INLAND TRIPS FROM THE COSTA BLANCA
Since the Scandinavians began their sun-seeking forays into eastern Spain in the early 1960’s the Costa Blanca has become synonymous with miles of golden beaches, almost year-round sun and the relaxed lifestyle that epitomises Spain. Few ventured more than a few kilometres from the lapping Mediterranean but those who did discovered a region of glorious diversity, from rugged mountains to almost lunar landscapes; vast areas of natural beauty where the scent of aromatic herbs filled the air and wild flower-lined walks meandered through pine forests; Neolithic rock paintings, majestic waterfalls, searing rock faces and deep caves formed over millions of years; tiny villages where recipes are handed down from generation to generation and the rhythm of life was dictated by the growing season. And it still exists.
This book is for those who want to experience more of Spanish life than the sun, sea and sangria of the coastal resorts, to visit places where a foreign accent is still looked upon as a rarity and where history is in the narrow cobbled alleyways shaded from the heat of the sun. To take walks where those earlier visitors, the Moors, brought civilisation, agriculture and much of the Spanish culture, or to join in one of the local fiestas that sometimes seem to have neither rhyme nor reason for their existence but will usually be buried in some ancient story. It is an opportunity to discover eastern Spain in all its diversity.
The twenty-two excursions are laid out from just above the city of Castellón in the north to Murcia, just over the border with Valencia in the south, and arranged where possible from east to west. In this way it is possible to link excursions to create itineraries for a day, a week-end or even longer. Each excursion includes route details, places to visit, important sights, overnight accommodation, where to eat and suggestions of local cuisine. Also included are general information about driving, basic vocabulary and a few hints about the use of the Valenciano language.
This excerpt contains the full Introduction to Inland Trips from the Costa Blanca, with valuable information about travelling in Spain, plus the first two excursions. The full print version can be bought from Amazon. Two ebooks, Costa Blanca South and Costa Blanca North I, featuring five excursions each, are available for immediate download from the same site.