km outside Tarragona in Tamarit.
We had booked a one bedroom bungalow, which consisted of a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave, a seating area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower and a small bedroom with twin beds.
Never having stayed on a campsite before we were surprised upon check in to be given, pre packaged towels, bedding and a cleaning pack, complete with washing up liquid and matches in case we wanted to use the BBQ., I don't think we have ever had to make our own beds before......
We certainly could not complain about it, although by no means luxury but at 35€ for the night it was a good value for money and had everything we needed for a comfortable one night stay.
The Resort did have 2 pools and a spa/wellness centre, for which we were given wrist bands and the beach was only 800m away, it also had a restaurant onsite where we enjoyed a nice meal and a bottle of wine at a reasonable price.
Would we stay here again? Yes if the price was right and we happened to be in need of accommodation in this area.
Spanish Road Trip 2024
Spanish Road Trip - Day 2 Tarragona to Pals, via Hostalric (Catalonia), Girona (Catalonia) - 233km
After being woken up by the sound of the rain pattering on our plastic cabins roof, we were up quite early and ready for the day ahead, as it started to brighten up we both donned our shorts and T-Shirts expecting the temperatures to rise nicely as they generally would in Benidorm.
Heading out on the smaller roads after a couple of hours drive we came across a town called Hostalric, which looked interesting, so decided to stop and investigate, one foot out of the car told us that we had dressed inappropriately, one of the bonuses of having everything in the boot of the car means a change of clothing is at hand, I just hope none of the locals saw us stripping down to put warmer clothing on.....
Hostalric
This is a small medieval town full of charm, with cobbled streets, and an imposing castle set upon an ancient volcano. The castle is open to the public and in 1963 the castle and walls were declared Cultural Assets of National Interest.
* Notice the yellow bow on the hillside? we saw a lot of these on our journey through Catalonia. The yellow bows (lazos amarillos in Spanish, llaços grocs in Catalan) are a powerful symbol associated with the Catalan independence movement. They became especially prominent after the 2017 Catalan independence referendum and the subsequent political and legal actions taken by the Spanish government against Catalan leaders.
The yellow bows represent: Solidarity with imprisoned or exiled Catalan political leaders: After the illegal independence referendum in October 2017, several Catalan leaders were arrested, prosecuted, or fled the country. The yellow bow came to symbolize support for these politicians, who were seen by pro-independence supporters as "political prisoners."
Support for Catalan self-determination: The bows are also used to express broader support for Catalonia's right to self-determination and the desire for independence from Spain.*
Hostalric town itself sits inside the castle walls, demilitarization of the town took place during the18th century which led to the wall and its buildings being turned into residential houses, however, these did not meet the minimum hygienic and sanitary conditions due to the waste water that had accumulated there for years, which gave rise to infectious diseases.
In 1873, the first building permit was applied for which made it possible to have a roof or, in some cases, a gallery at the height of the ground floor and a premises below, at the foot of the road, today these are various shops and general businesses.
The Friars Tower is one of the most important medieval constructions in Hostalric. It’s stands at about 33 metres high and dates from the 13th century.
The tower was so named because in front of it stood the Convent of the Minim Friars of Francis of Paola, which is now the town hall.
This was a military defence tower and is divided into 3 floors and a terrace. The first floor was the cistern, the second where the soldiers were and the third the warehouse for groceries and weapons. This is open to the public at certain times and there is even a lift, but sadly this was closed on our visit.
Spanish Road Trip 2024
After a quick coffee break and a wander around the town, it was back on the road again.
Girona
You really can not come to this area without a visit to Girona. Girona is a historic city in northeastern Catalonia, Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Located about an hour from Barcelona and near the Costa Brava, it’s a perfect destination for travellers looking to explore medieval charm, impressive landmarks, and a mix of old and new. Here are some highlights:-
Historic Old Town (Barri Vell) - Girona’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved in Spain, with a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings. A must-see is the Jewish Quarter (El Call), one of the most significant in Europe, reflecting the city’s medieval Jewish heritage. Walking through the Old Town feels like stepping back in time, with plenty of cafes, shops, and hidden courtyards to discover, this is a really lovely area.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria is Girona’s most iconic landmark, known for its massive single nave, the widest Gothic nave in the world. Perched at the top of an impressive staircase, the cathedral offers stunning views over the city.
