The sun-baked Costa Blanca is a 170 mile stretch of Spain's east coast, running from Denia in the north to Mazarrón in the south. The greener landscape and the part i prefer starts north of Alicante and runs from Altea through to Calpe, Moraira, Javea and Denia. In July and August average temperatures can reach 33°C, but it's a dry heat and quite enjoyable if you're by the sea or pool with a good supply of iced drinks. Even in the coldest months December to February the average daily temperature is around 16 degrees, so the Costa Blanca is very pleasant for a winter break. Don't forget the flights and accommodation are also so much cheaper off season, making a week in the winter sun very affordable.

The countryside at the northern end of the Costa Blanca is attractively mountainous, with some excellent walking. We did a Calpe walk which lasted about 2 hours and the scenery was amazing. We printed off the route from the website of the company we booked our villa with, Villaspain. Also in Calpe is the spectacular Penon de Ifach, a familiar symbol of the Costa Blanca. If you're in the mood for exercise, it's possible to climb the Peñon at Calpe. It looks impossibly steep, but at the worst point a tunnel has been cut through. It's a stiff climb and you need a head for heights, but at the top the views are breathtaking. You don't even have to get to the top, the views as you climb are amazing. Up to the tunnel it is a well made path so it really is a must do. (I looked on in horror at some of the footwear that was worn by people attempting to climb much further past the tunnel!!)

The resorts of Denia, Javea, Moraira, Calpe, Altea all have plenty to offer, including several golf courses and superb beaches. Wherever you stay, there will be plenty of water-based sports on offer, as well as the Terra Mitica theme park near Benidorm. Other worthwhile excursions are the hilltop village of Guadalest; or Alicante, which is a holiday resort in its own right but also an interesting historic city with good shopping. Try visiting Jijona, a few miles inland from Alicante, where you can watch Turron being made. It's a delicious hard nougat made with honey and masses of local almonds, famous throughout Spain.

I could go on but ..... maybe another time

Nikki