Tag Archives: Spain

Spain

A walk through the quaint town of Altea

On Sunday we went for a drive with friends to take part in a walking tour of Altea. The drive which takes about an hour was beautiful with great views of the Mediterranean Sea and the local landscape.

Toro silhouette common in Spain along roadways.

We arrived early for the tour and took the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and a coffee with some of our friends.

Mark, Vicky, Ray, and Jorge at cafe in Altea

The tour began with Felipe explaining the tour path and some of the highlights we would see along the way.

Felipe explaining the tour and some of the history of Altea

We headed down the walkway along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea before branching off onto a former railway track, which was now converted into a trail.  

Former train tracks converted into a trail system in Altea

We walked a few kilometers on the trail admiring the great views and vegetation. 

Orange trees along the trail with views of the mountains
Shelley in front of blossoming almond trees
The blossom on an almond tree

We eventually came back into the town and walked along the narrow streets of the old quarter. We came across a motorbike and car show which was on public display.

Display of motorbikes with a WWII -1943 motorbike and sidecar.

After viewing the car show we walked through the old quarter admiring the architecture and views.

A street in old quarter of Altea
Whitewashed walls of a home in Old quarter of Altea

Decorations on the church in the old quarter of Altea

We enjoyed the walking trail and the stroll through the old streets of Altea. It is a great little town with lots of beautiful scenery and friendly people. It was a perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Spain

Climbing to breathtaking views

We decided to go hiking and climb a mountain called the Sierra de San Julian. We began our day with a tram ride to a stop which is near the base of the mountain.

There were several different paths that lead up the mountain. One of the paths had an inviting smiling face painted on the rocks.

Rocks at base of the mountain with smily face.

We decided to take the trail which had the smily face to start our climb up the mountain.

We started up the trail which were fairly easy to climb at first and branched off to different areas on the mountain. The higher we got on the mountain the steeper the trail became.

Shelley climbing up the mountain

Around half way up the mountain the paths became extremely difficult. We were climbing steep inclines and working our way up slowly towards the summit.

Ray climbing up steep incline on the mountain

The views on the way up the mountain were wonderful and that kept us motivated to reach the peak.

View from half way up the mountain of Alicante

We continued our climb up the mountain which was very challenging and steep.

Shelley climbing up near the top of the mountain

We eventually reached the top of the mountain after about an hour of climbing. The top of the mountain was fairly flat and provided a beautiful 360 degree view of the area.

We stayed on the top of the mountain enjoying the stunning and beautiful views.  We decided to leave a Canadian landmark by building a small Inukshuk.

Inukshuk made with stones at the top of the Sierra de San Julian Mountain

We left our Canadian landmark behind and headed back down the mountain. The way down was easier and we were able to get down in about 30 minutes. It was a great way to spend a day enjoying the beauty of the area.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Spain

Spelunking the Cueva del Puerto

We decided to try something totally new and different. We went to explore some of the caves in Murcia. There is a cave system which is over 5 kilometers long called the Cueva del Puerto. They are located in Calasparra and approximately 5 kilometres of the caves have been mapped. Nearly all the caves in the Murcia Region are formed by limestone or dolomite,

We drove with friends to the mountains in Calasparra and arrived at the caves visitor centre.

Cueva del Puerto centre

We were met by our two guides who would be leading the exploration of the caves. We went into a change room to change into our cave gear.  We wore coveralls, rappelling gear, and a helmet with light.

Shelley getting ready for the exploration of the caves.

Once everyone was dressed we walked up a trail which brought us  to the entrance to the cave system. There we had a finale review of our equipment and then headed inside the caves.

Our group with one of our guides before heading into the caves del Puerto

In the entrance of the cave is an area for tourist to explore a small section. We headed along that pat then headed down into other areas of the caves not open to tourist.

Zack, Susy, Marcelo, Sonja, Ray and Shelley in a section of the Cave del Puerto

It was a frightening and exciting experience at the same time. We climbed down through some small crevices working our way through the caves. We repelled down sections of the cave, sometimes over 20 feet at a time.

Ray rappelling down a section of the cave of Puerto

There were times when we had to literary crawl on our stomachs to get through some of the openings. It was not an activity for the faint of heart or for anyone who is claustaphobic. We would stop every once and a while to take a photo and rest.

We entered areas of the caves which opened up into larger caverns. Some of these caverns were quite large and impressive while others were so small you could not even stand completely upright.

It was a very challenging exploring the caves and after four hours, we reached the exit of the caves again.

The group at the end of the four hour cave exploration.

It was a very physical and long day,  but it was very rewarding and enjoyable.

