Parc Natural Tinença de Benifassà

El Bellestar

We took a trip up to Parc Natural Tinença de Benifassà and there were no shortage of stunning views, winding hiking trails, and picturesque mountain villages. We drove in from the east and did a big loop ending near Morella. The road up to Embassament d'Ulldecona is busy and the reservoir provides a nice place for cyclists and day trippers to hang out or grab a coffee. From there the road got less busy and the villages more picturesque as they got deeper in. There were networks of trails everywhere and although we did not have time to hike we marked several promising locations on our map. 

One of the real highlights for me was driving down into Vallibona. The approach is at a weird angle and it feels like you are dropping down a steep side of a canyon. The mountains were really impressive and I can't wait to see how they look in the winter as well though we'll have to bring some chains for our tires! 

 

Vallibona

Mas de Boix

Embassament d'Ulldecona, great place to have a drink

Embassament d'Ulldecona

The Grape Harvest

 This year we were taken by surprise when our grapes were ripe. We had just moved into our place and didn't realize the grapes needed to be harvested. They had been well protected with paper bags and we cut down several bunches. We didn't have much time to prepare and we flirted with making jam and ended up trying to sun dry some for raisins while also just eating as many grapes as possible. The sun dried raisins were a failure as they were populated by wasps. However, we did enjoy a week of eating as many grapes as we wanted, they were really sweet and tasty! 

 

Parc Natural del Prat de Cabanes - Torreblanca

 

We saw some Greater Crested Grebes 

Nestled along the coastline between the tourism development of Oropesa and Alcossebre is the Parc Natural del Prat de Cabanes, a unique wetlands with a few trails and bird hides. We typically ride our bicycles down there but this weekend we wanted to explore the area a bit more thoroughly so we went with the car. We poked around every hide and viewing platform enjoying the views of several different birds with the highlights being some young flamingoes and some Little Grebes that were displaying. The area is very peaceful though this time of year it's also full of mosquitos so make sure you don't forget your repellent! 

Looking south towards Oropesa

North towards Torresnostra

 

Biking at the beach in Alcossebre

 

I have written about the bike riding along the coast before but this trip I've been enjoying it so much this trip that I have to give it another shout out. The combination of endless routes both along the coast and through the small farms in the interior, as well as the beautiful sea breeze that's always available makes the bike rides one of my favorite things to do in the area. We can go north to El Faro through the town, get some elevation and hill work cutting back through the town, or go for a longer 25-30km ride to Torrenostra and Cabanes. Heck, you can even do a 1km slow ride to the bar at the beach and enjoy the sea breeze from there :-)