It's spring in the air and what better time to go on the first holiday of the year? In less than a month I'm travelling out to Spain for two weeks of sun, relaxing and swimming. Mike and I are travelling out towards the end of the month, and a few days into our stay we get company from Leah and James.
I'm looking so much forward to spending time with them and sharing all the lovely places that are close to my heart with them. I'm sure they will love it!! How can they not? Just look at these photos.
#mookieandleahdospain
When I travel I like to mix it up a bit. I like, no I love spending time in the pool so I make sure I spend several hours every day here. I like the beach, ocean and snorkelling too so I'm a water person. Mike just calls me his mermaid as I tend to stay in the water for so long I look like a prune when I'm coming out of the pool or ocean. :) But I do like exploring and going off the beaten track too. I love architecture and I love seeing new places and Southern Costa Blanca has so much more to offer than just lots of English and Norwegians, generic restaurants and old people who are spending their retirement there away from the rain and grey weather. With more than 320 sunny days you're certain to get good weather going there so I can see why there are so many ex pats living out there. The thought of living there is very tempting, and Mike and I have talked about moving out there more than once.
There are so many exciting places to explore and some of them I want to show Leah and James when they come as it's a beautiful part of the world.
My favourite places that I will take them is
1 Tabarca The beautiful little islet just off the coast of Santa Pola(Santa Pola itself is beautiful too with an amazing long beach and lovely little cafes, so it's always worth spending a few hours here either before going to Tabarca or on the way back). It's the smallest permanently inhabited islet in Spain. It's quaint, beautiful and has an interesting history that you can feel as you're walking in the little streets of this litte hidden gem. It's also a marine reserve with excellent opportunities for snorkelling and with just a short boat ride from the main land, be sure to visit Tabarca if you visit Costa Blanca
2. El Carabassi. One of the best beaches in this area. Beautiful golden sand and gently sloping and safe. Great beach for a picnic, but bring parasols as there is no shade.
3. Cartagena. It's an exciting historic town with a Roman Theatre Museum and a boat trip in the harbour of this beautiful town is must do's if you stop here. The Roman ruins offers you loads of history and the amazing amphitheatre is gorgeous and something you won't forget once been there. Only 45 minutes drive from my sister in laws house is located so it's a nice day trip out.
4. Mudbaths of San Pedro Del Pinetar. These mudbaths are not very well known, but all the better cause it means that it's not very crowded. Lots of locals go here for their beauty therapy which is free and all natural. Jump in, get dirty and step up on the pontoons to let the mud dry. Your skin will feel amazing for days after! Huge salt lakes that you can float around in and just across the walk way you have the beautiful Mar Menor where you can swim or rest on the beach. But just make sure you rinse off the mud before you go into the lagoon or otherwise you will be frowned upon.
5. Street Markets. There are street markets all over the area, each little town has its local one. Just ask around to find out when one close to where you are going are. Our local one is every Saturday from early in the morning to around 2pm. Here you can find everything from touristy crap, to leather goods, local arts and crafts and of course food. Fresh fruits, fresh fish, fresh olives and so on. It can get very hectic, but it is something you don't want to miss cause you might just find yourself a bargain.
These are my favourite places that I will definitely take Leah and James in between all the sunbathing and swimming. I can't wait to go down there as I know it will be so much fun. Make sure you follow us on our holiday as we will be posting photos on social media with hashtag #mookieandleahdospain
Have you ever visited Costa Blanca? If so, where did you go?
I'm looking so much forward to spending time with them and sharing all the lovely places that are close to my heart with them. I'm sure they will love it!! How can they not? Just look at these photos.
#mookieandleahdospain
When I travel I like to mix it up a bit. I like, no I love spending time in the pool so I make sure I spend several hours every day here. I like the beach, ocean and snorkelling too so I'm a water person. Mike just calls me his mermaid as I tend to stay in the water for so long I look like a prune when I'm coming out of the pool or ocean. :) But I do like exploring and going off the beaten track too. I love architecture and I love seeing new places and Southern Costa Blanca has so much more to offer than just lots of English and Norwegians, generic restaurants and old people who are spending their retirement there away from the rain and grey weather. With more than 320 sunny days you're certain to get good weather going there so I can see why there are so many ex pats living out there. The thought of living there is very tempting, and Mike and I have talked about moving out there more than once.
There are so many exciting places to explore and some of them I want to show Leah and James when they come as it's a beautiful part of the world.
My favourite places that I will take them is
1 Tabarca The beautiful little islet just off the coast of Santa Pola(Santa Pola itself is beautiful too with an amazing long beach and lovely little cafes, so it's always worth spending a few hours here either before going to Tabarca or on the way back). It's the smallest permanently inhabited islet in Spain. It's quaint, beautiful and has an interesting history that you can feel as you're walking in the little streets of this litte hidden gem. It's also a marine reserve with excellent opportunities for snorkelling and with just a short boat ride from the main land, be sure to visit Tabarca if you visit Costa Blanca
2. El Carabassi. One of the best beaches in this area. Beautiful golden sand and gently sloping and safe. Great beach for a picnic, but bring parasols as there is no shade.
