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Trip Overview:
This Spanish Paradores Mediterranean self drive tour will take you to some of the best beaches and coastline along Spain´s Mediterranean coast. It also allows you to easily visit the exciting cities of Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Almería and Malaga while staying on your journey, in charming Parador hotels. The Mediterranean...
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Trip Summary:
BENICARLO (2 nights) - EL SALER (2 nights) - LORCA (1 night) - NERJA (2 nights) ...
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Access:
Depart on Sundays. Flying into Valencia International Airport. Departure from Malaga. Totally Spain does not arrange flights so you have the flexibility to book the flights you prefer. We can recommend a travel agent with whom you can book your flights if required. Otherwise a website such as Skyscanner is very useful for checking up-to-...
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Benicarlo, Spain
Arrive in Valencia airport, collect your rental car and proceed to the Parador de Benicarlo*. Drive time is roughly 1hr 45mins. If you would prefer to arrive a day earlier and overnight in Valencia city or somewhere else en-route to Benicarlo, we can arrange that for you.
Benicarlo is in the Spanish Levante in the south east of Spain, formed by two autonomous communities: Murcia and Valenciana, both with a long tourist history. Fine sandy beaches overlooking the Mediterranean, a wonderful year-round climate and welcoming inhabitants are just some of the regions special qualities. The landscape also varies greatly from the summer beach resorts on the coast to the small and charming villages found in the mountains and valleys of the interior.
Benicarlo is a great setting-off point to discover this pleasant coast, exploring popular spots such as Peniscola and its castle which appears to float above the sea and the town’s Old Quarter. Inland visit the Els Ports-Maestrat region. Of special note is the lovely town of Morella, in which numerous civil and religious monuments reflect the history of the town.
Activities & Services Included today
Benicarlo, Spain
Today enjoy exploring locally or relaxing at the Parador de Benicarlo.
The Parador is ideally located next to the quiet beaches of Benicarlo, in the heart of the Costa del Azahar, just 30 metres from the sea to be exact. Spend time in the monumental garden with its well tended lawn, seasonal swimming pool and exotic palm trees.
Later perhaps enjoy the local cuisine of which seafood and rice dishes are most representative of the Benicarlo area.
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El Saler, Spain
From Benicarlo travel south to the outskirts of Valencia and the Parador de El Saler.
The facilities at this modern Parador include a spa, swimming pool, fabulous sea views and an 18-hole golf course. It is beautifully located by the beach, in the heart of the Albufera Nature Reserve and is just a short drive to the historic centre of Valencia.
In Valencia be sure to visit the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava. In the historical centre of Valencia sights worth visiting include: La Lonja, declared a World Heritage Site: the Central Market: the Cathedral: the Palau de la Generalitat, the Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace, and the Serranos and Quart towers.
We have included for you a handy 24 hour pass for the Valencia- Albufera Tourist bus and Boat ride. It will get you conveniently to all the main sights in Valencia city and you can also enjoy a boat ride in the lagoon in the Albufera Natural Park.
The villages near the lagoon are renowned for their paella (the dish has its origins here) and make an ideal stop for lunch (not included).
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El Saler, Spain
Today we have also included for you prebooked entrance tickets for Principe Felipe Science Museum and for the Oceanografic Centre.
The Principe Felipe Science Museum features a series of fascinating exhibits dedicated to themes such as climate change and human DNA. The section on ‘magical chemistry’ is well worth checking out while there is an entire level devoted to the greatest scientists. Sports fans will love the section devoted to the city’s most successful football club, Valencia CF, and the Marvel superheroes exhibit attracts young and old in equal measure.
At the Oceanografic Centre explore the world’s major seas and oceans, with each building dedicated to a different maritime environment. Marvel at the majesty of the Mediterranean. Wander through the wild Wetlands. Travel through the Temperate and Tropical Seas. Admire the awesome Antarctic and Arctic Oceans. Revel in the Red Sea and discover the delights of the Dolphinarium. There are more than 45,000 creatures from 500 species, including beluga whales, jellyfish, penguins, sea lions, seals, sharks, rays, starfish, walruses and more.
