Shaun runs the Expat in Mazarrón YouTube channel since arriving in Spain in 2015. It’s all about living in Spain, Camposol, places of interest, property and going out walking. He set up a group called Camposol Explorers which is about going out exploring once a month in the Murcia Region. If you want to join, please contact Shaun on his Facebook group Expat in Mazarron.
Our October outing was an early start at 9am as we had over a 2 hour drive to Guadalest, not far from Benidorm. We arrived about 11.30am to find the public car parks were nearly full, so if you want to find a good parking spot, arrive early! The parking fee is 2€ for the day and there is a man collecting the money. There are ticket machines and public toilets. Andy & Bill, who come from Los Alcazares, met us at the car park and then we set off exploring Guadalest.
Guadalest was declared a Historic Artistic Site in 1974 and is said to be Spain’s most visited site. It was originally a Muslim village with a castle overlooking a reservoir that supplies water to the La Marina Baixa Region. During the first two weeks of July, (including Tourist Day), a massive giant Paella is made and handed out.
It’s an uphill climb to the top of the town, but a gentle climb, which is not good for those in wheel chairs. There are many shops, museums and places to eat and drink. In the main square, we all met up to have a well-earned drink and admire the views. To view the castle you have to pay at the Manor House a fee of 4€ each. Once you leave the house, there is a metal staircase taking you up to the bell tower. There are amazing views and we then went on to the castle ruin, passing through the grave yard and tombs. It was an enjoyable walk and we all met up back at the cars. We then drove down to the lake, which is not far, to have our picnic in the pine trees facing the lake and mountains.
Andy & Bill left us to return to Los Alcazares while we went to the beach at Altea. We sat having a drink, admiring the view, before our 2 hour drive home.
Our next outing will be on 7th November to Aguilas to explore this coastal town.
Please check out the videos on YouTube channel – Camposol Explorers.