Menorca

Menorca, the second largest of the tree islands, is the unsung sister. A bit quieter with less of a scene, it is also, for those in the know, Spain's best-kept secret. Low undulating hills, miles of coastlines, wonderful sailing.

There are two main towns on the island. Ciutadella in the west is the ancient capital, a beautiful medieval city with narrow streets, a beautiful cathedral and a seafront promenade lovely for strolling along. In the summer it does get very busy. Mahon in the south east is the modern capital and is also rich in history. Rising steeply out of the deepest harbour in the Med (and second only to Pearl Harbour in the world), it was occupied by the British in the 18th century and has a Georgian feel to much of its architecture. The British also left behind a gin-making heritage and Xoriguer gin is still made locally and extremely popular, generally drunk with lemonade.

Menorca has more beaches than Ibiza and Mallorca together. The most popular are on the south coast, Cala Macarella and Cala Mitjana are perfect white powder and clear water, and although they get very busy in summer, they are still worth the trip. Son Bou is the longest beach on the south side of the island. There are lovely beaches in the Des Grau National Park, a couple of nice restaurants and windsurfing, kayaaking. For somewhere really special, try Cala Pregonda in the quiet north of the island, a gentle 30-minute walk from the carpark.

Menorca is heaven for boat lovers. Although yachts can be chartered from Ciutadella and Mahon, the watersports and dinghy centre of the island is Fornells in the north. The highly recommended Menorca Sailing can be found there.

Menorca was created a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. The stunning and totally unspoilt S'Albufuerra des Grau National Park is worth a visit. There are lots of trails across its 5000 acres teaming with birdlife. You can hire kayaks in the village of Es Grau and paddle into the lagoons or round the rocky coastline. If you are lucky, you might see a turtle. 

Menorca does not have the high hills of Mallorca but is gently undulating, making it perfect horse riding territory. The ancient Path of the Horses, Cami des Cavalls, is almost 200 km of bridle path round the outside of the island, popular for leisurely trekking or mountain biking.

Don't miss the fish mrket in Mahon. A couple of times a week, they have live bands and everyone hangs out eating tapas. Lobster stew is a local speciality.

Menorca is famous for its shoe making. The popular ballet pumps, Pretty Ballerinas, were born in Menorca and you can pick a pair in Mahon. 


Mahon

From the airport

Airport bus: the airport bus to Mahon bus station runs every half hour outside Arrivals, 5.55am-6.55pm, then hourly until 10.30pm

Evening artisan markets brighten up the island's towns throughout the summer. Ideal for picking up pottery, jewellery and other gifts. Try the daily market at Cales Fonts or at Ciutadella port.

Don't wait until you are at the airport to buy cheese, spicy sausage or huge ensaimadas (soft pastries sprinkled with sugar). For better prices head to the indoor market at Claustre del Carme.

In August, it is fiesta time across the island. The horse parades, fairground atractions, market stalls, concerts and fireworks are not to be missed. A swig or two of potent pomada (Minorcan gin and lemonade) should keep your energy levels up. 

Alicante

From the airport

Bus: a direct service from Alicante airport to Benodorm departs at 9.15am, 1.15pm, 5.15pm and 9.15pm.

Shop

Galerias Aitana, on Calpe's Avendia de Gabriel Miro, is a treasure trove of everything from chic leather handbags and smart wristwatches to kitchenware and tools.

The shops are winding down from the January sales but there are still bargains to be had at Finestrat's La Marina shopping mall where top shops, such as Mango, Zara and Massimo Dutti, await.

In high summer, Spaniards try to avoid the effects of drinking heavier red wine by drinking vino de verano, a lighter mix of wine and lemonade.

Head for the churros and chocolate stand on a chilly February morning and dunk a Spanish-style donut in a brew of enticingly rich dark hot chocolate.

Alicante city buzzes in the hot summer months. Try the area around the cathedral to get that feel of traditional Spain.

Benidorm's famous mirador ( lookout point) in Plaza de San Jaume, is best approached by steps from the yatch club on Playa Levante. Don't forget your camera to record the breathtaking views of the bay.