The Basilica de Sant Feliu (Church of St. Felix) is one of Girona’s most important and historic churches, standing as a key symbol of the city’s religious and architectural heritage. Located near the Cathedral of Girona, this impressive basilica has deep roots in Girona’s early Christian history.
The Basilica de Sant Feliu was Girona’s main church before the cathedral was built, and its origins date back to the early Christian period (4th century). It was dedicated to Saint Felix (Sant Feliu), a martyr who became the city's patron saint. Over the centuries, the church has undergone various modifications, resulting in a fascinating blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles.
The bell tower (added in the 14th century) are particularly striking. The tower, with its slender, soaring design, is one of Girona’s most recognizable landmarks.
The Onyar River runs through the city, and its brightly coloured houses along the riverbanks are one of Girona’s most photographed sights. Several charming bridges, including the Eiffel Bridge, designed by the same architect who created the Eiffel Tower, connect the historic and modern parts of the city. During our visit there was very little water in the river and it looked nothing like the various photos we had seen and I think we may have been in the wrong area to see the coloured houses, there is always next time....
Girona gained international fame as a filming location for the hit series Game of Thrones. Several iconic scenes were shot in the Old Town, including at the cathedral steps and the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants, making it a popular destination for fans of the show.
Girona during our visit was still quite busy even this time of year, it had a lovely atmosphere and we enjoyed our brief visit.
Pals
Pals is a picturesque medieval village located in the Baix Empordà region of Catalonia, close to the Costa Brava. It’s known for its beautifully preserved old town, cobbled streets, and historical charm, making it a popular destination for tourists.
Pals has its roots in the Middle Ages, with evidence of settlements dating back to the 9th century. The village grew around a hill, crowned by a medieval fortress, and was fortified in the 12th and 13th centuries. It still retains much of its medieval character, with well-preserved stone buildings, arches, and narrow, winding streets.
The old town of Pals, known as the Vila Vella, is the heart of its medieval heritage, walking through the village is again time regression, with its narrow, winding streets, stone houses adorned with flowers, and small artisan shops.
The most notable architectural landmarks include: The Torre de les Hores (Tower of the Hours): A 12th-century Romanesque tower, which is one of the last remnants of the ancient castle that once stood on the hill.
Sant Pere Church: This church, originally built in the 10th century, has been modified over the centuries, blending Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.
The Medieval Walls:
The town's old walls are still standing, and you can walk along parts of them to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
During our early evening visit, the village was peaceful, with most restaurants closed until later. However, we stumbled upon an ice cream shop boasting the "best ice cream in the world," so naturally, we had to give it a try. It wasn't. (We found that later in Italy). Afterward, we found an open restaurant and enjoyed a delightful meal at a reasonable price.
Although quiet at the time of our visit, Pals can get quite busy during the high season, particularly in the summer months (July and August). The village’s proximity to the popular Costa Brava coastline makes it a favourite destination for tourists, especially those looking to combine beach trips with cultural and historical experiences. The influx of visitors during this time leads to bustling streets, packed restaurants, and crowded attractions.
Would we return? Pals is said to be one of the most beautiful towns on the Costa Brava but to be honest, we felt Guadalest (Costa Blanca) has a lot more charm.
Spanish Road Trip 2024 - Night 2 accommodation - Aparthotel Golf Beach 63€ (Free parking) situated 5km from the medieval town and 900m from the Beach.
This Aparthotel offers an outdoor pool (closed this time of year) and free Wi-Fi, studios, apartments and villas with a balcony or terrace are available. All accommodation at Golf Beach is air-conditioned and features simple décor with tiled floors. The studios and apartments feature a kitchenette and a seating area with a flat-screen TV.
This was a lovely big room and we were on the ground floor, so had direct access to the pool area, we had a very comfortable nights sleep, everything was provided and it would be suitable for a much longer stay to explore the area, being fairly quiet, parking was no problem and there was even a very large supermarket next door.