Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Spain

Activity Holidays in Spain

Oct 242011

Many people are seeking alternatives to the seaside resort holiday that is centred around lots of sunshine and doing as little as possible except maybe reading a book on the beach or around a swimming pool. Pleasant as that prospect may be, spending two weeks with nothing else on the agenda can become a little monotonous. More and more holidaymakers are looking to combine some of the lazy sunshine holiday concept with a certain amount of activity, and it is here that the area around Gandía and the whole area along the Costa Blanca can really come into its own.

The beautiful mountain scenery that lies almost immediately behind the coastal resorts along the Costa Blanca provide for a whole host of activities that are only now being fully recognised by local towns and businesses as equally valid and attractive reasons to come to this part of Spain. An obvious recreation in the La Safor mountains near Gandía is that of hiking and walking, and there is a wide choice of routes that have been mapped out for the enthusiast, ranging from easy, gentle walks to more strenuous hikes and climbs. Local authorities have started producing maps showing the recommended routes to follow, and these are also signposted along the way to make things even easier and more “user friendly” and less daunting for the first-time hill walker. There is also a hiking information centre in the hills behind Gandía where many of the local routes are centred upon, set in an area designated of special interest and natural beauty. As an extra point of interest, some of the routes also make use of disused railway lines in the area and the hiker will find themselves taking unspoilt and scenic routes between towns and villages, often even walking through former railway tunnels along the way.

If walking and hiking does not appeal, an alternative is cycling and mountain biking. This is a recreation that is hugely popular amongst local people, and it is not hard to see why. Bikes can be hired locally, either as an independent daily or weekly rental, or in the company of a guide who can take the enthusiast along routes in the hills and mountains if a road trip is not what you have in mind. Stunning mountain views are the reward for a steep climb through many of the villages and towns in the area, and then of course there is always the extra reward of the exhilarating downhill trip at the other side! It is very easy to combine a route that takes in a mountain section, followed by a return along the coast and maybe a swim in the sea all in the same trip – the best of everything!

Nature lovers can also indulge themselves along the Costa Blanca by visiting the areas frequented by the many species of birds in the area – both local and (depending on the time of year) migratory. There is a large designated nature reserve of wetlands to the south of Valencia City that will be of particular interest to the bird watcher, and this is home to a great number of species as well as a stopping point for birds that are passing through on their seasonal migrations. In addition to this specific area, the entire stretch of coast provides excellent opportunities for spotting a wide range of birds, including many birds of prey in the mountains. Guided bird watching tours can be arranged by local experts who can take the visitor to the best starting-off points, depending on the particular types of bird that are of particular interest. This can in fact be an excellent way of combining the different activities that the area lends itself to so well – walking through beautiful scenery whilst at the same time spotting varieties of birds and wildlife the visitor is unlikely to encounter at home.

And all this, of course, is available along the Costa Blanca in a climate so very much milder and warmer than what the visitor would probably be used to at home. Indeed, the long mild season that this part of Spain generally experiences makes it perfectly possible – and maybe even preferable – to take a break at a time when the mainstream holiday crowds have either not yet arrived or already returned home. The visitor can then benefit from lower airfares (rather than having to pay the premium normally levied during school holidays), cheaper accommodation costs, and of course a less crowded environment than during the traditional peak season.

Alternatively, if some members of a group want the more traditional high-season holiday activities of sun and sea, this can be combined with the interests of the walker and nature lover all in the same trip. The Costa Blanca and the La Safor region in particular really does have a lot more to offer than first meets the eye.

Autumn and Winter Sunshine Holidays in Spain

Spain Bed and Breakfast No Responses »

Oct 062011

05_square_close_to_castle_at_guagalest-costa-benidorm

Autumn and Winter Sunshine The weather is most definitely beginning to cool down in northern Europe now generally, but this year has seen a wonderful, long summer in Spain, and particularly along the Costa Blanca. September and October have so far been unusually warm and settled, and this weather seems here to stay for a while yet.

