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Hello Gareth,

Thank you for the message. I might do the ferry back like you did. I never thought of one way. I did a costing on ferry both ways at about £250 more than driving. Going on holiday you don't mind the driving and sightseeing but coming back can be tiresome. Probably worth taking the ferry for £125? I was planning to stop at a campsite I know in Kent, 350 miles from home, then around Chartres as we would not be in France until the next morning. Then near the Spanish border and somewhere in around Zaragoza. What was 'Raco' like? I was thinking of that campsite or 'Arena Blanca' What time of year did you go? I am going to look at Navajas now. Thanks again, Fred.

Val, I have looked at the Campsites near main routes. Thank you.

Hello again Gareth,

I see your holiday was in June? you posted asking for help for with no replies. I hope I can help others when I return next year. I won't be stopping at Navajas looking at your review.

Fred.

Hi Fred,

We went to El Raco by recomendation from a chap we meet in Roses last year, and after going there for three years we felt like a change. The site we felt was excellent with good size fine gravel, hardstanding pitches with water, drainage, and UK TV plug in, with about five channels which was a real bonus. Toilets and showers were spotless and the location was excellent 15-20 mins walk to the beach and the night life. In addition there is a great pool on site although it was quite a walk from where we pitched.

We took our bikes and I cycled around all of the other sites in the area and this was in my opinion the best. We paid approx 14 Euros a night if you stayed for 30 nights or more. However it's more expensive for shorter visits. There is a good resturant on the site with entertainment about twice a week. Also there a plenty of very reasonable bars just outside the site without going to the busy parts of Benidorm.

All in all this was one of our best holidays in the van and for us with everything to suit everyone, and to want to go back next year says it all.

Thank you Gareth. Because we will be arriving at the end of March and there should be plenty empty pitches? I was thinking of just arriving there and seeing where we were put before handing over £400ish. More bargaining power for a better pitch? After your review above we will try Raco first and probably stay there.

My wife and I are retired and have a large family. You probaby guessed from the photo in 'my gallery' with some of them. A couple of little families will be joining us for during our stay. Picked up from Alicante. One family for one week at a time, our children and grandchildren. Awning bedroom annex etc. So that site looks fine.

Thank you very much for your help.

Fred.

Hi Fred,

When you arrive you can park your van up and walk around the site to find a pitch that suits you with a map. I sent them an email and they told me there was no need to book at the time of year we were arriving.

There are some quite large pitches at the top end with quite a bit of shade but there is no water or waste facilities until you get further down away from reception. You will get some road noise at the bottom of the site, but we got used to it and it gets quiet at night. You will not pay until you leave so you can play it by ear how long you want to stay.

You want to be aware that you will need to be carefull with the electricity. You get a small amout of units in with the pitch fees and it is metered, and you will get a bill for any amount used over and above when you leave. We did heat the water in the van only to do the dishes then turned it off , but used an electric kettle every day and we had to pay 26 euros on top. My mate used a chip fryer a few times and his bill was 70 euros. After talking to one of the regulars he uses mostly gas but leaves his van on site all year, apparently this is the norm on Spanish sites.

If you require any more info let me know.

Cheers

Hi Gareth,

I will bear that in mind about electric. I had heard gas is cheaper. It's nice to know you can pick your pitch. I would prefer water and drainage.

Fred.

Gareth,

I see what you mean about electric in Spain. I just got my home electric summary for the year Nov / Nov. The cost per kwh was 10.7p Spanish Campsites charge abt. (0.41 euros) 41 cents per kwh. 36p/37p more than 3 times the price.

Fred.