Tabarca is a small island located just off the coast of Santa Pola on the Costa Blanca. Hop on a boat to this picturesque island and you can snorkel and swim in the crystal clear waters, learn its rich history of pirates and shipwrecks, and enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the excellent restaurants.

There’s plenty to see in historic Alicante but one excellent place to start is Santa Bárbara Castle. This ancient fortification sits on Mount Benacantil, a rocky outcrop in the northeast of the city, and dates back to the 9th century. Originally built under Muslim rule it was reconstructed by Castilian forces. Venture up here and enjoy panoramic views of Alicante.

The MARQ (Museo Arqueológico de Alicante) is a museum famed for its imaginative interactive exhibits that usher visitors into lost worlds and shine a light on archaeological methods of different periods. Pay a visit to the museum and you can unearth the ancient history of Alicante, learning about Iberian culture and the impact of Roman rule upon the region.

The Parque Natural de Penyal d’Ifac can be found on a small peninsula in Calp. Its defining feature is a vast limestone outcrop, which is home to rare plants and nesting sea birds. Hike to the summit on a clear day and you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views that reach as far as the Balearic Islands.