The dramatic rock Penon de Ifach, the symbol of the Costa Blanca, provides a natural divide to the resort. One side the harbour is filled with bars and restaurants specialising in fresh fish and seafood. On the other side is the resort centre, offering a wide variety of shops, pavement cafes and lively nightlife. There is a market on a Saturday where you can purchase fresh produce (olives, almonds, citrus fruit and wine are good quality) along with everything from a selection of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs to household goods or toys.

The old town also has a long historical heritage. Phoenicans and Romans have left their mark, and the town was attacked by North African pirates until the 17th century, accounting for the town walls and watchtower. An archaeological museum with remains from the 4th-8th centuries and two ancient churches give an added dimension to this thriving holiday resort.

Driving north, the winding coastal road arrives at Benissa, a medieval village that has become a modern resort with good facilities for holidaymakers. Its hidden coves and tiny bays make good diving grounds and the terraced vineyards and scattered green palm trees bring the mountains and sea together, in an area where natural resources and scenery have been left in tact.

Villas to Go guide to local beaches…

Calpe - The coast at Calpe varies between small rocky coves and wide sandy beaches. Cantal Roig and Playa Arenal are large fine sandy beaches with good facilities. Arenal is lined with a pedestrianised promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. Sand is cleaned daily, there is a vast choice of water sports available, parking is good and lifeguards are on duty. La Fossa and the bay of Gasparet offer good swimming and surfing possibilities. Les Bassetes has several peaceful coves which provide perfect conditions for learning to sail. Snorkelling and fishing are also good in this area. Cueva dels Coloms is Calpe’s freshwater cave, which is worth a view, but can only be reached by sea.

Benissa - Benissa’s 4 km coastline offers small quiet beaches. These include Fustera -a fine sandy beach with a range of services-, the Cala Pinets and L' Advocat, which is a mixture of pebbles and sand. Finally, the Cala Baladrar is a shingle beach. Marine excursions and water sports such as diving and fishing are all popular on these beaches.

Take time to go…

experience the Festival of the Bonfires. Ninots or giant papier mache figures are burnt to symbolize spiritual rebirth, and music, dance and fireworks light up the night. The main festival is held in Alicante, but there is a smaller version locally in Calpe.

take the children to Mundomar animal park at Benidorm. It has a dolphinarium, parrot shows, bat cave, children’s adventure playground and much more.

climb the zigzag path to the top of the rock of Ifach. At 332m high, the peak offers a panoramic view of the entire marina and is not to be missed. The more adventurous could try rock climbing the southern face which drops straight down into the sea.

hire a boat and take a tour up the ‘white coast’ and take in some of the most spectacular scenery in Spain.

take a trip to Gata de Gorges which is famous for wickerware, or shop in Goto Denia’s trendy clothes shops.

if you fancy a glimpse of traditional Spain visit the quiet village of Polop, on the way to Benidorm. Visit the quaint old town and view the fountain with more than 200 spouts.

for those interested in old churches, Calpe has two: Iglesia Antigue and the 15th century Senora de las Nieves.

for a little culture, visit the archaeological museum at Calpe opposite the Plaza de la Villa and its 4th-8th century findings.

go flamingo hunting in the nearby salt flats.