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This is a delightful pebbly stretch of rock pools, tiny islands and hidden coves, where you can usually find a quiet corner. It has good amenities and a breezy seafront promenade lined with restaurants and cafés.

Most beaches, even more remote ones, will have a lifeguard post in summer.

The hike to the top of Montgó begins at the entrance to the park and climbs steadily, past ancient caves and scrubby hills covered with wild herbs and flowers, up to the Creueta de Cima at 753 m (2,470 ft). The hike is easy, but it takes about three hours each way – well worth it, though, since a tremendous view of the dramatic coastline unfolds.

Windsurfing, surfing, water-skiing and jet-skiing are popular sports along the Costa Blanca, and you’ll find facilities for all of these in all the larger resorts.

One of the few surviving stretches of indigenous Mediterranean oak forest, this glorious expanse of woodland is a cool, shady Natural Park scattered with ancient snow wells (used to collect ice in the days before refrigeration) and crisscrossed with beautiful walking trails offering spectacular views of endless mountains.

The sanctuary and spa at the heart of the Parc Natural de la Font Roja are popular weekend day trips for locals. The shady walking paths through Mediterranean oak forest are the perfect respite from searing summer heat. There are walking trails to suit hikers of all levels, with the easiest (suitable for families) leaving from the sanctuary itself.

The pale massif of Montgó looms high above the seaside resorts of Denia (Dénia) and Xàbia (Jávea). Delightful walking trails meander through flower-strewn scrub and woodland, past ancient caves and up to stunning viewpoints that gaze out across the sierra and over the sea.

This delightful palm-shaded park with ceramic-tiled benches is right in the heart of town. The children’s play areas make it perfect for family picnics.

If you take the long but not too arduous trail through Montgó Natural Park (see Parc Natural del Montgó) to the top of the mountain, you will be rewarded with gorgeous views over the scrubland and rugged cliff.

Champion cyclist, and winner of the Tour de France and the Vuelta de España.