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Lorca, Spain
Today continue south to Lorca, your next stop on this Mediterranean Parador tour.
Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, Lorca offers a wide variety of contrasts and picturesque landscapes - a taste of Spain off the beaten path.
The Parador de Lorca opened its doors in 2012 after 10 years of being developed. It is situated like a tower next to Lorca Castle. During the process remarkable archaeological treasures from when three cultures, the Islamic, the Christian and the Jewish were settled in Lorca. Today in the Parador one can find an accessible museum that contains items such as an Islamic cistern and remains of Islamic-Caliphate constructions from the 10th to 11th centuries. Other discoveries include the Alfonsina tower, the Hermitage of San Clemente, the Starry Courtyard, Jewish houses and an Almohad wall from the 13th century. Along with these findings, there is also a 15th century synagogue that remains within the Parador itself and can be visited by the public.
With an average annual temperature of 18º and an easily accessible coast with lovely beaches and coves, Lorca is a very enjoyable place to discover.
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Nerja, Spain
Today continue to the coast of Granada and the Parador de Nerja.
The area around Nerja belongs to one of the regions in Andalusia with most identity and traditional character, La Axarquía. Both on the coast and inland a series of towns are to be found with great Andalusian flavour in which the nostalgia of a splendorous Arabian past radiates. Along the length of its coast there are important tourism centres: El Rincón de la Victoria, Almayate and Torre del Mar, the coastal area of Velez-Malaga - the capital of La Axarquía and an important town during the Muslim period in Spain. The Parador, which appears to hover over the sea, guarantees a few relaxing days' rest on the Mediterranean shore, a splendid final touch to this route.
Nerja is located about 39 miles east of Malaga, where the mountains of the Sierra Almijara come down and meet the sea. Although it is not far from the Costa del Sol, it still has all the flavour of a true Spanish town. Nerja lies in one of Spains richest farming areas known as the Garden of Europe, in a tropical valley where you will find olive groves, avocado trees, fields of wild strawberries and a great variety of exotic plants all encouraged by an excellent year round climate.
The heart of Nerja is the spectacular Balcon de Europa, a magnificent promenade along the edge of a towering cliff, once the site of the great Moorish castle. It affords sweeping panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the small coves and beaches below.
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Nerja, Spain
Enjoy exploring Nerja today.
Nerja boasts 10 miles of beaches with powdery sand and sparkling clear water. All water sports are available here including water skiing, scuba diving and sailing. There is a good choice of restaurants and traditional Tapas bars in the centre of Nerja. Or, you may prefer to try one of the Burriana beach restaurants where you can enjoy freshly grilled sardines (a local speciality) , delicious paella, all freshly prepared over a wood fire. A private elevator at the Parador easily transports guests to the beach.
Near to Nerja are the fascinating Nerja caves with paintings dated over 20,000 years old and other pre-historic remains. One of the enormous natural caverns has been transformed into a concert hall, where many performances are staged during the summer. We have included for you prebooked tickets to visit the Cave of Nerja.
You'll enjoy an Audio-guided visit through the different chambers of the Cave, in a pleasant walk of about 45 minutes where you will discover the many secrets the grotto keeps.
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Departure,
Following breakfast make your way to your departure airport where you return your rental car.
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ORIGINAL AND RELATED POSTS FROM TOTALLY SPAIN'S BLOG
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Accommodation (based on 2 people sharing)
Meals
Transport
Special Highlights
Pre-Booked Entrance Tickets
Other
NOT INCLUDED
Flights, Personal Travel Insurance, Porterage (not commonly available in Spain), Tips, Meals, drinks or hotel extras other than those described above. Anything else not specified above.
CONDITIONS
Prices from
799 EUROS PER PERSON
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