Spanish Road Trip 2023 - Day 2, 2nd November San Pedro del Pinator to Mojaca - 175km via Puerto de Mazarrón, (Murcia), Vera, (Almería), Garrucha, (Almería)
After a good nights sleep in San Pedro del Pinatar, we set off on our second days journey, exploring the Spanish countryside along the way, traveling off the major roads provides a more authentic experience, so we avoid them where ever we can.
The Spanish countryside is filled with hidden gems, from historic landmarks to local markets and scenic viewpoints, we found a great look out point at the Sierra de la Muela, Cabo Tinoso y Roldan Natural Park, with stunning view across to Puerto de Mazarrón. Stopping at spots like this not only provides a welcome respite from the driving but also showcases the beauty of the different landscapes.
A quick drive around Puerto de Mazarrón to get an idea of what is here for future road trips, this looked like a charming coastal town which is known for its picturesque setting, sandy beaches, and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Here are some things to look out for if you visit Puerto de Mazarrón:
Beaches: The town boasts several beautiful beaches, including Playa de la Reya and Playa del Castellar, where visitors can enjoy the warm Mediterranean waters and soak up the sun.
Scuba Diving: The clear waters off the coast make Puerto de Mazarrón a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. There are opportunities for both beginners and experienced divers to explore the underwater marine life and ancient shipwrecks.
Historical Sites: Puerto de Mazarrón has a rich history, and remnants of ancient civilizations can be found in the area. The Roman salt fish factory, known as the Factoría Romana de Salazones, is one such historical site.
Promenade and Marina: The town features a pleasant seafront promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. The marina is a hub for boating activities and offers a charming atmosphere for a leisurely stroll.
Cuisine: As with many coastal towns in Spain, Puerto de Mazarrón offers delicious seafood. Visitors can enjoy fresh catches at local restaurants, where the Mediterranean influence is evident in the cuisine.
Sierra de las Moreras: Nature lovers can explore the nearby Sierra de las Moreras, a mountainous area that provides hiking opportunities and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Whether you're seeking relaxation on the beach, underwater adventures, or a taste of Spanish coastal life, Puerto de Mazarrón has something to offer. It's a great destination for both a relaxing beach holiday and exploring the natural and historical attractions of the region.
Continuing with our drive we decided to revisit one of our old favourites, Vera which we first visited on a previous road trip in 2020.
Spanish Road Trip 2023 - Day 2
Vera: Located in the province of Almería, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, southern Spain. Here are some of the best areas of Vera:
Beaches: Vera boasts several Blue Flag beaches, including Playa El Playazo and Playa de Puerto Rey. These beaches are known for their fine golden sand and clear waters, making them popular destinations for both locals and tourists.
Naturist Zone: Vera is recognized for having one of the most important naturist zones in Europe, known as Vera Playa. The nudist beach area has hotels, apartments, and facilities catering to naturist tourism. I think this is what attracts Derek...... as it's quite a strange concept...
Historical Heritage: The town has a rich historical heritage with remnants of its Moorish past. The old town features narrow streets, traditional architecture, and historical landmarks such as the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.
Agriculture: The surrounding area of Vera is characterized by agriculture, with the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. The local economy has historical ties to agriculture, contributing to the town's identity.
Golf: For golf enthusiasts, Vera offers golf courses like Valle del Este Golf Resort, providing an opportunity for outdoor recreation against the backdrop of the region's scenic landscapes.
Sierra de Almagro: Nature lovers can explore the nearby Sierra de Almagro, a mountain range that offers hiking opportunities and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Vera combines the appeal of a coastal town with historical charm and a range of outdoor activities. Whether you're interested in relaxing on the beach, (with or without clothing), exploring historical sites, or enjoying outdoor pursuits, Vera provides a diverse and welcoming destination.
Spanish Road Trip 2023 - Day 2
Our next stop was Garrucha, who could not stop here with a name like that!
Whilst in Garrucha, visit:
Fishing Port: Garrucha is historically known as a fishing town with a bustling port. The local economy has been closely tied to fishing and maritime activities for many years. Strolling along the waterfront, you can observe the activity of fishing boats.
