Visitors guide to Spain:

Just over an hour's drive from Alicante or Valencia you will notice the landscape change dramatically from the dry sun baked salt planes and rice production areas to more rugged and mountainous terrain.

The Mediterranean coastal waters make an ideal place to learn to sail, and courses are offered in English and Spanish from a number of sailing schools. There are also scuba diving courses and a wide variety of pleasure cruises, including the infamous 'beach party cruise' booked from Javea or Denia port. This is a great day out on a large catamaran which takes you down the coast towards Moraira before dropping anchor in a secluded bay. Here you can swim from the boat whilst the crew prepare a barbequed meal and serve sangria and soft drinks.

Costa Blanca day trips. Another popular family attraction is the Vergel Safari Park which is a great day out and excellent value for money. Other places to visit include the Aqualandia water park. You can choose to picnic in the tropical gardens or eat in the many themed restaurants, as well as experience some of the most thrilling water rides in Europe.

Forty minutes drive down the coast is the Terramitica theme park. The park is enormous and with so much to see and do it is recommended that you allow a whole day if planning a visit. Every ride has a miniature counterpart, making Terramitica ideal for all age groups. If you are exploring the coast you may also want to take a trip up to the historic village of Guadalest. Visitors are invited to picnic in the park or swim in the mountain streams and clear pools, filled by huge natural waterfalls.

The highlight of any trip to the area has to be Valencia, which is an absolute 'must see'. The world famous Science Park features some truly awesome architecture. The park offers a vision of the future and will cause you to see Spain in a totally different light. There are hundreds of things to see and do in Valencia, but worthy of a visit is the 'Oceanografic' aquarium, the port and markets and of course the many shops, bars and restaurants.

Our recommendation is that you take the train whilst leaving the car at Xeraco, where there is plenty of free parking at the station. The train is fast, frequent and cheap with the station 'Valencia Nord' being an architectural masterpiece and situated right in the heart of the city. As with most large Mediterranean cities, take care of your valuables and don't let pick pockets spoil your holiday.