Vistabella del Maestrat-Culla

 We had two days in Vistabella with our friend Nestor, who took us round the area visiting various villages like Atzeneta and Benafigos, before taking us on to Culla for our next stop. Cheating but too tempting to pass up the chance of a lift. Atzeneta was a lively little town with quite a few bars and restaurants. It seemed to be popular with bikers, as there was a constant roar of them through the main street. We sat at a roadside bar for some bocadillos and beer. The terrace was on the opposite side of the street to the bar, and it was interesting to see how the staff managed the space, constantly scanning for what needed to be done next, and how casually they walked across the street with a tray full of sandwiches and beer. Benafigos is a tiny village with a beautiful square and church.

Seemingly I have been to Culla before, with my daughter. I couldn't remember anything about it until we saw a local restaurant "La Solaneta", which rang a bell. Of course our friend Nestor remembered it in detail.

We stayed in Casa Lino, slightly outside the town centre. Very comfortable, with a 1960s English home feel to it. It even had a rocking chair and some flying swallows on the wall in the living room. 

We took a walk up to the castle, whose walls have been beautifully restored, with tremendous rocks bursting through them.

 

My brother looking at some sheds

 

 The town is lovely as well, mostly (restored) stonework.