Monday 22nd January 2018

With the weather in the high 20s what better than saddling up and exploring the coastline south of the campsite.

It had been a while since we have had such excellent weather for cycling and we were not going to miss this opportunity.

We headed out of the campsite on the roads, as it was not immediately possible from here to cycle along the coast. We made our way towards the urbànizàción Marinà D’or and the Playa Les Amplaries.

Here were numerous residential/ apartment blocks, which although not to everyone’s taste, were set back from the beach behind some extremely well maintained garden areas and a boardwalk which wound its way towards the main pedestrianised area and the larger hotels of Marinà D’or.

It was hard to imagine how busy this area must be in the peak season, with so many apartment blocks, but we were happy to enjoy the lack of holiday makers for now.

We cycled along the boardwalk, which would not have been possible during busy periods, but there were ample roads and passages which we could also have used.

To our surprise we discovered a delightful park, Les Jardines Marina D’Or, at the beginning of the promenade, Paseo Marítimo Del Medierráneo.

It was easy to see how this tranquil spot would make a superb respite area during the heat of the day or in the evening, when you could sit and listen to the water features or enjoy the array of birds resident in the park.

The gardens were immaculate and well stocked. Paths meandered between the planting areas and there was ample seating, in the style of Gaudi, to take time out and delight in the surroundings. Even the kerb edges and the planter pots were in this mosaic style.

A large lake and streams provided suitable areas for a variety of bird life and there was a large caged area with domestic fowl, for the children to enjoy. There were even peacocks and pea hens wandering around freely.

Within the perimeter of the park were also play areas for children and a large open space which we have since discovered is used for different events in the peak season. So maybe the park wouldn’t deliver the same peace and quiet it had afforded us.

The whole of the area of the Marina D’Or seemed like a ghost town during our time of visiting but from photographs and research on the internet, this whole place comes alive in the summer months and we were rather pleased we wouldn’t have to be there during this time.

There is huge children’s play area and Water Park, a 4D cinema and the Jardín encantado, which puts on shows and music events.

It looks like the perfect place for families who enjoy an array of activities, both day and night.

We headed on towards the main town of Oropesa del Mar, via the promenade. The beaches here were sandy and clean and excellent for bathing. (Playa Morro De Gos and Playa De La Concha).

Most of the shops and restaurants along the promenade were closed but when open would offer a wide choice of dining opportunities.

At the end of the promenade we began the steep climb up the Paeso Del Faro, around the bend of the land, towards the lighthouse.

Continuing on, along the Paseo would eventually bring you to the beach, Playa De La Concha, and the beginning of the Vía Verde del Mar, our cycle trip for tomorrow.

In the centre, north of the main town, towards the AP7 is the Casco Antiguo, the old town, where you can visit the local museums and the old castle, as well as the bull ring.

Later that evening we decided to head off to the Marina D’Or and see what the night life was like.

Equipped with warm clothing and a torch we made our way along the boardwalk towards our destination. The lighting along the boardwalk was welcome and the clear sky dappled with stars was excellent.

We passed a couple of large elephants on the beach. I hasten to add, not real, but life size and discovered that they were showers! Something to please the children I guess.

It wasn’t long before we were aware in the distance of the large hotels, as they had many bright, colourful lights advertising their very existence.

The park we had spent time in earlier was still open, and it was lit more subtly and we were aware of the roosting birds, settling down for the night.

Outside the park though, we were taken aback by the illuminations, not only along the road adjacent to the park but along the main thoroughfare, L’Antina, where the hotels were located.

Gaudi by day and gaudy by night! Perhaps a little unfair we know, as it would appeal to many people, just not us. It was like Blackpool only warmer 🙂 it was nevertheless, deserted, all except a few people wandering about and workers preparing the hotels for business later in the season.

Inquisitive by nature we made our way up and down the main street, just in case we had missed something; a bar perhaps? No such luck.

A warm wind had suddenly descended and we enjoyed a very pleasant walk back along the lit pathways between the apartment blocks and the gardens to our caravan and a night cap.