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Agost’s long ceramic-making tradition dates back for centuries, and dozens of shops sell the earthenware water jars (botijos ) typical of the region, along with a range of ceramic items from pots to platters.

The ultimate one-stop shopping destination, Alicante has the biggest department stores, plus plenty of large high-street chain shops, all lined up along the Avenida Maisonnave.

Crevillent has dozens of workshops and factories offering the luxurious and colourful rugs and carpets for which it is renowned throughout Spain. Other local crafts include glass-ware and wickerwork.

Damas is stuck in a 1970s time warp, but it still makes the best traditional cakes and pastries in town. You can eat in, in the chocolate-brown café, or take away.

Alicante has two branches of El Corte Inglés, Spain’s biggest department store. The groceries are excellent, if expensive.

El Pinós is one of the best-known wine towns in the Alicante region, but it’s also justly famous for its embutidos – cured hams and sausages made with locally reared livestock and prepared to traditional recipes.

Elda is a big, industrial city, and one of the largest shoemaking centres in Spain. Numerous factory outlets on the outskirts of the town offer excellent shoe bargains.

Choose from over 2,500 wines, including an excellent regional Spanish selection, as well as imported wines from France, Chile and Argentina.

Canopied white stalls line Alicante’s famous promenade, selling jewellery, ceramics, beachwear and more besides. Many open during the day, but the market is liveliest on summer evenings.