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Every street in Alicante’s atmospheric old quarter is packed solid with bars and nightclubs which start late and don’t stop until dawn. There’s a good mix of styles and places to go, with something to suit most tastes and age groups.

Latino dance fans will enjoy this hugely popular salsateca, where the local South American community come to dance all night long. If you haven’t got the moves, you can pick them up at the free salsa and merengue lessons.

For a taste of Andalucía, make a date at the Tablao Zambra in Campelló, just up the coast from Alicante. The show is geared toward tourists, but the dancers and musicians are all incredibly talented.

Benidorm’s nightlife is divided by nationality: these streets are the heart of the English section, and are lined with a string of brash bars strictly for the under-30s. Most offer karaoke, theme nights and the kind of good time that you won’t remember in the morning.

One of the coolest clubs in Benidorm, with a perfect beachfront location, this is a great place to start the night. If you decide to stick around, things begin to hot up, with top DJs, go-go dancers and a slick, well-dressed crowd.

KM is one of Benidorm’s best-known mega-clubs, featuring some of Spain’s top DJs spinning everything from Spanish pop to the latest dance tracks. Also on this strip are Penélope, Pachá, and Manssion.

An outpost of the celebrated international club, Pachá offers a great night out in Torrevieja. Music is provided by an excellent line-up of Spanish and international DJs. A young crowd keeps the place buzzing until very late.

Murcia’s smart casino is located in its fanciest hotel, the Rincón de Pepe (see NH Rincón de Pepe, Murcia City). You can gamble away your holiday money at blackjack, american roulette, french roulette and poker, or just stick to the slot machines. As for all the Costa Blanca casinos, the dress code is smart-casual, and you’ll need your passport. If you can still afford it, finish your evening in the hotel’s excellent restaurant (see Rincón de Pepe, Murcia).

La Puerta Falsa is a classic on the Murcian music scene, a relaxed, bohemian spot which features live acts from Tuesday to Satuday nights. The music on offer spans everything from jazz, soul and blues to hip-hop and tango. There are also poetry readings and tertúlias (discussion groups).

Revival is one of the most popular discos on the “techno route” on the outskirts of Alicante, but be warned, it’s for committed dance fans only; it keeps going non-stop from Saturday night right through until Monday morning.