We are spoiled here on the Costa Blanca with blue flag beaches and well equipped parks, but sometimes a change of scenery is in order. Whether you live here permanently, part of the year or are simply on a holiday, a trip inland can be just the thing to recharge the batteries. The cooler temperatures, greener landscapes and stunning lakes are the ultimate in helping you wind down and take a break.
The Ruidera natural park is a three hour drive from the Orihuela Costa (and it has to be said, it is a stunning drive with beautiful scenery – rich farmland, fields of poppies as far as the eye can see and an abundance of wind farms to keep the children amused on the journey!)
By car, you head towards Guardamar del Segura, on to Elche and through Novelda. Travel north west to Almansa, Bonete, Chincilla de Monte-Aragón and past the city of Albacete, west to Barrax, through Munera and then Ossa de Montiel. You are now in the ‘lake district’ and can choose from an abundance of hotels, hostels, pensiones and campsites. We chose Camping Los Batanes for its proximity to the lakes and the fact that many of the camping pitches are among trees and beside the gushing river – almost as if you were camping in the wild but with the reassurance of modern facilities nearby. If you don’t fancy sleeping in a tent, the campsite has many well equipped wooden chalets. If you do go for the tent option, remember that it is much cooler inland – especially at night – so dress accordingly and take plenty of sleeping bags or blankets.
We arrived on a Friday evening, having left the coast as soon as we were finished work for the day. A leisurely drive (with a few coffee stops on the way, of course) had us at our destination before dark – essential for pitching a tent without a major row! We delegated the tasks so half of us looked after the setting up of the tent and pumped up the inflatable mattresses, while the rest of us prepared dinner (some delicious steaks we purchased along the way, along with jacket potatoes and crispy salad) so just as dusk fell, the tent was ready and dinner was served.
The next day, Saturday, was dedicated entirely to chilling out – fishing, picnicking and generally enjoying the scenery.
If you wanted to try a spot of fishing, this is a very popular pastime with plenty of carp and pike in the many lakes. To find out more about fishing licences and insurance, click here. Our campsite was situated right on Laguna Redondilla, one of a chain of lakes snaking up through the natural park. After spending the day at Redondilla, we took a drive up the perimeter of the lakes and found waterfalls, wild poppies, an abundance of Spanish wildlife and plenty of stunning picnic spots.
We were reluctant to leave on Sunday, so after a very leisurely breakfast, we checked out of the campsite at midday and returned to the lakes. We found a spot off the beaten track to picnic and spend a glorious few hours relaxing in the sunshine. As afternoon turned into evening, we reluctantly loaded the car and headed back down the road. A welcome stop for a menu del día on the way home meant that we didn’t have to worry about cooking when we got there.
If you fancy a change of scenery, and want to go somewhere completely different, then we would highly recommend you head to the Ruidera natural park. There is so much to do and see, a weekend should start you off nicely, but once you have been, you will want to go back!
The Ruidera natural park is a three hour drive from the Orihuela Costa (and it has to be said, it is a stunning drive with beautiful scenery – rich farmland, fields of poppies as far as the eye can see and an abundance of wind farms to keep the children amused on the journey!)
By car, you head towards Guardamar del Segura, on to Elche and through Novelda. Travel north west to Almansa, Bonete, Chincilla de Monte-Aragón and past the city of Albacete, west to Barrax, through Munera and then Ossa de Montiel. You are now in the ‘lake district’ and can choose from an abundance of hotels, hostels, pensiones and campsites. We chose Camping Los Batanes for its proximity to the lakes and the fact that many of the camping pitches are among trees and beside the gushing river – almost as if you were camping in the wild but with the reassurance of modern facilities nearby. If you don’t fancy sleeping in a tent, the campsite has many well equipped wooden chalets. If you do go for the tent option, remember that it is much cooler inland – especially at night – so dress accordingly and take plenty of sleeping bags or blankets.
We arrived on a Friday evening, having left the coast as soon as we were finished work for the day. A leisurely drive (with a few coffee stops on the way, of course) had us at our destination before dark – essential for pitching a tent without a major row! We delegated the tasks so half of us looked after the setting up of the tent and pumped up the inflatable mattresses, while the rest of us prepared dinner (some delicious steaks we purchased along the way, along with jacket potatoes and crispy salad) so just as dusk fell, the tent was ready and dinner was served.
The next day, Saturday, was dedicated entirely to chilling out – fishing, picnicking and generally enjoying the scenery.
If you wanted to try a spot of fishing, this is a very popular pastime with plenty of carp and pike in the many lakes. To find out more about fishing licences and insurance, click here. Our campsite was situated right on Laguna Redondilla, one of a chain of lakes snaking up through the natural park. After spending the day at Redondilla, we took a drive up the perimeter of the lakes and found waterfalls, wild poppies, an abundance of Spanish wildlife and plenty of stunning picnic spots.
We were reluctant to leave on Sunday, so after a very leisurely breakfast, we checked out of the campsite at midday and returned to the lakes. We found a spot off the beaten track to picnic and spend a glorious few hours relaxing in the sunshine. As afternoon turned into evening, we reluctantly loaded the car and headed back down the road. A welcome stop for a menu del día on the way home meant that we didn’t have to worry about cooking when we got there.
If you fancy a change of scenery, and want to go somewhere completely different, then we would highly recommend you head to the Ruidera natural park. There is so much to do and see, a weekend should start you off nicely, but once you have been, you will want to go back!
