Driving the Along the Spanish Coast

Sometimes you just decide, in a moment's time, to take a drive, to a place you've never been but have heard about, that sounded interesting.....   Well, that was yesterday's adventure.

It was a spectacular day, the sky was blue as can be, with but a few clouds, and a warm gentle breeze.  It seemed a shame to just run morning errands and not take full advantage of such a glorious day.  So, with just a quick glance at a map on the phone, we headed off.  What could be so terrible?  If you get lost, pull over, order a cold beer or refreshing glass of white wine and savor a few tapas....You're in Spain!

Onto the highway for an adventureous drive to a new town to explore.  Spain's highways are in excellent condition with great signage - and beautiful scenery!  The mountains range from rolling hills that look like folds of fabric to sharp soaring white faced peaks; the drive had me looking at the mountains on one side and glancing down to the Mediterranean Sea on the other.  Nothing short of a great drive!

Arriving to the Puerto de Mazarron, we parked and walked along the paver promenade....or so we thought it was where were were supposed to be!  In fact, we stopped too soon and walked along a most beautiful, quiet stretch of beach with lovely seaside homes dotting the promenade.  Back in the car, it was getting close to lunch time in Spain (you eat when you're hungry, usually 2-4pm!).  In our mis-directed drive, we saw another little village that looked pretty so we went there....Bolnuevo.  It was a quiet tiny town - we drove through, stopped for an amazing photo (see below) and continued on a search for a place to eat.  Hmm, I remember another town, not too far that looked like a possibility.  This time, instead of the motorway, we took a local road...oh-my-goodness: we were driving up and over the mountains, curving and climbing and descending over and over again; seldom a car was seen.  It was unbelievable, what an amazing surprise.

Bolnuevo

Finally we did make it to our second spontaneous destination, Aguilas.  The promenade was humming!  Diners were making the most of the outdoor cafes and restaurants to enjoy the warm sun, gentle breeze and fantastic views over the wide (empty) beach and onto the sparkling sea.  We enjoyed a delightful lunch, with wine, for 10Euros each  ($12).  The view was mesmerizing and we sat there for quite a long time before we thought to get up and walk along the beach....

During the drive home, we couldn't believe what a fantastic day we had - and all on a spontaneous decision!  There is so much we've yet to explore in Spain, but we're going to give it one heck of a try!     I hope that some of my writings will inspire you to come visit Spain...it really is a most wonderful country and the greatest asset is her people!
Camille