Since the Scandinavians began their sun-seeking forays into eastern Spain in the early 1960's, the Costa Blanca has become synonymous with miles of golden beaches, almost year-round sun and the relaxed lifestyle that epitomises Mediterranean Spain.
Most of them never ventured more than a few kilometres from the Mediterranean shore. Those who did were well rewarded. They discovered a region of glorious diversity, from rugged mountains to almost lunar landscapes, and vast areas of natural beauty where the scent of aromatic herbs filled the air and wild flower-lined walks meandered through pine forests.
They stumbled across Neolithic rock paintings, majestic waterfalls, searing rock faces and deep caves formed over millions of years, and explored picturesque villages where recipes were handed down from generation to generation and the rhythm of life was dictated by the growing seasons.
Incredibly, this wondrous inland region still exists - and this book is a guide for those who want to experience more of Spanish life than sun, sea and sangria and are ready to jump into a car and visit places where a foreign accent is still a rarity, to explore the narrow cobbled streets of historic mountain villages where the past is in the present, and witness bizarre rural fiestas whose roots go back to pagan times.
The 20 excursions in Inland Trips from the Costa Blanca cover an area from just above the city of CastellŪn in the north to Alicante (and Murcia just over the border) in the south, and are arranged in such away that you link excursions to create itineraries for a day, a week-end or even longer. Each excursion includes a map and route details as well as information on sights to see, overnight accommodation, where to eat and local specialities. Also in the book is general information on driving, basic vocabulary and a few hints on the use of the Valenciano language.
To sample an excursion, enter through image 1 to the left.
More samples will follow in the next few days.
