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.