Beaches: The town is situated along the Costa de Almería, and it has several sandy beaches, including Playa de Garrucha and Playa del Descargador. These beaches are popular among locals and visitors, offering opportunities for swimming and sunbathing, but where very quiet during our visit.
Seafood Cuisine: Given its fishing heritage, Garrucha is an excellent place to savour fresh seafood. The local restaurants and chiringuitos (beach bars) often serve a variety of dishes featuring the catch of the day.
Promenade: Garrucha features a pleasant seafront promenade where you can enjoy a leisurely walk, take in the sea views, and explore various shops, cafes, and restaurants. Sadly this time of year many shops and restaurants were closed and major road works taking place along the promenade, so it was difficult to imagine what it would be like during high season.
Port Authority Building: One of the architectural highlights of Garrucha is the Port Authority Building. This historical structure adds character to the town and reflects its maritime significance.
Marina: In addition to the fishing port, Garrucha has a marina where you can find pleasure boats and yachts. It adds a modern touch to the town's maritime infrastructure.
Garrucha offers a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere compared to some of the larger tourist destinations along the Costa de Almería. Whether you're interested in enjoying the beaches, savouring seafood, or exploring the town's maritime heritage, Garrucha provides a charming setting, sadly this time of year, it was very quiet with lots of roads closed due to out of season roadworks, possibly a place to revisit during the summer months.
Spanish Road Trip 2023 - Day 2
Onto our final destination of the Day - Mojacar, which is known for its whitewashed buildings, narrow winding streets, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
What a let down it turned out to be! Despite the town's initial charm from a distance, our experience was marred by a lengthy detour caused by the closure of the main road due to extensive roadworks.
While our chosen hotel boasted a fantastic location, the downside of being in a hillside town quickly became apparent. Exploring the sights necessitated tackling steep inclines on foot, as no vehicles were allowed in the old town area.
Once we were comfortably settled into our hotel, we opted for a drive into the old town, going as far as we could to conserve our energy. Recognizing that we're not as spry as in our younger days. The steep hills seemed a bit daunting for us to conquer, given our current energy levels and physical capacities.
Upon reaching the car park, the moment we stepped out of our vehicle, the entire area succumbed to darkness, courtesy of a sudden power cut. Surprisingly, the locals appeared unfazed, leading us to believe that such occurrences were likely commonplace. After approximately 10 minutes, power was restored, and life resumed its usual course without much ado.
Some general information on Mojacar-
Mojácar has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with influences from various civilizations, including the Moors. The town's architecture reflects its Moorish past, characterized by whitewashed buildings and labyrinthine streets.
Old Town (Mojácar Pueblo): The heart of Mojácar is its old town, perched on a hill overlooking the sea. The narrow cobbled streets, adorned with colourful flowers, lead to charming squares and historic landmarks. The Plaza Nueva and the Church of Santa María are notable attractions in the old town, just remember that a lot of walking is needed to reach any of these areas.
Moorish Fountain: A distinctive feature in Mojácar's old town is the Moorish Fountain, known as Fuente Mora. It serves as a symbol of the town's Moorish history and is a popular spot for visitors to take photographs.
Viewpoints: Mojácar offers breath taking panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline from several viewpoints. The Mirador Plaza Nueva and the Mirador del Castillo are excellent locations to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape, not that we ventured that far into the town.
Artistic Community: Mojácar has attracted artists and creative individuals over the years, contributing to its vibrant artistic community. Art galleries and craft shops showcase the work of local and international artists.
Gastronomy: The town offers a diverse range of dining options, from traditional Andalusian cuisine to international flavours. Sadly this time of year, most seemed to be closed, the only places we could find open to eat were in the costal area and even here we had to resort to a kebab.
Beaches: The town extends to the coast, where you'll find a stretch of beautiful beaches, including Playa de Mojácar and Playa del Lance. These sandy shores provide a relaxing setting for sunbathing and swimming.