What better time can there possibly be to leave the grey and cold of impending winter behind and head to the Costa Blanca for what must surely be a bargain break in the sun? Hotels and self-catering accommodation throughout the region are offering great deals on holiday rates, and of course air fares are generally much lower now that the school term has resumed. All in all, a great opportunity for those who can take a holiday at this time of year – all the facilities are here and waiting for the autumn traveller – but with none of the crowds, lower prices and fabulous weather too!

The Costa Blanca has some of the best beaches in Spain – and indeed in the whole of the Mediterranean – but travellers are sometimes deterred from visiting by reports of crowded resorts and rowdy holidaymakers. These resorts and beaches are now at their best and can be enjoyed in relative peace and quiet, giving visitors the impression of what they must have been like in years gone by.

The Costa Blanca has so much more to offer than just holiday resorts and stunning beaches, however, and visitors are often impressed – and surprised – by what they find if they venture away from the better known destinations. Stunning mountain scenery and fascinating castles and attractions are to be found for those that venture slightly inland, with towns such as Xátiva and Guadalest being amongst the most well-known fortifications. Inland lakes and reservoirs are also amongst the surprises that await the intrepid traveller, with a huge choice of scenic drives to choose from.

If driving is not such a preferred option, the Costa Blanca also offers a huge opportunity for the walker and hiker. Designated routes are marked out and signposted in many parts of the region, as well as an indication of estimated journey times and distance. These are to be found not only in the hills and mountains of the Costa Blanca, but interestingly some of these routes encompass old railway tracks and tunnels, which gives an unusual dimension to a walking route and takes the visitor through parts of the region that would otherwise be completely forgotten by now.

If a city break is higher up the list of priorities than a beach or a scenic break, then of course Valencia City has so much to offer the visitor – and the scorching heat of summer has abated, so exploring the city is so much more pleasant in the more gentle warmth of Autumn. Public transport to the city is reliable and inexpensive, so if you are staying in one of the holiday areas along the coast (either north or south), a quick train ride will take you straight to the centre. Valencia has an historic part that is compact and easy to get around on foot and the usual tourist bus can be used to get a quick handle on which sights should be seen in greater detail. There are two routes to ride around, and passengers can hop on and off at any of the stops, and switch between routes at points where they intersect. In stark contrast to the historic centre is the stunning architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias) – a complex that includes (amongst other facilities) a science museum, the largest aquarium in Europe and an Imax cinema, as well as being a visual delight in its own right. As well as all this, the recently refurbished beach and port areas that include the part of the city featured in the European Grand Prix route are also a recent addition to the “must see” list for the city visitor.

So – now would seem to be the perfect time to visit this beautiful region of Spain. The Costa Blanca and the Comunidad Valenciana have something for everyone, and with accommodation prices offering particularly good value at the moment, airfares past their summer peak pricing structures and a settled outlook of warm and sunny weather, what better time could there be to leave the grey of the north behind and get a last dose of sunshine and warmth, with a Costa Blanca Sunshine Holiday?

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Costa Blanca Walking holidays

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Sep 272011

Last week we were pleased to welcome a couple from Edinburgh who had booked to stay with us for a week of late summer sunshine. Brian and Ruth are keen hill walkers and hikers, and wanted to spend some time in nice weather preparing themselves for a walking challenge that awaited them after their return to Scotland.

During conversation, it emerged that both Brian and Ruth are doctors back home in Scotland and were both feeling the need for some well earned rest and relaxation – as well as pleasant walking in the sunshine.

This part of the Costa Blanca has some magnificent walks, and it is fast becoming a recognised destination for hikers and hill walkers as well as more serious climbers. Routes are for the most part well signposted and marked out, and lead participants through beautiful scenery and tranquil surroundings. Estimated times are displayed as well as the level of difficulty involved, so there is something suitable for everyone in the area around here.

Brian and Ruth were to be staying with us for six nights, so they had time to combine plenty of walking and exploring with some relaxation in and around the pool, as well as one day’s sightseeing in Valencia City. Typically, they would take advantage of the designated walking routes in the mornings, often have lunch in a restaurant at the end of the walk (maybe sampling the local specialities of paella and fideua), and then later in the day return to Villa Florencia for some afternoon sunshine.

