Category Archives: Spain

Spain

Placa de Mestre D Francisco Llopis

We were walking down some of the old streets of Calpe and came across a small outdoor classroom called “Placa de mestreĀ D Francisco Llopis”

Small outdoor classroom in the old streets of Calpe

We decided to go in and take a look at the classroom, It was very unique with tiled walls and benches.

Open arches surrounding the classroom

Each of the three tiled benches had a different table design. Each one was a specific board game layout.

Ceramic benches and table
ceramic tiled benches with a centre table with board game design

In addition to the tables, there was a chalkboard and a map of Spain displayed on the wall.

Map of Spain and Blackboard in the outdoor classroom

The map of Spain was made with painted ceramic tile and was detailed with images of the mountains and rivers.

Ceramic painted tiles of the Map of Spain with mountain ridges and rivers

It was a great classroom where students could enjoy the outdoor breeze andĀ the shade on a hot Spanish day. It was neat spot and we are glad we stopped to check it out.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

A walk along the Boardwalk in Calpe.

We took a walk along the sea front walkway in Calpe exploring the coastline. The scenery along the walkway was beautiful with stunning views of the sea and mountains.

Walkway along the Sea in Calpe with a view of Benidorm in the distance

We walked along the walkway and came across the remains of a Roman fish holding system.

An old Roman fish holding area in Calpe

They captured fish in this area by the use of controlled water flow with a dam type system, letting water in and out as needed.

Ray took a walk down to the base of the fish holding area to take a closer look.

Ray on the stairs leading to the Roman fish holding area

We continued walking towards the rock of Calpe, known as “PeĆ±Ć³n de Ifach” It is a stunningĀ 332 meter high limestone outcrop that is the iconic symbol of Calpe and the area.

View of the PeĆ±Ć³n de Ifach in Calpe

We eventually reached the port of Calpe with fishing boats docked there. We went to explore the port area.

Shelley at the port of Calpe near one of the fishing boats.

We could see fishermen unloading their catch of the day. We went over to take a closer look at some of the different fish and crustaceans.

Fishermen unloading their boat with the catch of the day

They had different containers with fish and crustaceans which they were unloading. We watched each container as they loaded them onto a pallet.

Carefully loading containers of the day’s catch onto the pallet

The containers were carefully sorted and the fish were placed in rows. This is in order for the buyer to get a good perspective of the quality and quantity of fish in the container.

Fish carefully placed and sorted in the container

There were containers of interesting crustaceans being loaded onto the pallet.

Containers of crustaceans loaded onto the pallet.
Close up view of the crustaceans

After watching them load the pallet we went into the fish auction area to check it out.

A pallet of assorted fish and crustaceans going to the fish auction in Calpe

There were bleachers with buyers from restaurants and businesses who could see the containers of fish for auction. They would bid and buy a selected container.

Fish auction in Calpe
Fish auction area in the port of Calpe

After looking around the port and the fish auction we headed out to the boardwalk. We could see different store fronts with displays of fish for sale. One in particular caught our attention, it was called CanadĆ”, which translates to mean a narrow valley in Spanish.

Store front at the port de Calpe

We went over to check out some of the fish and different things they had for sale. There were pre-made meals set up on display for purchase.

Fish on display for sale at the port of Calpe

We walked around looking at the different stores selling fish before heading home. It was a very interesting and enjoyable day.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

The Castle of Denia

We decided to take a walk up the hill to the Castell de Denia.

Road to the castle of Denia

The road was on a slight slope but the walk was fairly easy and enjoyable.

Road leading to the Castle of Denia

We reached the top of the road where the entrance of the castle is located.

Ray at the entrance of the Castle of Denia

The archway to the entrance is in a traditional Islamic period. It was built between the 11th and 12th century. The archway was covered for approximately 20 feet with a stone walkway.

Islamic design archway of the Castle of Denia

The castle also functions as anĀ archaeological museum. We went into the museum section at a cost of 3 euros each. The museum had several interesting displays of Roman artifacts.

Display of artifacts in the museum

The castle had a spiral staircase to the top of a tower with a lookout over the entire area.

Shelley and Felipe on the spiral staircase leading to the tower

The view from the tower lookout was beautiful. We could see the entire region and coastline.

View from the tower of the castle

After touring the tower we walked through the castle working our way to another elevated area.

walkways inside the castle walls

We reached a doorway which opened up into another area of the castle. We walked through and came to a flat area which contained a large courtyard and lookout.

Doorway leading to another level of the castle
Courtyard and lookout area in castle

In the courtyard there were several cannons located at strategicallyĀ  points.

Ray at the lookout of the castle
Cannon located on lookout point of the castle

The views from there were spectacular, with almost a complete 360 degree vista. We walked around the castle admiring the views.

Shelley walking along the castle admiring the views.
View from the castle walls

The tour of the Castle of Denia was well worth the visit. We enjoyed walking through the castle and looking at the great views from the castle walls.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

Denia, Spain

We went to Denia to explore this town, with a population of approximately 41,000. It is about a one hour drive away along the coast of the MediterraneanĀ Sea.Ā  We arrived in Denia by mid morning and began walking through the streets of the small coastal town.

Streets of Denia

We came across the central market and went in to check it out.

Inside the market in Denia

There were some interesting items and goodies for sale.

Hand weaved baskets for sale at the market

There was a sweet made with pumpkin and other ingredients that was quite unique.

Sweets made with pumpkin and other ingredients

Felipe and Ray couldn’t resist trying a few of the local sweets.

Felipe and Ray sampling some of the sweets in the market

After exploring the market we walked into the old quarter and headed towards the castle. We stopped off at the tourist information centre to get some information. We took the opportunity for a selfie in front of the base of the castle de Denia.

Shelley and Ray at the base of the Castle in Denia

We continued our walk admiring the streets of Denia.

Street in Denia

We eventually came to the main square in Denia with the City Hall or “ayuntamiento” in Spanish.

The “ayuntamiento” of Denia

The main square was large with a beautiful church on one side.

Church in the main square of Denia
Church in the main square of Denia

We explored the area of the square and came across two pillars from the Roman era.

Ray standing between two Roman pillars in Denia

We enjoyed walking the streets of Denia and decided to take a break before heading up to see the castle of Denia.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

A costal ride to Santa Pola

Felipe and Ray went for a drive to explore some of the area around Alicante. We went along the coastline towards the town of Santa Pola. Along the way we came to a small church which looked like something out of an old western movie. We decided to stop and check it out.

small traditional church on side road near Santa Pola
Felipe and Ray at the small church

The scenery along the coastline wasĀ great, with nice views of the MediterraneanĀ Sea. There were bluffs of Santa Pola on one side and the view of the sea on the other. We could see in the distance the lookout near the lighthouse.

The Lookout of Santa Pola above the bluffs

We decided to go and explore the lookout and lighthouse of Santa Pola, which is called “Faro Cabo De Santa Pola”. The road to the lighthouse was long and narrowĀ  with numerous potholes.

Road to lighthouse and lookout of Santa Pola.

There was a raised metal platform that went slightly over the edge of the bluff.

The metal platform overlooking the MediterraneanĀ Sea

The view from the lookout was truly breathtaking with a great view of the island of Tabarca and the coastline of the entire region.

View of the Mediterranean Sea and Tabarca Island
Ray with view of the region of Alicante coastline

The views along the coast were beautiful with almost an amazing view around every curve.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”