Mojácar is frequently lauded as one of Spain's most beautiful villages, although the source of such acclaim is not entirely clear. However, in all honesty, our experience left us somewhat disappointed. Having visited numerous villages that captivated us more, one example being Altea near Benidorm.
Mojácar didn't quite live up to our expectations. Whether our perception was influenced by the time of year or if we inadvertently missed key attractions, it's safe to say it's not a destination we'll be eager to revisit.
Night 2 Accommodation - Hotel Simon 52€ including FREE breakfast and parking.
Hotel Simon is located at the foot of the town of Mojácar, we did have a nice Mediterranean Sea view from our private balcony. The hotel has a bar-café serving snacks and drinks and this is where our breakfast was served, which consisted of coffee, juice, tostada con tomate and various cakes. There was also quite a nice swimming pool with views of the surrounding area, which was obviously not being used this time of year.
We were more than please with the room, which was a good size and it was nice to have the balcony, the only downside was the position of the car park which was a considerable distance from the hotel, although only at the back of the hotel itself, there seemed to be no back entrance to it, which meant quite a walk up the road to the hotel itself.
A bus stop is situated nearby for buses to the beach area.
Would we stay here again, yes if visiting the area and the price was right.
More photos
Spanish Road Trip 2023 - Day 1, 1st November - Benidorm to San Pedro del Pinatar/Lo Pagan, Murcia, Costa Calida. 150km
Let the road trip begin..... This years trip is going to be slightly different to previous years, which we have taken during the summer months, due to other commitments, this year we began our journey on 1st November.
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. This initial part of the trip was a short one, as we headed South to San Pedro del Pinatar. This brief stopover served as a prelude to the upcoming days.
En route to San Pedro del Pinatar, we couldn't resist a brief detour to La Zenia Boulevard shopping centre. Our stop wasn't just about grabbing a few essentials; it was an opportunity to indulge at one of our favourite restaurants in the area—Che! This Argentinian restaurant takes the dining experience to a whole new level by offering an all-you-can-eat feast right at your table. Once seated, you're presented with bread, rice, chips, salad, and mashed potatoes. The attentive waiters then circulate, presenting a vast selection of meats, most of which are grilled over open fires. It's not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that offers excellent value for money, ensuring you leave the table fully satisfied.
Spanish Road Trip 2023 - Day 1
San Pedro del Pinatar is a charming coastal town located in the province of Murcia, is situated on the Costa Calida, a coastal region in the Southeastern part of Spain, it is positioned between the Mar Menor, a large coastal lagoon, and the Mediterranean Sea, and is known for its beautiful natural landscapes.
The name itself, translates to "St. Peter of the pine" and reflects the town's scenic surroundings and natural beauty.
The town has a rich fishing heritage, and its history is intertwined with salt mining, which still plays a significant role in the local economy.
Attractions and Points of Interest:
Lo Pagan Mud Baths: San Pedro del Pinatar is famous for its therapeutic mud baths located in the natural saltwater lagoons. Visitors come to experience the healing properties of the high salt and mineral content in the mud.
Find detailed information here.
Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar Regional Park: This protected wetland area is known for its biodiversity and is a habitat for various bird species. The park is an excellent spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Beaches: San Pedro del Pinatar offers several beaches along the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea, providing opportunities for sunbathing and water activities, during the summer months.
The Mills of Quintin and Calcetera: Historic mills built in the early 20th century, these structures were used for transferring water from canals to the salt mines. They provide a glimpse into the town's industrial history.
Local Cuisine: Being a coastal town, San Pedro del Pinatar boasts seafood as a prominent part of its cuisine, enjoy fresh and delicious seafood dishes in local restaurants.
While the town might be quieter this time of the year, it offers a more intimate and relaxed experience for visitors, most of the bars and restaurants were open, but there was a noticeable absence of the vibrant atmosphere typically associated with peak tourist seasons. The streets, though not bustling with the usual energy, offered a unique and more intimate experience for those who choose to explore the town during this quieter period.