3. Cartagena. It's an exciting historic town with a Roman Theatre Museum and a boat trip in the harbour of this beautiful town is must do's if you stop here. The Roman ruins offers you loads of history and the amazing amphitheatre is gorgeous and something you won't forget once been there. Only 45 minutes drive from my sister in laws house is located so it's a nice day trip out.
4. Mudbaths of San Pedro Del Pinetar. These mudbaths are not very well known, but all the better cause it means that it's not very crowded. Lots of locals go here for their beauty therapy which is free and all natural. Jump in, get dirty and step up on the pontoons to let the mud dry. Your skin will feel amazing for days after! Huge salt lakes that you can float around in and just across the walk way you have the beautiful Mar Menor where you can swim or rest on the beach. But just make sure you rinse off the mud before you go into the lagoon or otherwise you will be frowned upon.
5. Street Markets. There are street markets all over the area, each little town has its local one. Just ask around to find out when one close to where you are going are. Our local one is every Saturday from early in the morning to around 2pm. Here you can find everything from touristy crap, to leather goods, local arts and crafts and of course food. Fresh fruits, fresh fish, fresh olives and so on. It can get very hectic, but it is something you don't want to miss cause you might just find yourself a bargain.
These are my favourite places that I will definitely take Leah and James in between all the sunbathing and swimming. I can't wait to go down there as I know it will be so much fun. Make sure you follow us on our holiday as we will be posting photos on social media with hashtag #mookieandleahdospain
Have you ever visited Costa Blanca? If so, where did you go?
I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!! xx
ReplyDeleteI know, it will be so amazing. :) :) :)
DeleteI am soooo jealous. We defoo need to holiday together one day xxxx P.s miss and love ya xxx
DeleteOoh enjoy your holiday, I am sure you will have a fantastic time!
ReplyDeleteHow much fun to be plotting and planning. We are off to France in May and are so excited
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Costa Blanca but I am the same as you I love the mix of relaxation and actually doing loads of things. Looks lovely, have a great time! x
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Costa Blanca but I honestly thought it was a pool and chill holiday place, I didn't realise there was so much to see and do. Have a fantastic holiday (well, I'm sure you will!)
ReplyDeleteWe're counting down to our summer holiday in Portugal, your photos make me want to go there now!!
ReplyDeleteNot been there, only been right down to the South of Spain, but I'd like to visit. Anywhere in Spain is good by me!! :) Great pics. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteOh wow have an amazing time! It sounds like you have some great places to take them while you are there! Can I hide in a suitcase? x
ReplyDeleteomg im so envious of you right now look how amaizng you look and that weather, looks to die for. unfortunately having 8 little ones we are unable to go abroad so we have invested in a folding camper this year and have decided to go camping at every single opportunity we can , its very exciting although im not sure we will reach the blancas , enjoy x
ReplyDeleteAh- you can't beat holidays and a lovely blue pool like you have here! We went to Costa Brava last year but not to Costa Blanca - there's so much to explore in that part of the Med!
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing - I've never been to Costa Blanca before :) H x
ReplyDeleteI looks great there, I don't think I have been to Costa blanca.
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous! It looks like such a beautiful place! X
ReplyDeleteI can definitely see why these are some of your favorites. I'd be pretty excited to check them all out.
ReplyDeleteNo I haven't but I would love to. I need a holiday.
ReplyDeleteI've never ever been anywhere like this before. I'd love to one day though - it looks so warm and relaxing! Thanks for the great place suggestions!
ReplyDeleteThis brings back memories, my dad owned a villa in Cartagena when I was a teen and I have many happy memories of fun there
ReplyDeleteI have never been but seeing your photos have shown me what a beautiful country it really is. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love the street markets in costa blanca, especially when we are self catering so I can make the most of all the fresh produce.
ReplyDeleteOh I am jealous! Hope you have a lovely time on your holiday.
ReplyDeleteYour so lucky to visit such a nice place! It sounds and looks great :)
ReplyDeleteAhhh, it's going to be such an amazing holiday! Those photos all look gorgeous... the sky and the sea is so blue. Got to love a good street market too. I hope you have an amazing time and I'm looking forward to seeing all the fun and photos from the trip :) x
ReplyDeleteOh wow - this sounds so amazing, you will have a blast I'm sure! Have a wonderful holiday :) Kaz x
ReplyDeleteI love the whole planning process - we've nothing booked as yet but hoping that changes soon
ReplyDeleteOh I love booking a holiday and then having a little countdown! We are going to the canary island's in September. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI love Cartegena, one of my favourite places, such a beautiful city.
ReplyDeleteI've never been myself but I love the sound of those mud baths! Am looking for holiday inspiration for this summer so will consider Costa Blanca :)
ReplyDeleteHave a fantastic holiday - I always get as much pleasure from the anticipation and planning as from the holiday itself!
ReplyDeleteI am jealous of the sunshine in those pictures, looks lovely! I need to head abroad some time this year as the weather has been so unreliable here so far x
ReplyDeleteI went to Benidorm back in 2003 but my fave part of that holiday was getting to explore Alicante. Have a fab time when it arrives xx
ReplyDeleteHow awesome and two weeks too, I bet you can't wait! I've not been that way for a while although we're in France for a few days at the end of May and were in Ghent last week. It's always nice doing a bit of planning before going isn't it x
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