Beech's Euro Tour Part Deux

[busby]

After a pleasant overnight by the botanical Gardens in Huelva we are on our way to Seville! Very exciting after 3 weeks chilling at the end of the world. We're headed to an aire about 30 minutes walk along the river to the city centre. Any must sees in Seville?

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Christopher Columbus stayed at the Franciscan monastery here whilst planning his journey to America. There are many monuments scattered about to this historical figure including replicas of his ship.

Roman ruins at Italica few miles north of the city I think..BUSBY.

 

[busby]

En route from Huelva to Seville you pass close to El Rocio, well worth a visit for a day..BUSBY.

 

[Helen Ariel]

Mind blown. Seville is probably the most beautiful city I've been too and we've barely touched the surface. Everywhere you look are stunning buildings and i love how many mature trees and palms there are all over the place.

Just after we arrived at the aire a Brit pvc pulled in next to us and the guy had a choccy lab so Beech wandered over and we got chatting. He's travelling solo as his wife passed away in 2019 and he's never been to Seville before either so we all wandered in together.

We walked through the lovely shaded park de Maria Luisa to the Plaza de España which was absolutely stunning in the sunshine and even had a flamenco display going on.

This place has been used as a filming location for Laurence of Arabia and Star Wars!

Flamenco!

There were little tiled alcoves with seats all round the edge of the plaza with a display for various cities around Spain. Here is the one for where we stayed last night with Columbus.

We were all in need of refreshments after this but had to walk quite some way to find somewhere with a free table and caught some more sights along the way.

Revitalised we headed towards the river front which was glorious.

Barry and Ellie headed back to the aire and Paul and I decided to have a bit of a wander off the beaten track as we like to get away from the tourist traps and sample a bit of bar life that's more locals. A beer in the last of the evening sun and we made our way back too as Beech was getting pretty tired and needed her dinner.

Tomorrow we are going to head into Triana to the covered market and will search out somewhere less touristy for lunch then back over the river for some more sights. Thanks for the recommendations folks.

 

[Kilroy]

When I was there I took guided tours of The Royal Alcazar and the Cathedral.......Even though I am not often a guided tour lover, these both were exceptionally good, gave wonderful cultural contexts for the buildings themselves and the history of Spain & Europe at the time. And also drew our attention to interesting details that I'm sure we would have missed out on otherwise

 

[Kilroy]

...and agreed, an exceptionally beautiful city all round

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[Ingwe]

I’m afraid I’m very late to this thread- not sure how I missed it! Love the posts and the photos. And can’t wait to read more and later this year, return ourselves to Portugal and Spain. Loved Seville too. Stayed at Guelph Marina and took the bus into the centre.

 

[Helen Ariel]

So we had another fab day in Seville and the city has exceeded our expectations which is saying something!
We had a slightly disturbed nights sleep as the cranes at the scrapyard near the aire seemed to be working almost all night, lifting & dropping piles of scrap metal. Thank goodness we have good earplugs!

A couple more pics from Sundays wander. We were very lucky with the weather which was 21c and sunny. Just perfect sightseeing temperatures.

We decided to leave Beech in the van so she got a good walk first thing round the riverbank before we headed into the city again. She still got to see some great sights!

We‘re careful to manage her exertions these days, plus we can cover more ground and go inside places like the market in the Triana district & the tapas bars!

A brisk walk along the river in the sun to the market meant we saw boats of all shapes, sizes & ages.

As well as more beautiful buildings.

Then it was into the market for a look and some refreshments! This was the bar we ended up at first for tapas & coffee.

We had spinach with chickpeas, some traditional blood dish and amazing shrimp fritters!

Empty plates are always a good sign but I wouldn’t have the blood dish again in a hurry.

Then on to the tapas restaurant that was recommended by matamoros

What a great recommendation thanks! The dishes were simple but cooked to perfection and so reasonably priced around 3 euros each.

