Spain 2011

We spent Christmas in Norfolk and then went out to Spain to celebrate the New Year with some friends.

It was lovely being able to relax in the warm weather compared to the UK and of course, to sample the culinary delights that Spain has to offer.

Our view of the bay at Benicassim from a hill in Oropesa with an old Moorish watchtower in the foreground.

Looking down a well kept street to the sea at Oropesa.

Sunset in Oropesa.

Peniscola harbour seen from the old fortress.

It's a beautiful area of Spain that's pretty laid back with plenty of markets, cafes and Tapas Bars and generally a lovely ambience. Quite a few Europeans come to winter here especially in Benicassim as they have various campsites that do special rates for a long stay. Inland it's not really affected by tourism so you encounter the Spain as it used to be.

A nativity scene built into the seawalls of Peniscola.

I've never known of a female Santa Claus before!!!!

The Medieval market in Peniscola which had one stall with a selection of at least 80 different teas.

The birds of prey on show in the market.

The red stone walls of a street in Vilafranco. They were renovating an old castle there which had wonderful views from the battlements of the surrounding countryside.

The waterfall at Rubielos de Mora. A quaint town that had a really good nativity show in the main square built into a huge rock.

The impressive medieval town of Morella, a bit of a tourist trap but interesting to walk around even although it was only 3C compared with the coast at around 26C. I wish I had taken more warm clothing.

One of the streets in Morella, there were some cosy cafes hidden behind the arches.

A superb sunset with the Lenticular clouds drifting across the sky as the sun disapeared.