Warm enough last night
so that we didn't need to leave the heating on, although it was still
a bit chill until the sun got things warmed up. After breakfast
serviced the van then got our stuff together for a walk into town –
not really that far but we didn't know how long we would be.
The setting of
Peniscola is said to be one of Spains most stunning; a heavily
fortified promontory jutting out into the Mediterranean, zealously
shielding its warren of alleys and lanes with perfectly preserved
medieval walls. Contrast that with the thin line of high-rises
straggling along the narrow but attractive beach in each direction.
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| Imposing view - the Castle's good too! |
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| Sand sculptures |
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| North beach |
The castle, where parts
of El Cid were filmed, was built on what was once a Phoenician
settlement, later occupied by the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and
Moorish. The castle itself was built by the Knights Templar and Pope
Benedict XIII, known as Papa Luna, lived herer after being deposed
from the papacy in 15thC. There are several references to Papa Luna
around the town.
Of course at this time
of year everything, and we mean everything is closed around the sea
front except for the occasional small bar/cafe catering for the few
locals. The main population lives a kilometre or so back from the
coast. That said council workers were in evidence keeping the area
spotlessly clean (and getting in the way of photographs!).
With nothing open and
thus the thoughts of lunch out thwarted, we used the one cash machine
and wandered back to Bertie giving Jamie the opportunity for a good
run off his lead on the beach. There were signs saying dogs
prohibited but nobody else seemed to be taking any notice!
Lunch and then a couple
of hours relaxing in the warm sunshine, although a cool breeze off
the sea chased us indoors later. We quite like Peniscola but don't
think we could stay here for an extended period without some other
form of transport.
We'll be moving on
tomorrow.
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