Public toilets are rare on the Costas but you can use the servicesbof any bar or cafeteria. It is considered polite to ask permission and leave a small tip at the bar.

Day trip

Polop. A quaint town with an attractive old quarter perched on a steep hill with houses painted in lively pastels. Don't miss the square next to the market where artesian fountains cascade into ancient stone troughs. It is about 45 minutes from Alicante.

Elche. A fantastic place for all the family, Rio Safari Elche has many types of animals to see. Situated between Santa Pola and Elche, the animal park sits among 4000 palm trees in beatiful surroundings.

Murcia

Shop

Try Benijofar Market on Tuesday morning for a traditional shopping experience, great bargains and the place to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables.
The Peter Murray store at the Nueva Condomina shopping centre is a great place to pick up trendy items for men and women.

The Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) is the city's most historic bridge and it offers a classic view of the city centre from the River Segura.

Looking for a lively night out? For a foam party and heaps of summer fun try Pacha in Torrevieja.

The Gran Via Escultor Salzillo is the city centre's main arterial route. It is home to department stores and a selection of smaller shops, and there is also access to the atmospheric narrow streets that branch off into the heart of the Olt Town.

The area around Plaza de San Juan was once one of the largest and most prosperous Jewish quarters in Spain. The narrow streets around the square are testament to the town planning of the Middle Ages, although the synagogues have long gone and many of the streets have had name changes. The area is now better known for its bustling tapas bars and restaurants.

Sima de las Palamos, in Torre Pacheco, contains the fossilised remains of Neanderthals. Archaeologist Michael Wwalker has dated them as 40000 years old.

Day trip

Torrevieja. The busy seaside town of Torrevieja is less than an hour away by car. As well as sandy beaches, there is a bustling harbour area with a busy fishing fleet. The seafront restaurants have a wide array of fresh fish on offer and the service is usually second to none.
San Pedro del Pinatar. On the Mar Menor (Lesser Sea), this pretty town is one of the nearest costal developments to Murcia, at about 40 minutes away from the city. It has some great beaches and excellent fish restaurants. Its protected salt marshes are a bird watcher's paradise.

Bilbao

From the airport

Bus: Buses go to the city every 30 minutes and it is a the 20-minute journey.

Shop

It is not easy to define Colmado Iberico: it is a bakery, cake shop, delicatessen and wine store all rolled into one.
If you are looking for a present for the folks back home, or a treat for yourself, pop into Chocolates Saint Gerons, a master chocolatier since 1850.

Within the Guggenheim Museum, you will find an impressive collection of books and documents on 20th-century art. The library is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10am-1pm and 3.30pm-6.30pm.

The area around the Old Quarters and Seven Streets is the beating heart of the city. Cobbled streets and squares, bars, restaurants, cafes and shops galore.

Wednesday is discount day in Bilbao. The Bellas Artes Museum is free, lots of cinemas have reduced price tickets and homemade pastries at La Casa Vasca are two-for-one.

The Old Quarter of Bilbao is where it is happening, especially in August when the city celebrates its annual fiestas. The Plaza Nueva and Plaza de Unamuno are lined with bars and restaurants.

Day trip

Guernica. Picasso made this town famous with his historic painting of the same name. About 30 kilometres from Bilbao, Guernica is good choice for a day trip. Visit the Peace Museum or legendary oak tree, where the ancient Basque laws were signed. Try to time your visit with market days on Monday and Saturday.
Castro Urdiales. This lively seaside town is about a 30-minute bus ride from Bilbao. Castro has plenty of good bars, restaurants and cafes, as well as a couple of sandy beaches and a fishing port.

Fuerteventura

From the airport

Shop

Puesta de Sol, on Calle Marinero, Ajuy, is a lovely art gallery/cafe. Try one of the teas, such as blue or white, from the extensive range, while you browse the paintings and sculptures by local artists. 
Baku Market, in Corralejo, is open on Monday and Friday mornings. Here you can find many locally made crafts as well as clothes, jewellery, gifts, African carvings and local produce.