The weather on the Costa Blanca has been especially good this year and remained so for the duration of their stay, without the sometimes erratic changes that can take place in September. Days have been pleasantly warm and even night time temperatures have been staying much milder than usual.

Their excursion to Valencia was planned for the Sunday of their stay, as they wanted to get a feel for the place, without necessarily visiting every tourist sight in the guidebook! They went up by train and walked around the historic area, and were able to do so without the crowds of people that might have been around on a weekday. A trip on the tourist bus completed their visit and gave them a good impression of what a lovely city Valencia is.

Brian and Ruth were delighted that their time with us was a perfect opportunity to get a late summer sunshine break and prepare themselves for the chill that would probably await them on their return to Scotland. They were more than pleased with the variety of walking routes to be found near our guest house, and feel that they would like to come back in the future to do more of the same.

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It was an absolute pleasure to have them visit us, and we would certainly hope to see them with us again in the not too distant future.

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Five Years On, and loving it!

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Sep 152011

This week marks the five year anniversary of our arrival in Gandía as the owners of Villa Florencia – also known now as Gandía Casa Rural. We were originally attracted by the beauty of the area and the prospect of running our own guest house and bed and breakfast business on the Costa Blanca and that initial appeal still holds good today, five years on.

Much has changed in that time, both in the way we run the business, as well as in the wider world generally, but we certainly have no regrets about making the move to Gandía and changing our lives so radically. At the beginning of our time here, we put in a great deal of effort in improving the house and grounds, as well as constructing a new frontage to the road and an adequate guest parking area. A reconstruction of the swimming pool was undertaken at the same time, and glass doors enclosing the upper terrace provided a spectacular dining and breakfast space.

A steady flow of guests has followed, and we have always been pleasantly surprised by the mix of nationalities that has visited us and the different reasons for people seeking out this corner of Spain. The initial surge of property hunters reduced in line with the general crisis and recession that hit Europe as a whole, but we were pleased that – as well as maintaining our level of northern European holidaymakers – we were being visited by an ever increasing number of Spanish guests. They often wanted to spend their holidays in Gandía in an area of peace and tranquillity whilst at the same time being within easy striking distance of Playa de Gandía and all the facilities that are on offer there. Even the attractions of Benidorm are within a very reasonable driving distance, as well as the sights of Valencia City itself.

So, five years on we find ourselves now catering for a much more Spanish clientele than previously, but of course we are still keen to make everyone who arrives at our door most welcome. We are able to be very flexible in the accommodation and service that we offer to our guests, ranging from the traditional Bed and Breakfast with the option of an evening meal service as well, to the possibility of renting the whole house on a self-catering basis – either for weekend house parties or for extended families to holiday together for a week or longer at a time. The self-catering apartment (which can hold four people in comfort) is another option that we offer as well, and again it is available to rent either by the week or for longer periods for those that want to spend a few weeks away from the cold and grey of a northern European winter.

We embarked on a complete change in our lives five years ago, and still feel that the life that we lead here on the outskirts of the town of Gandía is one that we are very privileged to enjoy. The surroundings here are some of the most beautiful that you could ever wish to live amongst, and it is a constant source of surprise to see who will be our next guests, so moving here is a decision that we have no regrets about at all, and we look forward to the next five years and meeting even more interesting people who arrive at our door.

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Bird Watching in Spain

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Aug 282011

valenciabirding.com is owned by Nature Trail Spain, a small but specialist active tourism company based in La Drova, 70km south of Valencia, Spain.

We provide guided Bird Watching Tours throughout Eastern Spain, encompassing Valencia, Alicante and Castilla de la Mancha. This area is blessed with an incredibly diverse range of habitats and excellent birding sites, many of which are virtually unknown! We cater for all levels of bird enthusiasts and provide a bespoke guiding service at very reasonable cost. Our local knowledge can ensure that our clients can make the absolute most of their time in Spain by depending on us to take them to the very best sites.

We offer full day and half day tours and can cater for a maximum group size of 8 people. There is no minimum group size – we can cater for families, couples or even individuals who maybe in Spain for a family holiday and wish to escape the beach for a day out birding!