Overall, San Pedro del Pinatar is a delightful destination with a mix of natural beauty, historical charm, and opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
San Pedro del Pinatar caters to tourists with a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly stays to more upscale choices.
Accommodation - Hotel Arce - 33.34€ including breakfast, on street parking which was FREE.
Our stay here was a brief stopover, and we were on the lookout for something affordable and pleasant—which this place delivered. The rooms, albeit basic, were well-maintained and equipped with all the essentials. Admittedly, the beds adhered to the typical Spanish style of being quite firm, but we still managed to get a decent night's sleep.
One highlight was the inclusive breakfast, featuring croissants, fruit juice, and coffee—a simple yet satisfying start to the day.
Would we consider returning? Absolutely. If we find ourselves in the area and in need of a budget-friendly spot for an overnight stay, this place fits the bill.
Additional pictures below.
Beautiful parks to visit on the Costa Blanca, there is nothing nicer than taking a stroll around one of the many municipal parks, and the Costa Blanca has some really spectacular ones to enjoy. The Spanish word for park is parque.
Find a list of our favourites below.
Alicante - Park El Palmeral (The palm grove) The park is close to the busy N-332 on Avinguda d'Elx just outside the city centre as the name suggests this is a park full of different palm trees, in fact there are over 7000. You walk on well-kept gravel paths, over bridges, pass beautiful flower beds and rare palms.
The gravel paths make this park very accessible for people with prams and wheelchair users, but they do get very dusty during the summer months.
Dogs are NOT permitted.
You can also view the park from the water as you can rent a free rowing boat to sail over the beautifully landscaped pond. You just have to sign up at the dock, they will ask for your driver's license or passport and sign that you will return the boat intact. The pond consists of beautiful open spaces and narrow passages.
There is a lovely cafe and plenty of activity areas for children and sports facilities.
The park is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm in winter and 11 pm in summer. The hours for rowing vary depending on the season.
Beautiful Parks to visit in Benidorm, below are the most well known, but there are many other smaller park/recreational areas in Benidorm.
L’Aiguera Park - Known as the great centre of Benidorm. You can find its main entrance by the Town Hall in the Old Town, to walk from top to bottom it will take you around 15-20 minutes. It’s the park that connects the old town with the new, crossing it you will come across the Julio Englasias Ampetheatre, which is used by the town to organize musical and cultural events. At the very end you will find the Benidorm Bull ring.
Note, in the main areas of the park dogs are not permitted, but up past the bullring you will find a small dog park.
Bus lines: 002; 003.
The Parc d Elx, Elche Park. Located in the old town, although not a very large park this is one of the most relaxing places to sit and relax, as it is located right on Poniente beach front. This park is home to hundreds of beautiful white doves and know to many as Dove Park, it is also known for its spectacular palm trees.
It is located just in front of Poniente Beach, close to Benidorm Harbour. This is a lovely shady park and a great place to sit and people watch, you will also find an open-air gym and the Dama de Elche children's playground just a few meters away, there are also chess tables, where you can play freely.
Foietes Park, near the sports centre in the old town, is another green space that you will find in Benidorm. Just like l’Aigüera, in this park you will find different playgrounds, recreational areas for young and old and shady areas with tables designed for picnics.
Bus lines: 002; 003; 026.
Adolfo Suárez leisure and recreation area and pet park. This covers an area of 1,460 square meters and includes a fenced dog park in which different structures have been installed so that pets can move freely, jump and run. In addition, the area is equipped with gravel and pipeclay pavements, there are plenty of picnic table and even Bio healthy exercise areas.
Beautiful parks to visit
El Moralet Park, also known as the Forest of Foietes y Moralet - Escape the hustle and bustle of Benidorm in this green zone of more than one million square meters that serves as a recreation area with more than 17 kilometres of hiking trails and cycling routes that partly go over an old train tracks.
Several areas can be found with picnic tables and for the children swings, climbing frames, ziplines etc are available.
Bus lines: 001; 002; 003; 026; 030.
Elche - Elche Municiple Park - Covering an area of approximately 20,000m2, the park was first opened to citizens in 1946, the plantations were bequeathed to the city in 1661, its a beautiful green space for everyone to enjoy.
