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A car is often a nuisance rather than a benefit in the larger towns and resorts, which are always clogged with traffic, particularly during the evening rush hour (6–8pm). Parking can be a problem, but larger towns have underground car parks which charge around €5–€10 per day. Your own transport is virtually essential to see the remoter corners of the Costa Blanca.

Speed limits (often ignored) are 120 kph on motorways (autopistas ), 100 kph on main roads, and 50 kph in built-up areas. Seat belts (also ignored) are compulsory in the front seats, and in the rear where fitted. The legal alcohol limit is a mere 0.05% (regularly flouted), anyone caught can be fined up to €300 on the spot.

There are car hire offices at the airports, and plenty more at train stations and in major towns and resorts. The cheapest deals can usually be found over the Internet; many airlines offer concessions. It’s advisable to book well in advance during holiday periods.

The rail network offers a bewildering array of services. The most useful on the Costa Blanca are the local (cercanías ) and regional (regionales ) trains which connect most larger cities and resorts. They are generally punctual and inexpensive.

A narrow-gauge train runs from El Campelló (on the outskirts of Alicante and connected to the city centre by tram) to Denia (Dénia), stopping at most resorts. It is scenic, especially between Altea and Denia, but very slow.

A pretty Modernista train station in Cartagena is the starting point for the narrow-gauge railway that links the city with the small resort of Los Nietos on the Mar Menor. It’s not a very scenic route, but it’s cheap and convenient.

Local bus services are rarely useful for visitors as most sights are in the town centres. But many inland villages are not on the train network, and are only accessible by bus. Different companies serve different areas, which can be confusing, but there are information offices in bus stations, and the tourist offices also have timetables.

Taxis are cheap and plentiful – at least in the larger towns and resorts. They can be hailed on the street or from taxi stands; a green light on the top indicates that they are free. Otherwise, you can, of course, call for a taxi.

Competitive cycling is very popular in Spain. Pottering around the countryside on a bike is less common, but nonetheless delightful. Bike hire is common in resorts and at rural hotels.

All the towns and villages are best explored on foot. The main sights are usually clustered in the historic centres, and a stroll will throw up all kinds of delightful details that you might otherwise miss. Hikers are spoilt for choice; there are several Natural and Regional Parks, as well as long-distance walking trails, such as the GR92.