The diverse habitat of our area provides fantastic opportunities for a wide range of bird watching trips. These include coastal wetlands, high steppe, lakes and lagoons, Mediterranean scrub, and mountains and crags. Therefore, the variety of species is truly incredible.

Our style is very informal and relaxed. We have a wide range of half day and full day itineraries but we place your shes above sticking rigorously to a fixed schedule! Our priority is quality time and enjoyment rather than rushing around simply trying to maximise the tick-list!

We try to ensure that our clients get the very most from our trips by listening to their needs. Should you, as an experienced birder have specific ´target birds´that you wish to see, we will do our very best to achieve such. On the other hand, if you are new to Bird Watching and would like to see the birdlife that Spain has to offer whilst learning more in a very relaxed environment, we are equally willing and able to provide a service for you.

Binoculars

Where required, binoculars are available for hire at €5 per trip (must be requested when booking but payable on the day). Depending on the location, a telescope is usually provided by the Guide for use by all at no extra cost.

Children

Children are made very welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and child-seats or booster seats must be provided by the parent or guardian. Fact sheets can be provided at no extra cost for children who would like to learn more about the key species that can be found here in our region.

Transport

Transport is usually provided in the form of our fully insured, highly maintained 9-seater minibus. This is fully equipped with seatbelts and air conditioning (and usually a coolbox full of cold drinks!).

In order to maintain effective and manageable groups our tours are limited to a maximum of 8 participants. This enables everyone a good opportunity to see the birds. We rotate seating arrangements in the bus so that everyone has a front seat at some stage. We never forget that it is your holiday and we try our best to give you a wonderful experience and some long lasting memories.

Specific Bird Watching Tours

Our style is to design bespoke trips based on our clients´wishes and therefore we have too many specific options to list here. However, here are a few examples of our most popular trips…

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Valencian Coastal Wetlands – Full Day.

Perhaps the premium trip for those wishing to discover the huge range of Mediterranean bird species that the Valencian coastline has to offer. To make the absolute best of this trip, some walking is necessary and although the distance is approaching 7km, all of it is on good paths and the entire route is flat.

This virtually undiscovered gem of a site is worth a visit at absolutely any time of year. Breeding species include Collared Pratincole, Avocet, Glossy Ibis, Purple Gallinule, Squacco Heron plus all the Western Mediterranean species of Egrets. Marbled Teal, Red Crested Pochard and White Headed Duck are among the wildfowl on offer.

Depending on the season, other highlights include Bittern, Spoonbill, Snipe, Marsh Harrier, Bluethroat and Woodchat Shrike.

During migration periods, almost anything can show up! Join us for a trip that will provide lasting happy memories for years to come.

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Mountains & Marshes – Full Day.

This trip takes advantage of the diverse range of habitats that the Valencian region has to offer, and takes in stunning mountain valleys, reservoirs and coastal wetlands.

The morning is spent exploring the beautiful mountains and valleys around Vall de Albaida. The scenery alone makes this a worthwhile trip, but the bird life on display is simply superb. Individual species are too numerous to list, although highlights could include Sardinian Warbler, Cirl Bunting, Rock Bunting, Iberian Grey Shrike and Hoopoe. During the “summer” months we can also expect to see Golden Oriole, Nightingale, Blue Rock Thrush and Alpine Swift. Raptors are always possible, including Griffon Vulture and Golden Eagle.

The afternoon is spent exploring coastal marsh, a local hotspot that can turn up surprises at all times of year. Highlights often include Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Squacco Heron, Purple Heron, Little Bittern and Purple Gallinule.

This trip can easily be adapted to the capability of the group, but can easily be enjoyed without the need for strenuous activity. The walking is short and mainly on level wide tracks. Be sure to bring a camera!

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Steppe & Lagoons – Full Day.

This trip provides a complete change in terms of habitat, and takes us up into the high plains of Albacete. One of the lesser known parts of Eastern Spain, this fascinating area comprises seemingly endless open spaces where Great Bustards proudly roam (Europe´s heaviest flying bird weighing up to 16kg!).

Black Bellied Sand Grouse, Calandra Larks, Crested Larks, Rock Sparrow and Bee Eaters can often be seen, as can many raptors including Booted Eagle, Buzzard, Marsh Harrier and Merlin.