Although the date palm is the queen of the Municipal Park you can find other types of arecaceae, as well as a wide variety of plants: bougainvillea, ficus, araucarias, tipuanas, magnolias, false peppers, Elche poplars, bananas and even the unusual tuliper of Gabon.
The area is dotted with fountains and small ponds, one of them with ducks and swans, which delight children.
La Rotonda, a beautiful open-air amphitheater, is another of the emblematic places, together with the temple installed in the eighties.
Nearby is the dovecote and feeding the pigeons and doves is one of the favourite activities of visitors to the park, especially the little ones.
You will also come across Molí del Real, an old maquila mill of the eighteenth century,
The Visitor Centre, an orientalising style building, popularly known as "l'ou" for its rounded white shape, this is the only surviving construction of the pavilions of the regional exhibition with which the park was opened to citizens in 1946. It housed the Archaeological and La Palma museums. Today it houses a detailed audiovisual presentation on the city: its history, traditions, culture, fiestas and economy.
L'Hort de Baix, this was added in 1960, and this area has been transformed into a spectacular open-air party hall during the patron saint celebrations of August; It is also used for other events the rest of the year.
Open - November to March: 07.00 to 21.00. April to October: 07.00 to 23.00. August: 07.00 to 23.45.
Beautiful parks to visit
Guardamar del Segura - Parque Reina Sofia, Avenida dels Pins 03140 Guardamar del Segura.
This fabulous park is great for relaxing, people watching or letting the children play, paths and bridges wind through the park over waterways and lakes. There are plenty and picnic tables and chairs located at beauty spots throughout, but its the beautiful wildlife which is the main attraction and Reina Sofía park is naturally blessed with some of the Mediterranean’s most endearing creatures such as peacocks, red squirrels, ducks, turtles and other migrating and resident birds.
The park has a large playground providing plenty of entertainment for younger children, and an open-air theatre offers live performances throughout the year and during the summer months a funfair with rides and food stalls which is generally open and from mid-June to mid-August.
There is plenty of parking alongside the Parks and the close proximity to the beach makes Reina Sofía park an enjoyable experience for all the family, whatever the time of year.
Novelda Parque del Oeste (West Park), located on Calle Alfonso el Sabio, 29, 03660 Novelda and is open daily from 9am till 7pm.
At the edge of the town, is the Parque del Oeste (West Park) or Parc Dels Dolors, this is a real hidden gem, and well worth a visit, here the influence of Antoni Gaudi is recognisable by the wide usage of the mosaics called "trencadis".
Inside the park of the Ermita de la Vereda, a religious building dating from the sixteenth century adds cultural value to the park.
The Park has an amphitheatre which seats up to 2000 where, throughout the year, different performances of all kinds are held, it also has an area equipped with barbecues for public use, several picnic areas with tables with benches, football and basketball sports courts, games tables, playgrounds, etc.
Take a nice walk in the park among palms, stone sculptures and fountains.
Open - Monday to Sunday from 09:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m.
Rojales - El Recorral Park Situated on the outskirts of Ciudad Quesada, there is plenty of parking at C. Lugar Sector, 297, 275, 03170 Cdad. Quesada
In 2018, the City Council of Rojales and Hidraqua launched this new infrastructure and this is now a beautifully landscaped park where you will find pretty lily ponds and cascades, quaint bridges and meandering pathways. Among these pond you can find masiega, reed, cattails, river lilies, salt lilies, water mints and water lilies.
Birds such as mallards, little grebes, moorhens, coots, crabeater herons, little egrets, sandpipers, and white wagtails can be easily found.
Enjoy the pleasant aromas of lavender and rosemary amongst other aromatic herbs, and there are plenty of shaded spots to rest.
What makes this park different is the the animal sculptures carved out of tree trunks which are scattered around the park, including some that have been carved into seating areas.
There are also numbered signs on the trees (29 in total), each with an environmental related question and 3 possible answers, the correct one is revealed once you find the next tree! This is great fun and educational at the same time, making this park ideal for families with children.
