Camping Pineta

The Pineta Valley is a stunning, dead end valley just below Mt Perdido and before the tunnel over to France. The setting is amazing with steep valley sides on either side of the campsite. The campsite itself is below the road on the side of the valley, just above the river. We received a friendly welcome in the bar / restaurant area when we arrived. There is usually a little reception kiosk outside, but this wasn't open as it wasn't peak season when we arrived. There is a small, adequately stocked supermarket on-site and from July onwards they have a swimming pool. This was being cleaned ready for high season when we were there and it looked like it would be beautiful with lawns around it for sunbathing. It was so hot while we were there though we could have done with it opening a week or so earlier! One of the main paths up the valley passes through the campsite so it was great being able to set off for a walk without setting foot on the road. The site is arranged along long terraced 'roads' with all the pitches marked out by trees. This made for a lovely shady setup. We chose a pitch far away from the reception where it looked like it would be quiet, which it was for most of our stay. We had a clean and functional toilet block close to hand even though we were right on the far edge of the site. Loads of the pitches were taken up by the typical seasonal Spanish set-ups with the little kitchen huts etc but the site was still fine for more short term visitors like us. There was a good mix of nationalities and set-ups (although we were the only Brits there for the week we stayed). The only problem we had was when a really noisy, large family pitched up next to us, but that was only for one night. We ate at the bar a couple of times & had the set menu which was fantastic value at I think 13 euros each for a full meal, bottle of wine between you and bottled water. However, the best food was just the bar food which was amazing. We had to eat in the bar as we had thunder storms in the evening a couple of nights which was amazing with the clouds coming through the valley and waterfalls suddenly appearing on the valley sides. I had stayed in this valley over 20 years ago at the now closed campsite at the top of the valley & had always wanted to come back. This site did not disappoint.