The area also includes a number of lagoons where Flamingo can often be seen in good numbers. Other regular species include Little Ringed Plovers, Black Winged Stilt, Wood Sandpiper, Avocet and Black Necked Grebe. Wildfowl can include White Headed Duck, Shelduck, Red Crested Pochard, Shoveler and Gadwall.

Like most of our trips, this can be adapted to suit the physical capability of the group. However, it can be enjoyed with minimal physical effort. A superb day out to an area that offers a unique habitat range.

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Mountain Bird Life – Half Day.

This half day trip visits spectacular mountain scenery, where the star species is undoubtedly the magnificent Griffon Vulture. With a wingspan of over 2 metres, they make for an unforgetable sight.

This trip can also provide the opportunity to enjoy other mountain species such as Black Redstart, Blue Rock Thrush, Sardinian Warbler, Orphean Warbler, Crag Martin and Raven.

Some walking is required including a very short section of steep footpath. However, the distance is short and most of the time will be spent watching rather than walking!

This half day trip can be combined with other sites to form a full day trip if required.

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Gay Friendly B&B Valencia

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Apr 282011

Friends Reunited on Holiday!
No – nothing to do with the famous social network website, but a chance for three friends to have some time together at villa Florencia! We received an e-mail from Philip asking if we had availability for five nights over the Easter period for himself and his partner Dieter, and they would be joined on their second day by Richard, a friend of Philip’s since they were at school together. Interestingly, Philip (who is from Northern Ireland) and Dieter live together near Munich, whilst Richard (also originally from Northern Ireland) now lives and works in Barcelona.
Philip & Dieter had been spending a few days in Valencia City before coming down to Gandia, and Richard was following the next day by train. They intended to spend some time together catching up in the relaxing atmosphere of the mountains and orange groves, and of course doing a few day trips to acquaint themselves with our part of the country. Their plan worked out perfectly, and (despite the occasional shower) they soon sorted out daily excursions to local towns and villages, including the castle town of Xativa just a 40 minute drive inland from here. Also on their itinerary was a visit to the monastery at Simat as well as general scenic drives all around this part of the Costa Blanca. Although they had all explored various parts of the country in the past, this was the first time they had come to the La Safor region, and they were more than pleasantly surprised with what they found on our doorstep.

Part of their time was spent relaxing around the pool and in the gardens of course, but they also got to know Gandia town and were impressed with the vibrancy and the prosperous atmosphere of the place. Playa de Gandia also was a source of delight, with its stunningly beautiful, wide beach which is so well maintained – more than justifying its Blue Flag award. Backed by a wide choice of bars, cafés and restaurants they agreed it was one of the very best beaches they had ever encountered.
After their 5 night stay it was sadly time to depart, but they still had some time that they were spending together in Barcelona. They left in the early afternoon in time to drop off their hire car at Valencia airport, from where they were taking the metro into the city centre, and then the Renfe train from Valencia to Barcelona. A couple more days in Barcelona – where Richard lives permanently – and then it was finally time for Philip and Dieter to fly back to Munich. They had a great time staying with us, however, and Richard is already formulating plans for another visit to us in the near future – an easy train ride away!

Valencia Property Hunt

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Mar 072011

The first of the year’s property hunters arrived to stay at Bed and Breakfast Spain at the beginning of the week, having decided that the Valencia area was the ideal base to look around for some bargain Spanish properties for sale. It is the perfect area for those not wishing to be a part of the concentrated ex-pat communities further down the coast, but ideal for anyone looking for the opportunity to settle in a part of the country still so authentically Spanish. Added to that, there are excellent communications in the area with a great motorway network, efficient railway system and Valencia airport also within easy reach.

Following the worst of the economic crisis now is an excellent time to think of making that major investment in a Spanish property – either for holiday use or as a new permanent home in the sun. Prices are much lower than they have been for a long time, and there are lots of bargains to be had up and down the Costa Blanca. Many owners are advertising their homes at prices that would have seemed impossible not many months ago, and those that are not may well be open to offers anyway!

