Leaving the seaside town of Peníscola behind we set off for Cantavieja which is in the autonomous community of Aragon just across the border from Castellon.

It was a very barren rocky area that we drove through and again there were lots of olive trees, even in the back of trucks.

Of course, we stopped for our obligatory coffee and chose the small village of Catí to stretch our legs and caffeinate. And like most towns, there was a lovely church which continues to amaze us.

We drove past the town of Ares del Maestrat. We decided that Freddy with 4 people and luggage did not want to drive up the hill.

We arrived in Vilafranca thinking it was a good time for a drink and a walk. When visiting small towns, you are reminded that the Spanish siesta is alive and well.

Of course, it is where we live as well and even though most places close, there are still people out and about as restaurants and bars remain open. However not in Vilafranca it was like a ghost town. Everything was closed and no one was on the streets. We walked a circuit around town and back to a small square where we found one bar just opening up. We had a drink and a lovely chat with a local who was very friendly and excited that we were from Australia. He was very exuberant and bought us a local version of empanadas as a welcome to his village.

We arrived late in the day in Cantavieja, Aragon one of the Los pueblo más bonito de España. The town and castle of Cantavieja sit on a rocky ridge offering a spectacular view.

It is a medieval village that is historically significant and maintains much of its history and architecture. It is one of the stops on the Camino del Cid. The village has one of the most complete monument ensembles of Aragonese Gothic. Numerous groups of historical relevance have passed through Cantavieja. Templars, Sanjuanistas and Carlists have left their mark on the town in the form of architecture and history. The ruins of its old castle preside over the village. The castle was destroyed during the Carlist War.

We spent the afternoon walking around this beautiful village and then had an amazing dinner. One of the best tomato salads we have had. Pretty much tomatoes, salt, garlic and olive oil but amazing and speaks to the quality of the products. Yes, those tomatoes on the bar!