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This classic seaside hotel just steps from the old port in Xàbia has friendly staff and functional but spotless rooms – the nicest have balconies overlooking the port and pebbly beach.

Get away from it all in this tiny mountain village of just 150 inhabitants. All-in walking holidays, plus a self-catering cottage.

A friendly two-star hotel in the heart of Benidorm’s old quarter, this is a better bet than the enormous, impersonal high-rise hotels. There’s a simple café-bar, popular with locals, and the rooms are very good value.

This turn-of-the-20th-century hotel has seen better days, but the old-fashioned rooms still retain some charm. The bar, an unreconstructed 1960s classic, is fabulous. The delightful owners (an Anglo-Spanish couple) couldn’t be friendlier. They host regular dinner dances and live music events. The restaurant serves tasty home cooking.

Orihuela is a beautiful, historic town, and this hotel occupies a restored 18th-century palace, complete with beamed ceilings and cupola. The restaurant is top-notch.

Just 20 m (66 ft) from the beach, this modern hotel is perfect for families. Kids will love the big pool (with toddlers’ area). Choose from rooms or self-catering bungalows. There’s a reasonably priced restaurant.

This whitewashed seaside hotel has a popular restaurant serving plain but delicious meals. A huge terrace offers wonderful views of the sea and the buzzy promenade below.

There are just six rooms at this country hotel nestling amid olive groves. Romantics can request a four-poster and huge bath made for two. There are walking trails nearby, plus an excellent restaurant and a pool.

Perfectly set on the Playa San Juan, this sleek modern hotel with bright rooms (on the small side for the price) has myriad facilities, plus two golf courses close by.