The end of Benidorm and site top tips

Before I became unwell (in fact possibly where it happened) we had another wonderful day out with Justin and Jamie in Altea. Altea is just to the north of Benidorm, and we had a lovely day, wandering about, eating, drinking and generally putting the world to rights. Ian’s back still wasn’t good at this stage so we couldn’t walk too far, but we saw enough to know we will be back during a future trip and we managed to take a few photos!

As our time in Benidorm comes to an end I thought I’d tell you a bit about the campsite we’ve been staying on. I know some of you have vans, but even if you don’t it has cabins you can hire, and I'd highly recommend it for a low cost winter break.

We have been staying at Camping Villasol. It's about 15 mins walk to the main tourist areas of Benidorm and the Lavante beach area (or a taxi is about 6 Euro). This provides easy access to UK focussed restaurants if that’s what you want, but it's also far enough out of town to be quiet, and near to Spanish orientated bars etc.

It’s a really well kept site with several of the shower/amenity blocks having been very recently revamped. The showers are amazing. Hot, powerful and none of those pesky buttons you need to press every few moments to keep the water running. There’s plenty of space for your clothes to keep them dry and everything is spotlessly clean.

While we were there we ate in the site restaurant a couple of times. We had some fab meals with welcoming and friendly staff.

The outdoor pool was being refurbished while we stayed and it looks like it’s going to be great for the summer season. The heated indoor pool was open and generally only had one or two people in, so plenty of space to swim and splash about.  

As you know, I love finding a bank of washing machines and there are plenty here. You do need to have a strategy to get a free machine though! Here are my top tips (suitable for all sites!) visit the launderette with your phone in hand. Make a note of how long is left on all the machines running, and set an alarm for about 15 mins before the one you want to use will finish. When your alarm goes off, head to the launderette with your bag of washing and a token to operate it (usually purchased at reception - here it was 3.50 Euro), mobile phone and a book to read. Pop your full bag in front of the chosen machine (presuming nobody got there first!) and have a read or chat.

When you spot the machine finishing, hope and pray the owner of the contents appears quickly, otherwise it's time for that awkward moment where you end up removing someone else's undies from the machine, in order for you to deposit your own! Once you have nabbed your machine, worked out how to pick your programme and start it, make a note of the timing left for your wash, set another alarm for 5 mins before it finishes and head back to your van for a quick breather! 

As soon as your alarm goes off for a second time, head back to collect your washing before others empty it and see the state of your smalls. Pray for a sunny, windy day and pop it on the line you have erected on your pitch…

 

All in all Camping Villasol is a great place to stay, full of friendly staff; every facility you could need and spotlessly clean. We’ll certainly be back at some point, if anyone fancies joining us, just shout!