We had been reading reviews on the Bonterra Resort in Spain for some time. It seemed a very popular site, especially for people doing "Winter Sun", stops. This year we thought we would give it a try. We decided to go in mid April with a promise of warmer weather.
Arriving on a Sunday with no booking could be tricky. As it was, it turned out to be the perfect arrival time 2.30pm. One factor worth considering though, pitches do not need to be vacated until 5pm, so there could be a long wait. On the positive side there is ample parking if you are unfortunate enough to have to wait until the pitch you have chosen is free. This is a very popular site with loads of coming and goings!!
A nice easy site to get in and out off, although some of the smaller side roads could be on the tight side.
We were given various options of pitches, cheaper ACSI ones were on the small side. We went for the non ACSI deluxe pitch which was an additional 5 euros a night. Made for the larger RV's it was easy to get into, with a little shade at the top of the site near the children's play area. Some electric is included in the price the rest is metered, we were e -mailed a meter reading and invoice, but did not have to pay any deposit. 848 Euros for 28 nights, so not too bad for the position. 4 kw free electric per day and the rest on a meter, we only used about 2 kw a day.
Our pitch, not too much shade, so perfect at this time of the year, as not too much bird poo activity or tree sap. There was some mysterious alarm type noise, but more of that later.Our first impressions, quiet but busy, lots of Brits, Dutch and Germans. It was obvious that many people had been coming for many years. Happy Hour in the restaurant was buzzing. Slight invasion at the weekends of the Spanish families mainly in the resort bungalows. Loads of facilities for the disabled including special disabled pitches nearer to the facilities, so quite a few scooters and Zimmer's zapping around.
Lots to do on site including Spanish lessons, Yoga and water aerobics. Lovely swimming pools, open air and heated. Pool aerobics in the morning seemed well attended and made for good viewing from the restaurant area. Watching the aerobics instructors was the entertainment. From our pitch we could hear the gentle sounds from the Yoga group as we relaxed with our morning coffee.
The site is beautifully placed between the old town of Benicassim and the new beach front, with the convenience of a very nice Mercadona supermarket right by the gate. For Lidl fans, there was one just up the road and for the desperate a McDonalds. There was also a very handy huge Chinese general store up the road which sold everything. A market was held every Thursday morning in the old town of Benicassim a short walk away, mainly fruit, veggies, clothes and shoes. Easy to buy the odd beach outfit!! . The old town was typically Spanish, bars, banks, restaurants and shops.
The beaches were lovely, golden sands and again only a short walk away, extending for miles. Busy at weekends with Spanish families and quiet during the week.
We soon found our favourite beach bar. Great place for a morning coffee or afternoon drink.
We did have a brief paddle in the sea, May and a little chilly for us, but hardier souls were in the water. The sea front had a promenade which extended for miles, perfect for people watching. We whiled away a few hours, strolling past the numerous beach villas. Money no object here.
Some of the villa were being refurbished we watched gardening Spanish style as a huge olive tree was craned into a front garden.
No biking on parts of the prom and strictly patrolled by the local police. The police stopped people on bikes and made them walk, obviously not a high crime spot, so they had plenty of time to harass the locals and tourists . No dogs on the beach was also strictly enforced.
The campsite was incredibly well kept with super clean toilets and hot showers. Staff were always on the go even sweeping the play areas and dusting the outdoor table tennis tables. Good laundry facilities but you needed to get up early. There was some building work going on, they were building a new Reception block. A bit noisy at times but it didn't bother us.
The restaurant on site was good with a selection of meals and very busy. We ate there a few times until we discovered the Spanish restaurants in the town. Typical resort entertainment on offer here too, Elvis one night and a very dodgy local singer another night. I guess after a few glasses of Spanish red, they all sounded great.
A two minute walk to two great traditional restaurants. Paella had to be pre ordered in one and in the other we had a beautifully cooked huge steak. We noticed all the Spanish left the site and headed for these restaurants in the evenings, so we went for lunch which was very pleasant. Two courses and wine for about 50 Euros, so not bad we thought.
This year we took our new e bikes which worked really well. The area is well supplied with bike paths. One direction goes towards the harbour and the other on an old railway line hugging the coast to the next resort. An easy scenic ride through tunnels, some parts overlooking the sea, quiet during the week, busy with walkers at weekends.
Always a nice place to stop halfway for a bit of sustenance.
Seriously, this is a good place to come for biking with much more challenging rides for the more able.
All to soon a month had flown by. We had allowed a week to get home but reading about dreadful weather in France we extended our stay for a couple more days before venturing home. Would we return??
Update on the strange alarm noise mentioned earlier on.
Our first night was rather noisy with a strange alarm type beeping in the middle of the night. This went on for a few nights, having checked all things electronic in the van we knew it wasn't us. It turned out to be bird activity, clap your hands outside said a neighbour and it stops! We must have got used to it or it was the end of the mating season, or someone shot the bird but it did eventually go quiet, thank goodness.
Yes, next year. Strange, we must be slow learners, it always takes a few visits before we feel we are beginning to know a place, so we will be back.
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