Well refreshed we then went for an explore over the river to find the Setas de Sevilla, a huge piece of modern sculpture. Just amazing to look at!

Then we meandered back to the van passing the back of the cathedral en route.

We found a tiny alley to walk down and came across a lovely little square with a cafe for a quick pit stop.

Then back past another monument to Columbus.

Before we walked past the Plaza de España again which looked great in the dappled light.

Beech was pleased to see us and we changed plans. Rather than stay another night we hot-footed it towards Cadiz, finding a nice free spot just north of Rota which is the headquarters of the Spanish navy. We were treated to a spectacular sunset on the drive, arriving just after dusk. Lovely and quiet with just the sound of the sea sending us to sleep.

 

[Lenny HB]

You should have gone back to the palace in the evening, it's stunning when it's all lit up.

 

[Helen Ariel]

We were planning on staying another night but decided to head for Cadiz in case we fancy being there for Kings Day parades.

 

[Mikey RV]

Great photos, not managed to get there when we’re over there but must do next winter hopefully.

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[Ingwe]

Lovely photos again. If you loved Seville, I think you’ll love Cadiz too. We spent two nights at the docks parking. It was free but I think that may have been a glitch as we expected to pay but the barrier was open and remained open when we left. No one came and asked us for money and there was no obvious way to buy one. The little office where you’re supposed to register your ticket was closed over the weekend we were there. (This was February 2020).
We had a lovely walk around Cadiz which has an especially lovely coastal promenade. Lots of feral cats on the rocks and we saw volunteer cat wardens feeding them. Can’t wait to go back! Enjoy your journey and thanks for the posts with photos.

 

[Chilcote]

Great pictures and a wonderful city. We were there in late October and took one of the guided bicycle tours of the city which was a brilliant way to see some of the things we may have missed just walking around.

 

[Helen Ariel]

You should have gone back to the place in the evening, it's stunning when it's all lit up.

Yeah we talked about going back in the evening but we were pretty tired and it's fresh at night at the moment plus we don't like to leave Beech for too long. I think we'll definitely be back to see more of Seville so we'll do a night visit at some point.

 

[jongood]

Yeah we talked about going back in the evening but we were pretty tired and it's fresh at night at the moment plus we don't like to leave Beech for too long. I think we'll definitely be back to see more of Seville so we'll do a night visit at some point.

Great pics, love Seville. Don't know which way you're headed next but roman Theatres at Merida are well worth seeing, and handy stop in the Coach Park, note care with the satnav as there are some low bridges.

 

[Helen Ariel]

Great pics, love Seville. Don't know which way you're headed next but roman Theatres at Merida are well worth seeing, and handy stop in the Coach Park, note care with the satnav as there are some low bridges.

We're heading South now but will keep in mind for future trips as we do love a Roman ruin.

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[Helen Ariel]

So two very peaceful nights at the car park close to the aire just north of Rota. Quite a few other vans, some of whom were definitely there for the season and parked length ways taking up several car spaces each.

Still dry & warm so a long walk along the beach yesterday resulted in us finding a cracking fishmongers on the harbour where we bought half a kilo of mantis shrimp and two fish called Urtas Rojas for less than €10.

Rota itself was quite lively and there was quite an American influence due to the proximity to the naval base; Baskin Robbins, Route 66 bar & diner etc.

A long walk back on the raised boardwalk through lovely pine trees with signs to let us know it was a protected chameleon habitat. We even managed to spot a couple!

As sweet & tasty as the shrimp were I doubt we’d buy them again as they were very fiddly to eat, with sharp pointy tails.

We were also treated to a lovely sunset, arguably the best of the trip so far.

We moved on this morning as we need to empty black and grey, & fill gas and water.