There is also an adventure playground with a mini outdoor library and reading space. The quiz route begins at the children's playground where you will find tree number 1, then following the path, it takes you around the park for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace.
There are picnic benches and toilets situated close to the car park at the entrance, and the park has full disabled access.
Beautiful parks to visit
Torrevieja, La Mata - Parque del Molino del Agua (The Water Mill Park) - If coming by car the best place to leave your vehicle is just outside the park on Calle Morera, 1 Torrevieja.
This wonderful park gets its name from the original water mill that was used years ago for grinding salt in the area, now it is the perfect location for a pleasant walk.
The park is beautifully laid out with paved pathways running alongside a long water cascade, there are spectacular sea views along the way, and plenty of seating areas under the shade of the pine trees.
The park is dog friendly, and has accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility scooters due to the quite wide and well designed walkways.
*Please note that during very dry weather, there may not always be running water. The photos above were taken mid June.
Which is your favourite park on the Costa Blanca, comment below.
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Laberinto Casa Tapena located in Onil, situated in the region of L'alcoià, at the foot of the Sierra de Onil, just a short distance inland from Alicante and about 77km (approx 50 minutes drive) from Benidorm, this hidden gem is well worth a visit with its maze and gardens.
Find Casa Tapena on the CV-802/903 just over 1km from the centre of Onil. Address: Laberinto Casa Tapena, Partida de, Carrer de Favanella, s/n, 03430 Onil, Alicante
Casa Tápena was built in 2002 and covers an area of 8 hectares, it was born under the slogan "four landscapes, a thousand roads and an idea", in reference to the four different areas which you will find to explore.
There are plenty of parking spaces a cafe serving hot and cold drinks, a few tapas dishes and bocadillos, the toilets are large, clean and well maintained.
As you head away from the car park up towards the main casa (house) you will find a large BBQ/Picnic area and children's playground.
Please note - The use of barbecues depends on the level of risk of forest fire, which is decided by the Generalitat Valenciana. If this is extreme (level 3) or extraordinary they cannot be used, and can be closed without prior notice.
The first area is agricultural and displays many of the native species of the province of Alicante, such as olive trees, vines, almond trees, quinces, apple trees, cherry trees, walnut trees, fig and strawberry trees (Madrone) one of which is said to be the largest in the province.
Laberinto Casa Tapena Onil
The second and most popular area is the MAZE (labyrinth) which is one of the largest in Spain measuring 7,056 m2. The challenge is to negotiate the maze and reach the centre, touch the tall cedar tree, close your eyes and make a wish, then get out again without getting lost or cheating.
Entrance to the Maze is just the other side of the fountain pictured below.
Laberinto Casa Tapena Onil
The third section is the Mediterranean Garden, stroll among the plants and hedges and enjoy the views, while listening to the sound of water from the fountain. Walk higher you will find access to a "Secret Garden"
The fourth section is the wetland, which takes advantage of the nearby natural spring which creates a small pond where you will find aquatic species, above this section is a small Aleppo pine forest where you can walk and relax.
As you head back to the Mediterranean Garden enjoy the wonderful aroma of the rose gardens.
The Casa Tápena: building houses the offices of Alicante natura where there is a classroom and exhibition area for environmental education activities. Among them it has a didactic bee hive, where you can watch the hard working bees, so at certain times during the week you will find school trips taking place.
Opening Hours - Entrance is FREE
From Monday to Friday: from 9:00 to 14:00.
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: from 9:00 to 18:00 (summer from 9:00 to 20:00).
Closed on 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January
What to see in Onil
Onil is known as the birthplace of the doll. Ramon Mira, manufactured the first Spanish dolls around 1870 which were made of clay. Visit the Museuo del la Muneca (the doll museum) which is housed inside a 19th century mansion.
Access is via guided tour only, but this is free of charge., but it is possible to just turn up about 10 minutes before a scheduled tour. On certain days, you can link your museum tour with a tour of a real doll factory. The guide is in Spanish, but a recorded information is provided for non-Spanish speakers.
