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The rooms of this rosy 19th-century mansion set in beautiful gardens are in dark wood with terra-cotta tiles and sumptuous fabrics. Most offer expansive sea views. There’s a gym, sauna, pool and paddle tennis court. The restaurant is among the best in the region.

Escape the hubbub of the resorts and appreciate the tranquil beauty of the Isla Tabarca at this 18th-century former governor’s mansion. It’s been unsympathetically modernized, but retains some charm.

This beautifully restored finca is set in mountains about 20 km (12 miles) from the coast. There are just eight spacious and very elegant rooms in an adjoining annexe. The excellent facilities include pool, tennis court and sauna.

Cocentaina is a large industrial town in the foothills of the Sierra Mariola, with a beautiful, faded medieval core. It’s a good base for walking. This traditional stone house has been converted into a simple pensión , with just six basic rooms, all with bathrooms.

Perched on a rocky bluff overlooking a cove, the Montiboli has airy rooms with terraces, while the romantic cabañas in the Moorish gardens offer more privacy. There are three pools, tennis courts, a gym and sauna. The beach is a few steps away. Three restaurants serve fine Mediterranean cuisine.

A modest hotel bedecked with window boxes, in one of the most delightful small resorts on the Costa Cálida. Rooms are basic but well-equipped, with air-conditioning, telephone and TV. There’s a pleasant garden terrace, decent restaurant and bar.

A simple hotel set in gardens, with swimming pool. Relaxed, friendly and ideal for families. There’s a cheerful cafébar and restaurant. The beach is just 300 m (330 yards) away.

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.