Currently parked up overlooking Playa de la Puntilla with a view of Cadiz in the distance. It's certainly a great area of Spain for Flt as we have been spoilt for choice with spots all along this coastline and no restrictions/signs and lot's of Spanish with their chairs and tables out enjoying the holiday season. We might head in to Cadiz tomorrow but it’s a public holiday here and we really want to go to buy some more fish at what’s reputed to be one of the best markets in Spain. Decisions, decisions…

 

[Helen Ariel]

We decided to stay put as it's the public holiday today. I went for a much needed bike ride whilst Paul took Beech for a walk. 22 flat miles but quite a head wind on the way back. Cycle path all the way to the national park then gravel paths and board walks over the sea plains and through pine woods as far as i could go until reaching the big suspension bridge over to Cadiz. It was a nice way to get a feel for the area and look back across the bay at where we were camped.

After that we both cycled a couple of miles back to the lovely looking restaurant quarter that I'd seen on my ride and had a light lunch and i sampled the local tipple of sherry.

The place is buzzing with Spanish families out enjoying the holiday so it was a nice atmosphere but does make me miss friends and family rather.

Cadiz tomorrow!

 

[Jays2]

You can cross by ferry to Cadiz from your location, can be a bit choppy!

 

[Helen Ariel]

You can cross by ferry to Cadiz from your location, can be a bit choppy!

Yeah i saw the terminal on my ride but would rather be parked closer for the dog and want to do fresh grocery shopping in the market.

 

[Helen Ariel]

Well Cadiz was lovely! Beautiful sunny weather, fresh in the shade but absolutely toasty when ensconced in a sheltered, sun trap of a bar.

We forked out for the primo parking very close to the old town and a nice quiet spot right next to the water facing due west. 28 euros for 24 hours no services stung a bit but it meant we could pack lot's in to our short visit and we'll be wilding for awhile afterwards to make up for it.

We headed out late morning yesterday with Beech to look around and after a bracing walk around the shady outer promenade to the North we headed into the centre of Old Town. There is a miriad of narrow streets that all look very similar here and the old, tall buildings mean it's quite hard to get your bearings once you’re in.

There are also some absolutely amazing, humongous trees here. The scale just doesn't come across in the photos.

We eventually ended up at the oldest covered market in Europe which has many tempting places to eat both inside and lining the outside. We jumped at the chance of a table in the sun and luckily the food was really good here. We had several small plates and there were all delicious.

After lunch we checked out the market with a view to coming back in the morning to buy some lovely fresh produce and fish and then headed over to the beaches and walked out to the old Fort.

There is a colony of ginger cats living in little houses on the sheltered side of the sea wall here!

We were all quite tired after this so we went back to the van for a bit of a siesta and watched the sunset, then revitalised Paul and I headed out for a few drinks leaving Beech to sleep off the days excitement.

We found a really nice craft beer place and had a few then fancied a pizza so we looked up a place with good Google scores and we weren't disappointed. Proper wood fired pizza, thin and crispy with a lovely bubbly crust. Crazy good value at 5 euros! There was a Brit couple at the table next to us and we ended up chatting with them the whole way through our meal and then realised the staff were giving us dirty looks and there was a que of people waiting for a table so we all went to a nearby bar to carry on our discussions.

They lived in Morocco for 9 years so we were quite interested to hear about that and before we knew it it was midnight! Oops, we made a hasty slightly wobbly exit, swapping numbers and rushed back to let Beech out for pees.

Hmmm... slightly hungover we dragged ourselves to the market and set about trying to chose what fish we wanted to buy from the hundreds of amazing different species on display. Not recommended.. we faffed and ummed over what to get then opted for some beautiful looking tuna belly and a big chunk of sword fish. I'm searing the tuna tonight and serving with a zesty Asian style dressing and the sword fish will make a goan style curry tomorrow.

After our shopping i was quite keen to get out of the city and have some r and r time so we headed half an hour South to El Palmar where some friends recommended us a spot.

