Endless Summer Days in El Campello

Its been a while since the last post, but with the weather in Toledo still cool by both day and night, we made the decision to head off to the coast in search of some of that Winter sunshine. At no point did we intend staying still very long, but sometimes, these things just happen, a 3 night night stay to avoid the Spainish long holiday weekend, quickly extended to a week and then to 3 to take in the christmas festivities .

But what was the draw of this little know place of El Campello ?

The real joy comes in the foam of differnt but unquine areas to explore…..

El Campello, in the heart of the Costa Blanca, is one of those special places that has managed to transform itself from a small fishing village without losing its roots to the high rise, low cost airline travelers

Still very much a firm favourite with spainish touirst and only a handful of brits to boot.

A charming holiday destination overlooking the Mediterranean Sea to enjoy !

Its attractions are countless , its history, festivals and traditions, food, even its people,and did I mention its food…

But we must not forget that its extensive and varied coastline,  reportably the largest in the province of Alicante, which together with the fair weather, assures us a myriad of adventures by the sea for us to have

In short, a set of beaches and coves that form an authentic paradise by the sea, and that makes El Campello the best destination where to make a stop off on this ever changing road trip.

So Verity Volkswagon wheels have stopped, something we learnt is that from time to time its important to not just plough on, in our heads and hearts we are still very much Travelers, but we do have to remember that this is our holiday from work and as such we need to relax and enjoy.

In the back of my head was a recomendation from way back about a little Camper stop here, Area7  is my typical gravel carpark, but within a stones throw of the beach and with full services to boot, whats not to like!

The added attraction of this place is the direct Tram link to both Alicante in the south and Benidorm (and beyond) in the North.

Mention  to any spainish visitors and their thoughts of Campello brings to mind an ancient watchtower down by the fishing port or eating a leisurely lunch at one of the traditional restaurants, gazing across the sandy beach to the azure Mediterranean Sea.

Life in El Campello, a pleasant coastal town just north of Alicante city, has always revolved around the sea.

Over the centuries, many civilizations have stamped their footprint on the landscape.

To unravel the mysteries they left behind, first take a look at La Illeta dels Banyets’, the small rocky islet that juts into the sea just behind the smart modern leisure harbour.

Possibly the most significant archaeological site on this entire coast line, prehistoric remains date back to beyond the Bronze Age and ruins include part of an old Iberian settlement. ‘Banyets’ or ‘Baños de la Reina’ refers to the manmade rock pools, originally a Roman fish salting industry, sadly as much I can admire the history its been a little overpreserved, but when entry is only €2, you almost cant not explore.

The fishing port is one of the oldest in Spain and was for a long time the second biggest on the Mediterranean coast.

If the opportunity arises don’t miss watching the fish auction that takes place as the fishing boats dock in the early evening – the weather will play an important role in this as if its rough out to sea, the small fishing vessels will not dock and the resturanters will have limited fresh seafood the next day.

One of our favouite ways to while away a couple of hours is to pop down to the traffic-free seafront, a mecca for the spainish both young and old, for us its just a great place  for a stroll and then stopping off for something tasty to eat – Mediterranean rice dishes figure strongly among the specialities to try in Campello, and as always your glass of something will come with a tasty tapa!

Being a working spainish town it also offered up an amazing fresh produce market,  allow us to buy and use so many amazing fresh ingredients..

Playa de San Juan, is one of the Costa Blanca’s most stunning beaches,offering up Seven kilometres of fabulous golden sands extended along the Mediterranean coastline, from Cabo de la Huerta to El Campello – a broad, spacious, gently sloping beach with ‘Blue Flag’ standard; it is popular but rarely crowed.

The beach features various zones of different activities…

Play areas for small children with the usual ‘pyramid’ rope climbing frames, swings and slides, a pirate boat and fantastic play house.

Others where family and friends can bring picnic tables, sit back and relax or join in the fun and games.

Christmas was spent with a few new friends and a paella in the sunshine, check out Michele’s tan lines, anyone would think we found that winter sunshine!

 

Paul.