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Alcoi (see Círculo Industrial, Alcoi (Alcoy), Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians)) is famous in the region for traditional sweets first introduced by the Arabs. Most cake shops sell sugared almonds and the tasty sugar-coated pine nuts called peladillas .

Brash, brazen Benidorm (see Playa de Poniente and Playa de Levante, Benidorm) is the place to go if you’re looking for kitsch souvenirs. It’s also a great place to find cheap t-shirts and a huge variety of beachwear to suit all tastes and budgets.

Fish auctions are common in all the fishing villages of the Costa Blanca, but Calp’s futuristic computer screens and rapid bidding make it every bit as exciting as the stock exchange.

Guadalest is packed with souvenir shops, offering delicate, handmade lace tablecloths, woollen blankets, slippers and traditional capes. You’ll also find a good range of local produce, from liqueurs to honey.

Ibi’s long toy-making tradition is sadly now being supplanted by cheap plastics, but you can still pick up pretty replicas of old-fashioned tin toys at the delightful Museu Valencià del Joguet (see Museu Valencià del Joguet, Ibi).

La Vila Joiosa (see La Vila Joiosa (Villajoyosa)) has been making chocolate since the 17th century. You can buy the perfect souvenir at the famous Valor chocolate factory on the outskirts of town.

The delightful mountain town of Ontinyent has been producing textiles since Arabic times, and its high-quality wool blankets are exported all around the world. There are numerous factory outlets offering excellent bargains.

Xixona (see Ayuntamiento (Town Hall), Xixona (Jijona)) is the biggest producer of the delicious Spanish nougat (turrón ), which is traditionally eaten at Christmas but is available all year round at countless local shops.