“Adios y tenga un grand dia”

Spain

Oktoberfest in Calpe Spain

We went to a very popular Oktoberfest which is located in Calpe, Spain. The city of Calpe is located approximately 75 kilometers from the city of Alicante. We took a small private bus tour to Calpe and arrived at the Oktoberfest around 6:30 pm.

On tour bus headed to Calpe

The event had just opened for the evening when we arrived. The bar area was lining up the Glasses in preparation for the crowd that would inevitably arrive.

Bar area of Oktoberfest in Calpe at the start of the event

We went and found a great table for our group to sit and enjoy the evening.  Our group found a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the event.

The gang sitting at our table at the beginning of the Oktoberfest event

We were close to the main stage and could easily see the entertainment.

Stage area of the Oktoberfest in Calpe

It wasn’t long before the seating was full and the beer was flowing.

The people enjoying the Oktoberfest in Calpe

Our server Bennie was very busy but always seemed to be enjoying himself.

Bennie our server delivering drinks to the table

We watched the entertainment and enjoyed the music from the band. The band was called the “Steinsberger” and they were very talented. After each song they would sing “Zicke Zacke Heu Heu” and everyone would toast and have a drink of beer.  Of course we would have to toast with the crowd at every zicke zacke heu heu. (we didn’t want to be rude).

The group toasting after a Zicke Zacke heu heu chant

There were all kinds of food being served including Bratwurst, Pretzel Rolls with Caraway Salt, Wiener Schnitzel and Beer Braised Briskets. Barbara enjoyed some of the Oktoberfest food.

Barbara enjoying some local Oktoberfest food

We even enjoyed posing for a photo in the cutout in the Oktoberfest.

Ray and Shelley at Oktoberfest Calpe

We put together a small video to give you a “taste” of the Oktoberfest Calpe experience. We had an enjoyable time visiting the Oktoberfest Calpe.

“Adios y Zicke Zacke Heu Heu”

Spain

A day at the Island of Tabarca

We went to visit the small Island of Tabarca which is located 8 nautical miles or 15 kilometers southeast of Alicante. The small Island is a popular summer destination for tourist and locals alike. The island itself is very small with a population of only 68 inhabitants. The island is only 1750 meters long and 300 meters wide at the largest point.

Island of Tabarca in the Mediterranean Sea

We arrived on a cruise boat which is called the Kon Tiki Cuatro which ferries people across from Alicante on a daily basis.

Kon Tiki Cuatro boat

The island only has one port which is fairly small. The boats are required to drop people off and then they must leave the port to allow for other boats to dock.

The port at the Tabarca Island

We debarked the Kon Tiki Cuatro and walked down the pier towards the town. We looked in the water which was very clear. We could see fish swimming along side of the boats and the pier.

Fish swimming in the area of the pier and boats of Tabarca Island.

Tabarca Island is known for a marine reserve which is why there were so many fish.

We arrived at the town and stopped for lunch at a local restaurant. We were a very large group of approximately one hundred people. The restaurant was able to seat us all in long tables which also provided a great view of the sea.

The view from our table looking at the Mediterranean Sea.

We were served courses of traditional Spanish food which included  sea food. Ray ate the sea food although he was not too enthusiastic about the food.

Ray eating mussels

There were plenty of refreshments available as well and we enjoyed some Spanish sangria.

Shelley pouring a glass of Sangria

After lunch we went for a walk through the town. The streets have a traditional Spanish look and it was quiet and peaceful.

A street in the town of Tabarca

We walked the streets and came across some beautiful views. There were some traditional buildings including the Church of San Pedro y San Pablo. It is the only church on the island and was built-in the 17th century.  The church has a unique beauty to it because of the Mediterranean sea backdrop.

The Church of San Pedro y San Pablo.

There were other unique sites along our walk through the town. We came across some ruins with an archway which was near the edge of the island. The views were stunning and looked like something out of a movie.

Ruins and archway on Tabarca Island
Archway near the edge of the Tabarca island

We walked further and came across some stores and a cafe shop. One store was displaying their merchandise in a  different way.

clothing on display outside of the store on mannequins

Tabarca is the smallest permanently inhabited island in Spain. We enjoyed walking the streets and exploring this small island. The scenery was breathtaking. It seemed that everywhere we looked there was a beautiful view.

View from a small outlook on the island of Tabarca
View of a section of Tabraca Island
Street on Tabarca Island

We decided to get a photo taken while near the shore on Tabarca Island.

Ray and Shelley on Tabarca Island

We then headed back to the boat to return to Alicante after a great day on the Island.

Shelley and Ray getting ready to board the Kon Tiki Cuatro to return to Alicante
Shelley on the Kon Tiki Cuatro boat returning to Alicante

It was a very enjoyable day exploring the small island of Tabarca.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”