Backblip 23rd January - My first view of the Med

From Pinoso we had to make our way back to the coast as not equipped to cross the mountains.  It would be alright, The Driver said, we have bypassed the Costas and everybody says it is much quieter up North.

We headed to El Grao de Castellon, the port just south of Benicassim. An Aire there is situated right by a supposedly dog-friendly beach and just minutes from a really good restaurant, where we had a table booked. The Aire takes 48 vans but we travelled early just in case there was competition for spaces. We thought it best to arrive early afternoon. Which we did, and the place was full. Emergency procedures were instigated. Google and other sources were employed and we drove off to Benicassim to see if we could find a campsite with a vacant pitch.

The first one that we arrived at had just the two. It wasn't very nice but if they only had two spaces at lunchtime, what were the chances of the others having none at all. At least we had a spot for the night.

Never been to the Med before. After arriving at Benicassim, I was certain very quickly that I never wish to see it again. Horrible campsite. Horrible place, full of towering holiday apartment blocks. Nell wasn't allowed on the beach and we could find no park, no forest walk... nothing and nowhere for her to go. So we stopped only one night and got the hell out of dodge just as soon as we could.