It's a beautiful long, fine white sand beach and also gets surf sometimes so a perfect contrast to the city stuff. Being the last Saturday of the holidays and an absolute scorcher of a day the place is busy but not unpleasantly so and we have a nice grassy camp spot just set back from the beach. It's mostly Spanish here but we have a fellow Brit neighbour. So a bit of sunbathing and the hangover has abaited and we had a lovely walk along the beach. Beech is in doggy heaven and we might get a surf tomorrow. Life is good!

There are even hippy dogs with dreadlocks here!

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[Ingwe]

Again, lovely photos and interesting commentary. Sigh! It took us back, especially the kitties on the sea wall. Expensive parking. Using the port was, I believe, free but there were no facilities. But it was also a very easy walk into the centre. Can’t wait to return. Thanks for the posts.

 

[Lenny HB]

We forked out for the primo parking very close to the old town and a nice quiet spot right next to the water facing due west. 28 euros for 24 hours no services stung a bit

HOW MUCH!
You have just lost all your street cred.

 

[Helen Ariel]

HOW MUCH!
You have just lost all your street cred.

Haha, I know! €28.80 for 24 hours in a car park with no services…

To be fair it was in a stunning location & perfectly located for exploring the old town, and we could only justify it because we’d been FLT’s for a few days before and will be for the next week at least. I still had to think on it for a while before we decided but I’ve wanted to visit Cadiz for such a long time!

The alternative was €18 in the port car park which can be noisy and was a bit further out with no view, or stay where we were and get the ferry over, but the logistics of that with Beech meant it was a no-no.

 

[Helen Ariel]

Again, lovely photos and interesting commentary. Sigh! It took us back, especially the kitties on the sea wall. Expensive parking. Using the port was, I believe, free but there were no facilities. But it was also a very easy walk into the centre. Can’t wait to return. Thanks for the posts.

The port is over €18 for parking now with no facilities still, but agreed on being an almost equally convenient location to explore the old town.
Some times you’ve just got to suck it up!

 

[busby]

Great posts Helen,,Cadiz

is one of our favourites.Hope to be down there in April.. BUSBY.

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[Dutch 68]

Well Cadiz was lovely! Beautiful sunny weather, fresh in the shade but absolutely toasty when ensconced in a sheltered, sun trap of a bar.

We forked out for the primo parking very close to the old town and a nice quiet spot right next to the water facing due west. 28 euros for 24 hours no services stung a bit but it meant we could pack lot's in to our short visit and we'll be wilding for awhile afterwards to make up for it.

We headed out late morning yesterday with Beech to look around and after a bracing walk around the shady outer promenade to the North we headed into the centre of Old Town. There is a miriad of narrow streets that all look very similar here and the old, tall buildings mean it's quite hard to get your bearings once you’re in.

View attachment 573547

There are also some absolutely amazing, humongous trees here. The scale just doesn't come across in the photos.

View attachment 573548View attachment 573549

We eventually ended up at the oldest covered market in Europe which has many tempting places to eat both inside and lining the outside. We jumped at the chance of a table in the sun and luckily the food was really good here. We had several small plates and there were all delicious.

View attachment 573550

After lunch we checked out the market with a view to coming back in the morning to buy some lovely fresh produce and fish and then headed over to the beaches and walked out to the old Fort.

View attachment 573551View attachment 573552View attachment 573554View attachment 573555View attachment 573556
There is a colony of ginger cats living in little houses on the sheltered side of the sea wall here!

We were all quite tired after this so we went back to the van for a bit of a siesta and watched the sunset, then revitalised Paul and I headed out for a few drinks leaving Beech to sleep off the days excitement.

View attachment 573559

We found a really nice craft beer place and had a few then fancied a pizza so we looked up a place with good Google scores and we weren't disappointed. Proper wood fired pizza, thin and crispy with a lovely bubbly crust. Crazy good value at 5 euros! There was a Brit couple at the table next to us and we ended up chatting with them the whole way through our meal and then realised the staff were giving us dirty looks and there was a que of people waiting for a table so we all went to a nearby bar to carry on our discussions.

