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The most impressive of a line of castles which cuts through the middle of the Alicante region, the sturdy fortifications of Petrer Castle make for a perfect picnic – and, indeed, picture – spot with endless views.

This remote reservoir near the village of Tibi is formed by the oldest working dam in Europe, built at the end of the 16th century, and perfectly slotted into a narrow gorge.

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 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.

The secluded coves at the western end of this pretty island (see Isla Tabarca) are perfect for picnics. If you need to work up an appetite, you can always go swimming or snorkelling first.

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.

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.

Santa Pola’s lighthouse, right out at the tip of the cape, is a wonderful place to come at dusk, with views out across the cliffs to the diminutive island of Tabarca.

The panoramic restaurant on the 26th floor of the Tryp Gran Sol Hotel in Alicante serves good regional dishes against the fabulous backdrop of the yacht-filled port and the sea.

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.