Alicante, 50 minutes north by car, is the capital of the Costa Blanca. Visit for the shopping, the castle (Santa Barbara) and for dining.

Murcia, 20 miles inland is an ideal trip for it's beauty and tranquility and magnificient Cathedral.

Elche or Elx is a city distinguished with two international UNESCO awards for its Palm Groves and Medieval Play – “Misteri d’Elche” both listed as world heritage. Also the shoemaking centre of Spain.

Cartegena to the south for the superb snorkelling, shopping, maritime history, old town, Roman theatre. It's where the world's first submarine was launched.

La Manga with it's golf and tennis facilities and of course the mountains that run down the coast.

Crevillente is famed for the quality of its mats and carpets.

Guadalest for the drive, views, the castle, the old village, etc.

San Pedro for the mud baths (recommended by doctors around the world for it's curative properties for a large number of rheumatic dermatological, heart and respiratory complaints) and the Mar Menor for all types of water sports.

Guardamar for a spendid sea food lunch on the promenade beside Blue Flag golden sands.

Orihuela for a look into the past as well as the present. Lots of interesting churches and museums. The old part of the town of Orihuela was declared a historic-artistic and monumental area in 1969. There are many noble buildings, six of which are declared Cultural Heritage.

Archena and Fortuna Spa Baths are an hours drive away through the picturesque mountains. The natural mineral waters will soak away your aches and pains and totally relax you.

Benidorm, just 90 minutes north by car, is worth the trip for its parks, shopping, zoo, and the theme park Terra Mitica.

Jijona to see turron sweet manufacture.

Canalobre near Busot for the caves.

Callosa D'En Sarria for the spring waters.

Torrevieja/ La Mata Park and Salt Lakes The vast area of this natural park, which affects 4 districts, is a favourite resting place for many different varieties of birds. The most outstanding of these must be the flamingo, during the migration period there are more than 15,000 of these colourful birds taking a well earned rest. The La Mata and Torrevieja salt lakes have been nature parks since 1994, connected together by a canal constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. Many people with rheumatic problems come to bathe in the lakes which they find beneficial to their health.