Much like the other Southern Spanish regions, the famed resort towns of Benidorm and Torrevieja along the Costa Blanca has given the modern image of Valencia a hard time, with its crowds of sun-seekers drinking a little bit to much sangria on a night time and then roasting themselves red in the day. However, a little closer look unveils the romantic side of Valencia - a land of orange groves, rice paddies, a superb coastline and great cuisine.

You can be more than content on the Costa Azahar (Orange Blossom Coast) which is shored with pristine beaches and is home to the picturesque towns of Morella Oropesa and Peñiscola and even quieter beach getaways are beckoned by the more

The regions towns and cities portray Phoenician, Greek, Iberian, Roman and Moorish influences brought into sharp releif by the bright sunshine of the predominantly hot summers.

The regional capital Valencia is Spain´s third-largest city but the much more elegant coastal city Alicante will have you revelling with a little more style. Stroll along the palm-fringed, sea-front Paseo de la Explanada which is lined with street cafes and stop for a while at the music pavilion to enjoy an al-fresco concert.