They lived in Morocco for 9 years so we were quite interested to hear about that and before we knew it it was midnight! Oops, we made a hasty slightly wobbly exit, swapping numbers and rushed back to let Beech out for pees.

Hmmm... slightly hungover we dragged ourselves to the market and set about trying to chose what fish we wanted to buy from the hundreds of amazing different species on display. Not recommended.. we faffed and ummed over what to get then opted for some beautiful looking tuna belly and a big chunk of sword fish. I'm searing the tuna tonight and serving with a zesty Asian style dressing and the sword fish will make a goan style curry tomorrow.

View attachment 573560View attachment 573561View attachment 573562
View attachment 573589

After our shopping i was quite keen to get out of the city and have some r and r time so we headed half an hour South to El Palmar where some friends recommended us a spot.

It's a beautiful long, fine white sand beach and also gets surf sometimes so a perfect contrast to the city stuff. Being the last Saturday of the holidays and an absolute scorcher of a day the place is busy but not unpleasantly so and we have a nice grassy camp spot just set back from the beach. It's mostly Spanish here but we have a fellow Brit neighbour. So a bit of sunbathing and the hangover has abaited and we had a lovely walk along the beach. Beech is in doggy heaven and we might get a surf tomorrow. Life is good!

View attachment 573563View attachment 573564View attachment 573565View attachment 573566
There are even hippy dogs with dreadlocks here!
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Stunning pics!

 

[Helen Ariel]

We've had a lovely few days wilding in El Palmar. The weather has been stunning and we didn't move the van at all for 3 days and just had lovely walks on the beautiful beach which is miles long. Not even reached either end of it on our walks, cooked all our nice produce from Cadiz, went for a bike ride and had a bbq yesterday.

Seared tuna belly with a tamari and ginger dressing with cabbage and shitake mushrooms.

Goan swordfish curry.

Roast pork belly and mash.

Yesterday afternoon we moved 20 minutes South to Barbate where our friends Andrea and Chris have been staying the last 2 months. They were our neighbours on the campsite in Sagres last winter for 4 months so it was fun catching up with them and we shared a glass of wine whilst watching the sunset. Andrea informed us that we had parked our motorhome outside the crumbling ruin of Franco's holiday villa!

 

[Dutch 68]

We've had a lovely few days wilding in El Palmar. The weather has been stunning and we didn't move the van at all for 3 days and just had lovely walks on the beautiful beach which is miles long. Not even reached either end of it on our walks, cooked all our nice produce from Cadiz, went for a bike ride and had a bbq yesterday.

View attachment 574542View attachment 574543

Seared tuna belly with a tamari and ginger dressing with cabbage and shitake mushrooms.

View attachment 574544

Goan swordfish curry.

View attachment 574545

Roast pork belly and mash.

View attachment 574546View attachment 574547View attachment 574548View attachment 574549
View attachment 574562
Yesterday afternoon we moved 20 minutes South to Barbate where our friends Andrea and Chris have been staying the last 2 months. They were our neighbours on the campsite in Sagres last winter for 4 months so it was fun catching up with them and we shared a glass of wine whilst watching the sunset. Andrea informed us that we had parked our motorhome outside the crumbling ruin of Franco's holiday villa!

Beautiful! Enjoy.

 

[jongood]

Haha, I know! €28.80 for 24 hours in a car park with no services…

To be fair it was in a stunning location & perfectly located for exploring the old town, and we could only justify it because we’d been FLT’s for a few days before and will be for the next week at least. I still had to think on it for a while before we decided but I’ve wanted to visit Cadiz for such a long time!

The alternative was €18 in the port car park which can be noisy and was a bit further out with no view, or stay where we were and get the ferry over, but the logistics of that with Beech meant it was a no-no.

ignore Lenny we would do the same, the cash is nothing compared to the memory.

 

[Lenny HB]

Grub looks good, I need to hone up my van cooking skills.

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