Benicassim and the popular Bonterra Park

When we first tried to book Bonterra Park we were told that it was extremely popular and we'd be lucky to get a couple of nights here. We managed it and they were right, it was popular - there were two pitches left to choose from when we arrived. The site is regularly booked by English caravanners and motorhomers throughout the year; they seemed to make up over 90% of the visitors here.

 

The site itself is large with gravel pitches lined by hedges, each with their own water tap. Washing lines are strung up between trees, on which hang clothes and net bags of oranges. The reception at the site has a constant flow of customers, reflecting how busy they are. Opposite from them is a restaurant and bar which overlooks an outdoor swimming pool, sitting alongside an indoor pool and small playground. The Animacion timetable is aimed at both adults and children although the latter for the majority of year, when children aren't on holiday. It offers Spanish classes, art sessions and cooking demonstrations. The girls made the most of the art session although were a little disappointed to find that it wasn't an organised session. They spent a couple of hours making the most of the paints and creating their own works of art.

 

As we were returning from the animacion room, we noticed a van parked near the motorhome with its doors wide open. The man stood beside it was selling large bags of oranges at a reasonable price - this explained why so many people had oranges adorning their washing lines! After sampling some segments we purchased a bag as well as being unable to resist buying a bottle of orange liqueur.

 

The site is a short walk away from the beach front (approx 300m), which like many other seaside resorts has a promenade lined with palm trees and cafeterias or heladerias. Impressive villas dating from more affluent times sit alongside each other overlooking the vast sandy beach. The beach must get busy in the summer but we made the most of the quiet time and had the beach all to ourselves for a game of football. 

 

Bonterra Park is well situated within the town. As well as being not far from the beach, there is a large supermarket opposite the site and bus stops that allow you travel further afield (including to Valencia).

 

The majority of our time in Benicassim was spent on the bikes. Everyone kept telling us how good it was for bikes! A via verde ran through the town and connected it with others along the coast. A must was a trip to the nearby seaside resort of Oropesa del Mar. It was 5.7km away and whilst the road took a hilly route, the cycle path was flat and hugged the coastline, cutting through rock and overlooking the turquoise blue water of the Mediterranean sea, crashing on the rocks below. When we arrived at Oropesa del Mar, the beach was full of families, playing games in the late afternoon. We bought ourselves a drink and then set off on the return journey as the evening chill began to set in.

 

The following day we headed in the other direction. The via verde deviates away from the seafront before returning and continuing on towards the larger city of Castellon. There is actually an 8km circular route around Benicassim that we opted for. This is clearly signposted and seemed popular with both tourists and locals.

 

@meekroadventure