It’s 23rd December, time to leave for a winter ride to Spain. It’s an almost last minute decision, seen favorable meteo conditions and the need to ride the new mechanical horse: our Moto Guzzi V85TT.
We hope to find the joyful spanish attitude to life, good food and wines, some sunny spots and to celebrate in this way our first of a time Christmas celebration away from the family, not an easy one for an Italian, probably easier for a Russian.
We also want to meet a couple of friends that moved from Tuscany to the area of Vinaros.
Ferry. Barcelona
Off to Barcelona from Genova, our sailing is quite fast and comfortable despite the initial delay. Be careful with your mobile phones when on board: switch them to aero mode or your credit will be sucked into some telecommunications black hole where no rule applies to charges.
Once arrived, just after having checked in at the hotel Coloniale, right out of the port, we are sitting at the Pork, where the specialty is … PIG. A delicious dinner where the best pork cheek ever had is surrounded by preciously cooked side dishes, a bottle of excellent cava and the gentle and informal, yet very professional, service of the young guys working here. We loved this place.
It’s Christmas night: wandering around . Spanish tapas bars are open, not so many people on the streets, warm sea breeze, sweet and peaceful atmosphere. A Road cleaner and his Santa’s hat greet us. We love this.
Valencia
The day after we’re already in Valencia, where we reach our B&B in Opera House district – the very modern area built for an Expo few years ago. It’s amazing how they connected this new part of the city to the old one using a network of bike roads, walkaways and green corridors. Beautiful! And the city center, packed with people, again a very happy atmosphere. We find a Cruzcampo place where to have a good paella valenciana and the first of an endless series – across the whole vacation – of spanish beers: light, refreshing and not killing you after a couple of pints. Estrella Galicia, Mahou, Alhambra. Aaaaaahhhhhh.
Almeria. Tabernas desert
One night in Valencia and we are heading to Almeria and the Tabernas Desert. An incredible landscape, the only real desert in Europe, and the set of numerous western movies by the master: Sergio Leone. The movie set is there, now an amusement park, a bit creepy but fascinating too. The off roads capabilities of our technological equine are put at test on the dirt here, with pleasant results.
A foggy night in Almeria offers us surreal meteorological conditions to visit Cable Ingles – the old english railway bridge and the close monument of numerous columns dedicated to the city’s victims of fascism. A constant mix of Muslim and Christian cultures, mosques restored into churches and viceversa, give you an idea of how many battles this place had lived.
To explore Sierra Nevada area we’ve chosen the itinerary through the middle of a mountain chain passing by small the towns of Bérchules and Lanjarón, and then across the Reservoir of Guadalfeo river.
Granada
The weekend before New Year is very busy in Granada and everything is so expensive. We walk immediately to Albacin, the ancient jewish district of the city, with its authentic little places and the mirador de San Nicolas on top of the hill that faces spectacular Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada behind.
The next day climb to the Alhambra castle – the UNESCO heritage site – the medieval Muslim fortress dates back to the time when the city was ruled by Muslims. Only 7000 person a day can visit the main parts of Generalife and Alcazabra so it’s important to book tickets in advance. Anyway there are plenty of other beautiful museums, churches and palaces to visit for free inside the fortress.
Less crowded but not least important is the San Jeronimo monastery.
Alicante
Very warm and welcoming city. The fascinating historical part of the old town and Santa Barbara Castle on the very top of Mount Benacantil watch the city sit side by side, with its narrow streets full of bars, fashionable restaurants and the modern harbor. We spend New Year’s night with an old fancy english couple. A couple of fireworks, very calm atmosphere at the harbor and a concert of local pop music in the main square… it’s already the 1st of January and we’re already on the saddle.
Vinaros
Our last stop in Spain to visit old friends from Germany, who settled in this small village to grow their fruits and vegetables, make their own limoncello and mostly to enjoy the warm and soft sea climate. Good choice mates!
The day after we head to France since we’ve decided to come back home across the Cote d’Azur. Sky covered by the clouds and a long highway freeze us up a bit.
Narbonne
“Finally we’re in France and we’ll eat well..” – was our first thought since we weren’t surprisingly very lucky with the food in Spain this time… Taking advantage of warmest hours to drive more comfortable we find ourselves visiting many places by night. Colorful Christmas lights in the main square and along the small river, the beautiful Ancient Diocese of Narbonne lighted in a way that highlights its greatness and mysticism are our gift tonite.
Nice
Almost all year long Nice enjoys a soft and warm climate. The city offers numerous musical and cultural events, gastronomical experience or just a long peaceful walk along the long promenade des anglais. In low season prices are more than affordable. These are the reasons why you want to come back here more and more. It is our last night before driving straight back home along the incredible coast views of Monte Carlo, then Sanremo and continuing for a couple of the coldest hours of our trip, from Genova to Milano, to get back home before sunset.
Here is the map of our trip:
Moto Surf Travel 