Benidorm

We did the half hour drive along the coast from Calpe to Benidorm. We had to trawl around a few sites before we could get a space (again) and having a small van saved the day (again).

We found a spot for two nights at Camping Villasol. Although it’s a nice site, it’s clearly geared up for a different kind of visitor. Many of the pitches were filled with massive caravans and campers and tonnes of paraphernalia that made it clear that people stayed there for weeks or months. Most of the time, we are only stopping for one night, so don’t bother to get the outside chairs out. Setting up potted plants, nailing down a pitch sized groundsheet for you outside three-piece-suite under your pergola seemed a bit much to us. Each to their own…

Benidorm is a beautiful place with the added bonus that it’s warm and has a couple of great beaches. It’s clear why so many people have made it their holiday destination. And the locals have been very accommodating /enterprising in making it as easy as possible for Brits, Dutch and Germans (and a few other nationalities) to visit. There’s plenty of tat and pubs and the nightlife along a few of the streets is pretty rowdy. But there are some charming areas too.

We took the bikes out to pedal down along the two main beaches.
Levante beach is where all the largest hotels and the loudest streets are. Poniente beach is a little more subdued with the old town and shopping area behind much of it. Between the beaches is a headland where you can get an excellent view of both and appreciate how clear the water is.

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We spent a few hours meandering the streets, snacking, having a couple of light drinks. Joolz shopped and I waited outside, ‘guarding the bikes’.

When we returned The Van, Joolz fancied a chill, but I had some energy left. So I nicked her Electric Brompton and headed up the nearby steep hills again. Overlooking the whole town is La Crue de Benidorm which was only about 1.5km from the camp site, but a 300m climb.

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Afterwards we went to the bar to chat and plan. In true Benidorm style, it was good, but the presentation was a little crass.

Getting up early tomorrow for a long drive to Granada…