ROAD TRIP FROM ALMERIA TO GIRONA MARCH - JUNE 2020 4 MONTHS

Hi,

I am travelling with my cousin (we are both in our 50’s) in March to June 2020 as I am thinking of relocating from the U.K. permanently. I have never visited this coastline before and ideally looking to rent 4 properties, one for each month as bases so we can explore the area with day trips. We don’t want to stay in highly commercialised areas like Benidorm or busy cities like Barcelona. We prefer more charming, unspoilt, quaint Spanish coastal fishing villages though not too sleepy as we don’t want to be isolated. We love nature and scenery and are happy to be a little inland if necessary but no further than approx 15 minute drive to the sea. Having tirelessly researched, I was planning this itinerary and wondered what your thoughts were or if you could suggest anything better: March in Mojacar April in Denia, May in Tarragona or Sitges and June in Figueres or Girona or Begur - it is very confusing not knowing the area and it is a large coastline so I sincerely appreciate any advice, so I don’t pick the wrong bases. Thank you SO much in advance 🙏

Mojacar and immediate area , apart from the Pueblo, is not typically Spanish anymore. IMOP it is just quieter form of Benidorm and overloaded with Brits. 

Suggest you look 35 mins further north and the very Spanish coastal town of Águilas for the start of your journey.  

Many delightful small coastal villages between Mojacar and Aguilas worthy of a visit but because out of season wouldn’t recommend staying because they are few permanent residents in situ.

 The Spanish city of Lorca with its lovely castle is 20 miles inland via excellent roads plus in Aguilas one can get a most enjoyable, and inexpensive, train journey ( about 1 1/2 hours ) to the facinating city of Murcia. 

Cartegena is also a fabulous must visit Spanish City with its amphitheater and ancient buildings. This is only 40 mins further North easily accessible via toll road. 

Personally would consider Valencia instead of Denia....the latter an area where Brits are also catered for. As is Mazarron Alicante and Benidorm. 

If you do your research am sure you discover the Spain you seek. 

Happy travels 

Hi Angelafay,

I reckon if you ask 12 people you will receive 12 different opinions.  But yes probably most will agree on giving Benidorm a wide berth.  Mojacar is a great place in my opinion, but there's two distinct areas - the coastal part is largely tourist hotels, the town is more Spanish.

I agree with Floella re Cartagena, but a month may be too long.

I would say you've missed out Valencia which is a fantastic city.  Largely Spanish and a marvellous combination of the new and old - lots of parks and gardens and good restaurants and a month there would be great.

Sitges is a bit more up market and you might find unduly pricey, but probably less so than Barcelona, which personally I would avoid - just not worth it.

I hope you enjoy it!

Beware of Barcelona it is rife with tourist scams. Not just the pigeon poo street scammers but also restaurant owners swiping your debit card 3 times for 1 bill.

Tourists are vulnerable at all cities like this, but as it happens it was Barcelona where a few years ago I had a phoney bill presented to me in a busy cafe.  Clearly the waiter thought that I was a British tourist and therefore wouldn't speak the lingo and be reluctant to debate the matter with him.  But threatening to call the Police did the trick.

Europe is a very beautiful region with a rich history. Because of this, there are a lot of cultural buildings in Europe that were built long ago. I recommend you to look at them because they look great. This summer I plan to go to France with my wife. She has always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower and visit the Louvre. I hope it has already been rebuilt after the fire. A few days before I leave, I will contact https://www.headlampconverters.co.uk/ to adjust the angle of the headlights. Because Europe has right-hand traffic and my headlights would have blinded drivers a lot.