Top 10 Things To Do

1. Wine tasting

Head just a few kilometres inland from the Costa Blanca beaches and you will stumble across vineyards producing quality wines. One of the best is the Enrique Mendoza vineyard in Alfaz del Pi does tours including wine tasting. You can ask for a tour to be conducted in English. You can join a traditional grape harvest in September at the Maserof vineyard in the Sierra Bernia. The Jalon Valley also has fine wines for tasting and taking home.

2. Kite-surfing

Several kite-surfing clubs have set up on the Costa Blanca where you can learn this daring sport. They will teach you to catch the wind, keep on your feet and show you some fancy tricks too.

3. Try Paella

The Costa Blanca is famous for its many paella dishes. The local rice is perfect for cooking paella. You can choose between meat, fish, shellfish, vegetarian or mixed paellas. Arrocerias are restaurants specialising in rice dishes and you will probably get the best variety of paellas in one of these.

4. Taste Tapas

A good way to try several new dishes is by taking your own tapas trail. Tapas bars will have a good selection of tapas - or small side dishes - which you can share with friends and try different things. Favourite tapas on the Costa Blanca could include hams, cheeses, sausages, anchovies, croquettes, tortilla, calamari and octopus to name but a few.

5. Rock-climbing

Release your inner daredevil with a climb up the Costa Blanca rockfaces.There are short cliffs for beginners and longer mountain climbs with sheer drops. Some of the best cliffs are in the Calpe and Benidorm areas but the Jalon Valley has plenty of different climbs to try as well.

6. Visit the Theatre

Murder-mysteries, musicals, ballets, operas, dramas and recitals come to life in the town's theatres. Many of the theatres are old buildings which add to the ambience. Check out the Events page to see what is on in your area.

7. Learn to Dance

Spaniards love to dance and you can learn the steps to join in the salsa, flamenco or even Zumba. Many resorts hold classes and it is not necessary to bring your own partner. Come on, everybody Salsa.

8. Try Horchata

Horchata is a refreshing tiger nut drink which is traditionally drunk in summer. You can buy it in the supermarkets but for the best flavours, try one of the horchaterias along the Costa Blanca. Alicante has some particularly fine ones where you can stop and try one.

9. Float on a Boat

A beautiful way to see the Costa Blanca at its finest is on a boat. Many resorts have boat trips where you can enjoy the changing face of the coast, enjoy the imposing Ifach rock from a different angle and look out for fish. You may also want to hire your own yacht or catamaran so you can set your own agenda, stop off at a marina for lunch or drop anchor to enjoy a cool swim.

10. Run with the Bulls

Bous a la mar or bulls to the sea is an exciting fiesta held in various Costa Blanca towns including Javea and Denia. You can watch safely from the sidelines or run with the bulls along the streets to the sea. The trick is to entire the bull to jump in before you do!