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Alicante is only a 45 minute drive from Benidorm. It is frequently described as a city, with a village atmosphere owing to the many old Spanish shops still found there with their owners sat outside on stools, gossiping with the locals as they stroll by.

A one day trip to Alicante will give you the chance of getting to know an elegant city with a stylish marina, a wide sandy beach, and many fashionable shops.

You will also find an abundance of history and culture there so why not start your day by taking a trip up to the impressive Santa Barbara Castle, built by the Moors in the 10th century, with its cannons, moat, dungeons and integral palace.

At the heart of Alicante you'll find the Esplanada de España, a long promenade dotted with cafes and craft stalls and shaded by multiple rows of palm trees. It really is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the city. You mustn't stop there though for just across the road you'll find the marina complex with its fabulous bars and fish restaurants.

Leading off the Esplanada is the area known as La Rambla, which basically is the main road in the city running from the bottom to the top. Here you will find the city's tourist centre along with many of its interesting buildings, such as the Cathedral of St Nicolas.

Sunday is strolling day in Alicante, and on many a weekend you'll be invited to enjoy a free concert performed on the Esplanada. In the warm evenings, open-air concerts are held in many of the squares, along with a variety of entertainment for the children.

Highly recommended, however, is a stroll around Santa Cruz, the most picturesque area of the city. Its narrow cobbled streets take you upwards through the city towards the quaint chapel built into the old town wall. As you climb you will pass many small, picturesque, colourful houses with geraniums overflowing from wrought iron balconies. A perfect opportunity for a photograph.