From Tuesday to Sunday - 12.00
Saturdays - 18.00 hours
Museo del Aceite (the olive oil museum), Museo de los Festeros (the museum of festivals) and Museo de los Reyes Magos de Oriente (the museum of the Three Wise Men).
Castillo de Onil, also known as Palacio Fortaleza del Marqués de Dos Aguas, is a good place to start your explorations of the town. This Site of Cultural Interest sits on Plaza Mayor, flaunting Gothic and Renaissance styles complete with four robust towers. One of these has been transformed into the belltower of the local church, where you will find a 15th century altarpiece. The fortress houses a museum dedicated to local festivals, celebrations and customs, some of which are unique to the town.
Other points of interest in the town include an air-raid shelter dating back to the Spanish Civil War and a beautifully conserved 18th-19th century ice house located at Call Pouet.
Onil is also a place of festivals. Dating back three centuries, the town’s Moors and Christians celebrations fill the streets with music, colour and intricate costumes. Another interesting event is Nit dels Fatxos, held on Christmas Eve, in which locals parade torches made of esparto, creating beautiful interplays of light. Both festivals have been declared Events of Tourist Interest.
Other nearby places to visit - Castalla Castle
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Bolulla - Ruta del Agua, The Water Route. Looking for something different to do? Enjoy the picturesque water route of Bolulla.
This beautiful hidden gem is located inland about half an hour drive from Benidorm, Altea or Calpe.
The Bolulla water route includes beautiful walkways, cascades, and an old mill.
The walk takes about 45 minutes to an hour at a gentle pace, making it suitable for families with children, and ideal for dog walkers, however there are some uneven pathways which are not suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs or anyone with walking difficulties.
Parking can be found at the start of the route (Ruta del Agua de Bolulla 03518 Bolulla, Alicante), indicated by signposts, as soon as you enter Bolulla, take the first road on the right where you will find several parking spaces. Once parked you will see the river on your left, continue straight on the unpaved road. A few meters ahead you will find a fork with private land on each side, you will then see the sign that indicates the direction of the route.
Continue walking until you see a steep pathway heading upwards, with ropes to help guide you, (These ropes seem to be a new addition) if you are feeling fit take the climb, when you reach the top you will see water coming out of a very small hole which feeds the Font dels Xorros. This part of the walk is not necessary to enjoy the rest of the route and is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights or has any walking difficulties.
If you continue on the main path (ignoring the rope climb above) the first cascade you come across is the Font dels Xorros also known as Font de Renyinoyosa , which is particularly spectacular to see straight after any recent rainfall, but even after a dry summer there will still be a waterfall, this is a lovely place to sit and relax, enjoying the sound of the water.
If you visit after a recent rainfall the falls will be a lot heavier. The photos below were taken late September.
Next to the font you will find an information panel explaining the importance of the place for the inhabitants of the village.
Continue walking and follow a narrow walkway on the left you will come across a waterfall with a pool of crystal clear water where you can go down for a bracing dip. It is indicated on the signs as assut, which means water dam.
As you continue along the path you will see a small aqueduct that diverts the waters of the Azud to the municipal laundry and the orchards on the other side of the river.
The path then continues along a dirt track where you cross a little stream that sometimes carries a small amount of water, there are strategically placed rocks to help you cross.
From this point on the pathway is quite steep, if you continue you will come to the remains of the old flour mill, which was in operation until the 20th century, the flour mill was used by both the farmers of Bolulla and those of Tárbena, the nearest town.
There is a large pond located just above the mill which always has water.
The route ends here, at the road. From here, turn around and enjoy the same tour in reverse. One of the good things about linear routes is that, even if you pass through the same place, the landscape is different. And in addition, it allows you to enjoy places that you have already gone through from another angle.
Please remember that these places must be respected and preserved. Do not throw garbage, pick flowers, or dirty the water.
As this is only a short walk, we suggest driving through Taberna and continuing over the mountains and into the Jalon Valley before returning to Benidorm.
