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One of Spain’s greatest tennis champions, and winner of numerous titles.

This lofty castle, squeezed up against an extraordinary Modernista sanctuary (see La Mola), offers far-reaching views across endless plains and a strange lunar landscape of abruptly jutting peaks.

Alicante’s spectacular hilltop castle (see Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Alicante) dominates the whole city, and its ramparts and terraces offer endless views over the deep blue Mediterranean.

The pale stone cliffs behind Bolnuevo Beach have been shaped over time into an extraordinary “enchanted city”; it doesn’t take much to see towers and castles in the creamy swirls of rock, some of which are poised on impossibly thin pedestals.

Cycling is a very popular sport in Spain. Most of the resorts have bike-rental facilities if you simply want to cruise the region on two wheels, and the Natural Parks have several off-road trails for mountain-bikers.

Most of the resorts on the Mar Menor, as well as the southern resorts of Puerto de Mazarrón and Águilas, have a number of companies offering diving courses, excursions and equipment hire. Tourist offices can provide lists.

The protected expanse of undulating dunes (see Dunas del Guardamar, Guardamar del Segura) backed by a gnarled pine forest on the edge of Guardarmar de Segura makes a delightful place for a picnic.

These wild, gorgeous, windswept dunes are rarely crowded, even in the height of summer. The dunes are part of a natural reserve backed by a pine forest with walking trails and picnic spots. There are a few snack bars, but little else.

After a busy morning’s sightseeing around the historic city of Orihuela, the delightful and extensive palm grove on the edge of town makes a refreshing change and is perfect for picnics.