Whatever type of home you are looking for, whether it is an apartment, a holiday home on a development with others like it, or a large, more exclusive villa with a pool and its own grounds, there has never been a better time to start your Spanish property search. The exchange rate is even more favourable than in the recent past, and it all helps to make that dream bargain property even more affordable.

Whether you are thinking of a holiday home in the sun or a permanent change of lifestyle, it is well worth taking advantage of the low cost flights to be found at this time of the year and coming to see what is available. Valencia Bed and Breakfast provides an ideal base for your Valencia Property Hunt.

Experience the Orange Blossom in Valencia this Spring

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Mar 022011

Bed and Breakfast Spain is an ideally located base for your Costa Blanca spring sunshine break, just over an hour north of Alicante by car, 40 minutes south of Valencia (or conveniently placed for the train to the city too), and within easy driving range of any of the other places and attractions along the coast or inland. Only minutes away from the A7 motorway, yet set in a completely rural environment near to Gandia town, now is an even better time to come.

Stay with us for a week in a comfortable and spacious room with a choice of either double or twin bedded accommodation.
Bookings made for stays of 7 nights commencing up to the end of April
will be given the preferential rate of just €350 per room (not per person!)
including a very generous continental breakfast.

What better time can there be to think of leaving the drab, grey skies behind and finding out what this lovely part of Spain has to offer?

Walking Holidays

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Feb 172011

As Northern Europe still finds itself in the grip of winter, the weather in Spain is at least bright and sunny, even if it is not hot enough to go swimming in the sea quite yet! Vincent and his girlfriend Kim from Belgium arrived at Villa Florencia at the beginning of the week – in search of a little respite from the cold weather further north.

They are keen walkers and explorers, and wasted no time in getting to know the area a little, even on the afternoon of their arrival day and despite a very early start. They had decided that a self-drive holiday would be the best way to explore the area, so on Monday afternoon they went into Gandia and down to the Playa to get a feel for the place. After looking around for a while they returned to Villa Florencia for dinner and a well-earned good night’s sleep, to stand them in good stead for a day’s walking and exploring on Tuesday.

A trip inland was planned for Tuesday, to take in some of the beautiful mountain scenery as well as a visit to Xativa castle, about 40 minutes by car from here. Vincent and Kim took a tour of the inside of the castle as well as walking around the extensive grounds and taking lots of photographs from vantage points over the town of Xativa itself. Later on in the afternoon, they drove around some of the famous mountain scenery of the Costa Blanca and even though the sun did not shine the whole time, it still felt a whole lot better that the cold weather they had left behind in Belgium! They spent so much time exploring the inland area of the Costa Blanca that they did not return to Villa Florencia until about 8.30pm, but nevertheless had had a great day, and only wanted to do more of the same on Wednesday!

Walking was to be the main activity on Wednesday, however, so they took a packed lunch with them, and drove up into the mountains to the village of La Drova – only a short distance away. On the outskirts of La Drova there is a hiker’s information centre with details of recommended walking routes in the area, and they followed the directions on signposts along the way and had a thoroughly enjoyable day. They took a couple of the walking routes, discovering caves along the way, and then drove down the other side of the mountain to Simat later in the afternoon to have a look at the famous monastery there.

One of the Costa Blanca’s well known attractions is the caves at Benidoleig, a 30 or 40 minute drive inland to the south of Gandía, and this was the chosen destination for Thursday’s excursion. The weather was again bright and sunny, and perfect for a day’s driving holiday along the Costa Blanca and inland. The caves themselves are a famous tourist destination for a day trip, and give an interesting insight into the history and geology of the La Safor region. Well lit with discreet lighting, you can walk deep into the side of the mountain and see the formation of stalactites and stalagmites as well as the different layers of rock that form the mountains themselves.

Vincent has been a visitor to Villa Florencia in the past, but it was the first time he had brought his girlfriend Kim with him. The sort of outdoor activities that you can enjoy in the La Safor region in the winter sunshine, like the hill walking, hiking, exploring and sightseeing, will probably ensure that they return in the future for more of the same – it certainly beats the cold weather of northern Europe at this time of the year, after all!