Things to Do in Alicante, Spain

Once you arrive at Alicante Spain's El Altet Airport, 12 kilometers to the west of the city, you are linked directly by the N332 coastal highway, signposted right when exiting the airport. You can rent a Europcar at the desk, in this case a good bargain since you can visit several of the coastal towns in one day. If you prefer to bus, there is a direct airport bus to Benidorm, costing about 7 Euros per ticket. Taxis are also available for transport to the city centre, where regular bus and train services connect with all of Spain's Costa Blanca coastal towns.

Where to eat in Alicante, Spain: If you are looking for representative Mediterranean food at up to 20 euros, check out El Arenal at La Cala de Finestrat. Previous diners claim that they have the best paellas on the Costa Blanca, with seafood straight from the bay. Freshly roasted lamb and kid should be ordered the day before.

For up to 35 euros, make your way to the Casa Gallega at 38 Conde de Altea, Altea. They have every fish and shellfish you've ever seen and many you probably haven't. A dish to try is their delicious Galician-style bouillabaisse (fish soup). To complete your experience, terrace tables overlooking the blue mediterranean add magic to your meal.

On the higher end of the price scale, El Galeon, at the Paseo de Estrellas, Playa, Albir offers meals for up to 60 euros per head. Lounge amid the palms of this fashionable restaurant's enclosed patio and enjoy their excellent international cuisine and beautiful views of the beach.

For the exclusive Mediterranean experience, visit the famed Montibol hotel at Partida Montiboli, Villajoyosa. Two peerless restaurants in the fabulous, five-star, clifftop hotel offer Mediterranean cuisine at its finest. It's pricey, but you do get what you pay for: it's ultra-exclusive and the service is second to none.

Clubs and Music: For a noon break or a low-key destresser after a long day in the sun, check out Penelope's Bar at Levante Beach, Benidorm. The shaded verandah faces the beach and pedestrianised promenade, so it's ideal for people watching as you enjoy a glass of wine or a long cool granizado de limon, an iced lemon drink.