From Delta del Ebro, we took the Autovía A-7 which is a free motorway in very good condition (the toll highway is right next to it, so be careful not to miss the indications for the Autovía) and headed to the Andalusian coast.
Map to Almuñécar
First, we did a short stop in Castellón de la Plana. We didn't spent time enough to discover the city, but we've enjoyed a pleasant walk through its large beach surrounded by palm-trees and wandered on the streets nearby.
The beach in Castellón de la Plana
We hit the road again and crossed through the Spanish' enormous plantation of oranges, olive trees and greenhouses, so big that one wanders if is really needed so much production and industrialization?!... We drove just a bit in the interior of Spain and the landform chances completely compared with the coast. The landscape is drier, sandy and the habitable zones are much rarer, but agriculture is everywhere! We've passed through some cities that seems to be invaded by the greenhouses and only occasionally you could see habitable buildings. The sights were somehow discouraging, to see how we are invading the nature at every corner, suffocating it with massive plantations...
The trip was quite long and the drive very difficult for Luis because of the strong winds that decided to blow like mad between the mountains and rocky hills.
Agricultural fields in Andalusia
We arrived in the Camping Tropical near Almuñécar on a heavy rain, but safe. It is a really beautiful and quiet place located on the hills, with a stunning view over the city and the mountains that surrounds the area. The camping is very small and to our surprise, was almost full with motorhomes, so be careful, if you plan to come here, especially during summer, it's better to make a reservation in advance. The staff was very kind with us and gave us indications about the places to see and recommended us to pay a visit to the Mercado Municipal for their fresh fish and sea fruits (we've followed their advise and we supplied ourselves with fresh salmon, tuna and shrimps for a delicious barbecue). Also, if you forgot to buy bread the night before, don't worry, a van passes almost every morning with warm bread for you.
The camping offers yoga classes three times/week for €5 each and worth trying it. I've attended a few times the classes and the instructor was a very nice Italian woman.
Camping Tropical and its sights
Almuñécar lies in the province of Granada, Andalusia, in the heart of Costa Tropical, a region with subtropical climate, where exotic fruits, such as banana (less sweet, but hearty), avocado or mango are grown in their environment. The city has a rich history, from a Phoenician colony, to a Roman, Visigothic, Muslim and in the end Christian domination, full of influences and you got plenty of things to discover.
Different views over the city at dawn
Detail with Iglesia de la Encarnación
You get to understand more the Andalusian atmosphere when you walk on a sunny Sunday on the tiny streets of ciudad vieja (old city) and listen to its 'voice'. At first, it gives you the feeling that you are alone and nobody lives in these white houses with splashes of colors on their windows and doors, but the more you climb, you start to hear the kids playing football in the tiny squares, the old men talking with low voice to each other and the fried oil sizzling in the pan, announcing the arrival of the Sunday lunch. Take a deep breath, open your ears and heart and let yourself be lost in time for a moment, will give you such a pleasure!
Another sound that you'll enjoy for sure, is the chirping of the canaries and parrots which seem to be a frequent presence in their homes.
The silence collapses when everyone is around the table and feast themselves with Spanish goodies and wine...well...you might know already that Spanish are famous for loud talk and shrill laughter :D.
Lose yourself in the Pueblo Blanco (white village)
It gives such a pleasure to admire the creativity of the people when it comes to arranging the facade of the houses. Flowers, plants, vibrant doors and windows, colorful ceramics and tiles are the recipe for a welcoming house and a delight when you return back home... ah...I should not forget the adorable E.T.!
Lovely facades in Ciudad Vieja
When you get out from the labyrinth of streets, you'll bump into Castillo de San Miguel which offers you a panoramic view over the city and at his feet lies the quiet Parque Botánico El Majuelo.
Castillo de San Miguel and surroundings
Nature and sculptures in parque Botánico El Majuelo
We've discovered a charming Bonsai Garden hidden among the modern buildings of the city, which seems to be an oasis of peace amongst the bustle of lunch hours.
A small corner of heaven under the warm sunlight of December
I didn't talked yet about the seaside and Almuñécar's beaches, but you have to know that the coastline stretches over a distance of 19 km of black and white sand and/or rocky beaches, which during summer are filled with sun lovers. However, since the weather didn't let us to enjoy a sunbathe or swimming in the sea, we took the chance to make long walks and morning jogging near the beach.
Bits of the 19 km of beach
Toto and Neko also enjoyed the time spent in Andalusia, exploring each corner and tree from the camping :), even more, Neko discovered a complicated and interesting technique to climb on the roof of our van and is not getting tired of it! :D
We've left the tropical coast behind and headed to Ronda, a mountaintop city in the Malaga province. We are coming soon with some beautiful photos, so stay close!
