Apartamentos Els Romers, Benicarló, Costa del Azahar

This small, family-run complex is in a residential area set back from the main road midway between Benicarló and Peñiscola, just 100m from the beach. The owners are charming and even though they do not speak English they are keen to welcome you as well as your pets.

There are 30 apartments, mainly on the ground or 1st floor, within a group of buildings in well-kept grounds. They are spotlessly clean, airy and bright. Kettles, irons and boards are all available from reception on request. There is a supermarket right next door and town, with all other amenities, is just 2km - you can take the bus just outside if you don't wish to drive.

The outdoor pool is not open in the cooler months but there is a covered, solar heated pool and the enclosed gardens also contain a communal bbq area and laundry room, parking and a small children's play area. Free Wi-Fi. Pets welcome 40-50€/month depending on size. Weekly clean (not kitchen) includes linen/towel change. Breakage deposit 100€ euros or credit card number taken.

Max: 2 Bedrooms: 1

Ground or 1st floor apartment has living area with fitted kitchen (fridge/freezer, hob, oven & microwave), tv with some English channels (mainly news) & patio doors to terrace with furniture. Twin bedroom. Bath/shower/wc or shower/wc. Heating/air conditioning.

Max: 4 Bedrooms: 2

As above but with an extra double bedroom.

Benicarlo

Next door to the small but popular resort of Peñiscola on the Orange Blossom Coast, Benicarló is much quieter and less touristic than its neighbour but is a great base for an out of season stay on the Costa del Azahar. It has a long sandy beach, an interesting historic quarter where you can visit the old prison which is now a museum, and a lovely little working port/marina around which there are some fabulous bars and restaurants where menus feature freshly caught local fish and seafood.

It's also well known for its artichokes as well as its orange groves and if you are lucky enough to be visiting in January, you can enjoy the artichoke festival. Market day is Wednesday morning. Take a walk along the promenade to the far end of Peñiscola stopping at one of the many bars and restaurants and then visit the castle where episodes of Games of Thrones were filmed.

Costa del Azahar

The largely unspoilt Costa del Azahar is one of Spain's least known costas but it is also one of the most beautiful. Stretching between Alcanar in the north and Almenara in the south, it is known in English as the Orange Blossom Coast because of the abundance of orange orchards which provide the backdrop to some of the region's loveliest beaches.

Numerous nature reserves and protected park areas await to be discovered where the terrain and surroundings are perfect for walking and for those who love the great outdoors. And interesting places to visit include a wealth of little known gems including picturesque Morella, a medieval hilltop town enclosed by 14thC walls, ancient Vinarós where you can sample the best langoustines in Spain, and Càlig, a quiet little village on a hill, 8k inland from Benicarló.

Whatever you choose to do whilst staying here, one thing is for sure - the Costa del Azahar is a land of many contrasts and is so much more than just beaches and holiday resorts. It will, undoubtedly, leave you wanting to return for more.

Route planning

For route planning you may wish to visit Google Maps, viamichelin.comor theaa.com.

Hotel directions

With your travel documents you will find an information sheet for each hotel which has been booked for you giving directions together with some further details.