Don't waste your time queing at the Post Office if you want stamps for postcards. Look for signs saying se vende sellos instead.

Avenida Maritima in Corralejo, is a wonderful place to wander about. This pedestrian path extends along the sea front and hosts a number of restaurants, bars and shops. Stop and look out to sea at Lobos Island and watch the kite surfers off Flag Beach.

Calle Iglesia, in Corralejo, is also known as the "cobbled street". Choose from one of the many restaurants and bars or explore the alleyways to find some hidden treasures.

Day trip

Morro Jable. Located on the southern tip of the island, this bustling, yet laid-back port features a promenade reminiscent of Nice. Visit the Thursday market, take a boat trip and drive out to the lighthouse along a dirt track. 
Las Playitas. If you are sticking to your New Years's resolutions (good for you!), head to Las Playitas, just outside Gran Tarajal, which features a golf course, driving range, gym and the only Olympic-sized pool on the island (it is heated, thank goodness). You can also take a catamaran course or go diving. 

Gran Canaria

From the airport

Bus: line 60 runs from 6.50am-11.05pm

Shop

Dulceria Nublo sells handmade sweets. Try the bienmesabe, an authentic treat made with almonds and marzipan.
Get into the Carnival spirit and splash out on your very own costume. Bazaar Ani offers everything you need to get in the mood.

If you cannot get enough of Carnival, nip over to Santa Cruz to see how Tenerife parties. It is either a 20-minute flight or an hour's journey by ferry from Agaete.

Playa del Cura is a small and quiet resort on the south-west coast. It has two small beaches and a shopping centre as well as a good selection of restaurants and bars.

There are many places on the island with excellent conditions for surfing. The best areas are in the north, from El Confital to Galdar. Pozo Izquierdo hosts international competitions.

Find everything you have been looking for at the Rasto, a cultural melting pot. Every Sunday this market is an explosion of colours and aromas. The stalls have some unusual items that make ideal gifts.

Day trip

Fuerteventura. Frequent flights make the island of Fuerteventura within easy reach. Beautiful white sandy beaches and, just 15 minutes from the airport, the town of Corralejo has lots of shops and bars. An ideal way to check out your next holiday location.
Firgas. A pretty little town famous for its man-made waterfall that cascades 30 metres down on the Paseo de Gran Canaria. Try the famous sparkkling mineral water from the Barranco de la Virgen.

Almeria

From the airport

Bus: bus 15 leaves for the city centre roughly every 30-45 minutes. It is a 30-minute journey.

Shop

The craft fai in Vera takes place every Monday at the Intermarche supermarket from 10am-4pm.
The market off Calle Aguilar de Campo offers the hustle and bustle of a traditional street market. As well as leather goods, try the fresh fruit and vegetables stalls and pick up some of the best marinated olives around.

Calle de Las Tiendas (streets of shops) in the heart of the Old Town, is a great spot to pick up souvenirs. It is an atmospheric street which is frequented by locals during the paseo (evening stroll).

If you want to get away from the beach and bars for a few hours, pop into the Cines Monumental cinema on Avenida Mediterraneo, for all the latest films.

The Paseo de Ameria is one of the main shopping areas in the city. Designer stores, supermarkets and arcades to pick up last-minute presents and bargains. The boulevard also offers a pleasant walk down to the seafront.

The often-filmed Plaza de la Cathedral is one of the landmark squares of the city. With some excellent pavement cafes, the views of the strapping cathedral are sunning. A number of quaint streets lead off the plaza into the Old Town.

Day trip

Mojacar. This is a classic, whitewashed Andalucian village, built on a hill back from the sea to give protection against attack from pirates and invading armies. The historic pueblo is made up of a cluster of cubist box houses which line the steep windy streets. Stroll the network od cobbled alleys and look out from the many vantage points across the plain. By the beach is Mojacar's new town with plenty of seafront bars and eateries to choose from.
Carboneras. The town of Carboneras lies to the north of Almeria. At the harbour, there are authentic seafood bars and good fish restaurants. Visit the extraordinary Playa de los Muertos beach with its volcanic rock formations.