We took a day trip to Venidorm today to quell Gary’s curiosity after seeing it on a number of UK programs… it’s like Kuta, Bali on steroids! It was a pleasant but hot day (peaking at 30C) that went downhill dramatically when the train home was late arriving and full the whole way… lots of BO, sniffling, grumpy people. My grey hair has its benefits at times… a young woman took pity and gave me her seat early. Another did the same for Gary shortly after.
Alicante to Benidorm by tram… the original narrow-gauge railway line to Benidorm was built and opened in 1914, with the modern tram/tram-train connection from Alicante to Benidorm officially opened in 2008.Normally a 90 minute trip each way (45km/27 miles by road)… and only €5 return for adults. Local pensioners travel for half price.The landscape is really varied… hewn from solid rock, through tunnels, over bridges and through dry arid landscape looking inland and contrasted by beautiful beaches (the Costa Blanca) looking the other way. The route is very built up until El Campello (about a quarter of the way), then dry and arid with a few bigger townships until Benidorm, which us huge. Although Benidorm has only about 77,000 permanent residents, tourists swell the population to 365,000 – 400,000 per day throughout summer. Spotted from the train… Pink Trumpet Vine, also known as the Port St. Johns creeper or bignonia rosa), featuring clusters of trumpet-shaped light pink flowers with darker pink or reddish-purple stripes inside the throat. Despite its beauty it is considered an invasive weed in some parts of Australia.
In Benidorm: we walked just over a kilometre down through town to the beach…
… past this garden centre where these seeds for marijuana caught my eye… then I looked a bit closer at the other seeds. Very Bali/Benidorm!Onto the Balcon de Mediterraneo (officially Mirador del Castell or Balcó de la Mediterrània) is Benidorm’s most iconic scenic viewpoint and landmark, offering “panoramic 360-degree views of the Mediterranean Sea, Benidorm Island, the harbor, and the city’s famous skyscraper skyline.” Perched on the Cerro Canfali rocky headland in the historic Old Town, right between the two main beaches: Levante Beach to the east and Poniente Beach to the west. The square stands on the ancient foundations of a 14th-century fortress (Castell de Benidorm) once used to protect the coast from pirates.The cannons in the square Looking up at the Balcon… and down to the viewing platform, and out to Benidorm Island (left) and the Med beyond!Looking west: Poniente beachLooking east: Levante beachInevitable selfie 😳Then it was on to Levante beach, via the Church of Saint James and Saint Anne (just near the Balcon) with this shell outside. There’s also a big St James’ cross just behind but a big truck parked on it!Into the Church of Saint James and Saint AnneOrnate golden side chapel Out into the promenade down Leanthe beachThese double-seater (tandem) electric mobility scooters are everywhere! I was tempted but he wouldn’t let me drive.The Ku Lounge Cafe, one of many, many beachfront bar and music venues… has an impressive array of stars!An ambulance outside Five Guys… never a good lookA snazzy innovation… feet washing sprays on boardwalks to remove sandAn an open-air shaded area inclusive of public library!The walls fold in to close it up… books and games available and popular!A commitment to accessible beaches with many ramps …And these amphibious beach wheelchairs Interesting architecture spotted by himself… … and twin buildingsPretty lax electrical safety standards 😳A short respite in Parc de L’Aigüera on the way to lunchUnder the impressive span of the Benidorm City Hall in the plaza within L’Aiguera Park
La Cartuja where we had lunch (thanks Google)
An impressive set menu from which we chose:
– House salad/Goat’s cheese salad
– Shrimp fritters
– Butterflied grilled sea bass
… all of which was nice but not outstanding, a bit disappointing given the reviews.
Two highlights for me were:
Garlic bread with paprika (I’m pinching that idea!)My apple tart with whipped cream… layers of sweet, moist apple on a tasty biscuit baseA photo of an interesting photo in the restaurant Benidorm’s version of Bali’s Waterbom ParkBack at the train station looking down to the sea… and ready to head home!
And back to the local pub tonight for some raciones (larger [much] portions than tapas)… in hindsight we only needed two but all were delicious … lesson learnt!
Tostada (light crusty toast) with grated tomato, olive oil and smoked salmonScrambled eggs with mushrooms (we didn’t eat the home made potato crisps)Grilled sardines
