Alannia Resort - Base Camp
Alannia Resort - Costa Blanca
Back in Spain – and It Feels Like Home
As we rolled out of the Port of Bilbao, a sense of familiarity washed over us — not just from the Spanish sun, but from that deep feeling of homecoming.
Spain does that to us. Over the years, we’ve spent many months here — multiple years worth of time in fact — and our affection for the country, its people, and its culture only grows stronger.
There’s far more to Spain than sun and sangria, and having visited all but one of its regions, Extremadura , I can honestly say we’ve enjoyed every single one.
A Shorter Stay, but a Fuller One
Since leaving the EU, the Schengen rules have clipped our wings slightly. Gone are the carefree days of 2018 when we could spend five uninterrupted months here.
Now we’re limited to 90 days in any rolling 180, which makes this trip shorter — especially with our recent Budapest visit and the upcoming Berlin Half Marathon in March included in the counting period.
Still, we fully intend to make the most of it.
To save precious days, we took the ferry across the Bay of Biscay (see previous blog) instead of our usual meander through France. After docking, we made for Teruel, our only stop en route to the Valencia Community.
///waterproof.jeers.atlases
Travel Style and Tactics
We’ve stepped away from our YouTube channel — thank you for all the lovely messages about it — and it’s been refreshing to slow down a little. Writing these blogs feels like the right pace now: quiet reflection over quick edits.
People often ask which we prefer — campsites, aires, or park-ups — and the honest answer is: all of them. It depends on what we want from a trip. Sometimes we move every few days; other times we stay put. There are no bad tactics, just the wrong ones for the moment.
This time, we’ve come to linger. We’re here for fitness, fresh air, and time outdoors — and to give our energetic dog, Poppy, the space she loves. Long travel days aren’t her thing.
Returning to a Favourite Base
After two days’ drive, we reached Alannia Resort, a place we know well. Our first stay here was in 2018 with our caravan, and we’ve been back several times since in the motorhome. It has never disappointed.
It’s rural, not touristy, with miles of open space for cycling, running and walking. It borders the stunning El Hondo Nature Reserve, and it’s close to rail links for Murcia and Alicante — and beyond that, Valencia and Madrid.
We probably won’t head to Madrid this time (as we used to AirBnB there pre-Poppy), but Alannia has everything we need for this trip.
“Our new Thule awning – storm-tested and ready for Spanish sun.”
Running, Rehab and Routine
This visit has a purpose beyond sunshine however . Helen is focusing on recovery from Achilles tendonitis, using the pool and gym as part of her rehab plan. She’s struggled like the warrior she is , through the Run Norwich 10K, The Round Norfolk Relay, the Budapest 5k and more recently completing her 100th parkrun milestone. Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forwards , it’s time to ease back and allow the healing to take place. Armed with a rehab plan from the trusted Charles - Walk to Run Ltd , with consistency, she’ll be back to full strength for Berlin training in the new year.
After setting up base, testing the new Thule awning (the last one was destroyed by a mini tornado in Warwick – yes, really), I headed out for a orientation run and Helen worked through her strength routines.
Halloween – Spanish Style
By midweek, the site burst into life. Halloween arrived early — as it often does here — and the atmosphere was electric. Families decorated their vans, dressed in elaborate costumes, and filled the air with laughter.
If you prefer peace and quiet, it might not be your thing, but we loved it. The Spanish approach to family life is something we truly admire — three generations gathered around a table, eating late, laughing loudly. It’s traditional, warm, and wonderfully alive.
Saturday: The Non-Parkrun Day
Saturday is usually Parkrun day for us, but Spain doesn’t yet have any (for reasons no one can quite explain). So, I ran my own ten-mile loop around the area, while Helen stuck to her walk-run recovery plan.
Afterwards, we took the electric scooters into Catral, about 5 km away, for a light breakfast and a wander around the Saturday market. Normally we’d walk, but after ten miles of running, the scooters were irresistible.
The market was a delight — traditional, friendly and full of character. We sat in the square, sipping coffee, enjoying the smells and sounds of rural Spain. Manners are everything here, and friendliness is always returned.
El Hondo Nature Reserve
Sunday: Clocks Back, Feet Forward
The clocks went back on Sunday, a struggle even for 5 a.m. risers like us, but strong coffee and peanut butter on toast on board we set off with Poppy for a long walk through El Hondo Nature Reserve, one of our favourite local haunts.
Tucked between Elche and Crevillent, El Hondo is a vast wetland of reed beds, salt flats and lagoons — a haven for birdlife and one of Europe’s most important sanctuaries for species like the marbled teal and white-headed duck.
Its wooden walkways and hides make it perfect for quiet walks, photography, and early morning birdwatching. The golden light over the lagoons never disappoints.
We enjoyed a steady five-mile loop before heading back for a salmon lunch cooked on the Cadac and an afternoon watching El Clásico match at the bar. Hala Madrid. Marcus who ? , if you know you know.
A great first week: sunshine, running, recovery, and the simple joy of being back in Spain.
See You Next Week
Next week, we’ll share how our routines are shaping up — Helen’s progress, training updates, and maybe a few tales from the trails.
