Benissa

Benissa is a beautiful small town set in the northern (and prettiest) part of the province of Alicante.

Beautiful beaches, with white sand and crystal-clear water, tall mountains, wide valleys with unusually green countryside all add to Benissa's unique appeal. In the late 1980s and 1990s the local authorities rescued the historical part of the town from gradual decay, did a magnificent job restoring the town's splendid seventeenth and eighteenth-century town houses, narrow streets, churches and town hall.

Some people describe Benissa as a "little Europe", because it is home to thousands of "euro-residents" from Germany, Scandinavia, Britain, Holland, Belgium.... who live in and around the town attracted by the beautiful countryside and coastline, the excellent climate and, until recently, relatively cheap property prices.

Unlike other places along the Spanish Mediterranean coast with a large expat community, Benissa integrates nationalities from all over Europe without losing any of its distinct character and beauty, and you get the feeling that everyone who lives here enjoys living in this international community with a distinctly Spanish flavour.

What to visit: the old town, the beaches, finca La Cuta, a small paradise offering the best brunches on offer in the Costa Blanca. Jalon where much of the local wine is produced. El Peñon de Calpe, a natural reserve home to many Mediterranean birds and plants.

Where to stay: El Hotel Cases de Sant Jaume, a lovely hotel with spacious rooms, a lovely swimming pool open and views of the mountains and the sea.