Up into the hills of Spain we go

On our way to the town of la Vall d'Uixó

Without a second thought we decided to head into the hills that loomed behind the Aire where we were staying in Moncofa. In the days before our ebikes we couldn't really contemplate such an adventure as I have to admit I just don't have the level of fitness for mountain climbing.
We headed out towards the quiet town of la Vall d'Uixó where we stopped for a coffee in the town square by the ancient church. We were only a few miles inland, but the Spanish towns are so different to the coastal resorts, the old men still sit chatting under the trees like they have done for thousands of years - the difference now is that they answer their mobile phones when their wives call them home for lunch!

The ancient church of la Vall d'Uixó

After our coffee we continued up into the hills, past the quiet villages set into the hillsides, pedalling up with the minimum of effort, just enjoying the scenery.
After about 15 miles we decided to turn back and head down the hill and Wow! so exhilarating whizzing back down- we were back in no time at all!
After a couple of days at Moncofa we continued our journey south, skirting around Valencia and heading inland to a camperstop at El Paloma, a quiet Spanish town. We made good use of the free washing machine there and whilst the washing was drying we headed off on the bikes in search of a slightly elusive castle a few miles away.  We headed up a pretty steep hill, but this time it was a rugged off road trail with a few sections which were quite 'technical' ( by this I mean difficult!)
Eventually, having almost given up, we came across the castle which turned out to be more of a tower really, but the views were spectacular nevertheless and we stopped for a while to eat our picnic lunch.

On the way down the track from the castle 

This was the first time we had put the bikes through their paces on some pretty rough ground, but the bikes handled well and lived up to our expectations.
After our off road adventures at El Paloma where to next? Having never been before, we decided to go to Benidorm- somewhat of a contrast to the Spanish countryside!!