Moraira remains one of the most unspoilt resorts, with a reputation for fairly pricey second homes owned by resident expats. Its permanent population is 9,500, though that rises to at least 30,000 in summer, and out of season the town retains a very Spanish way of life. A former fishing village lying on a sheltered bay below a rocky headland, Moraira - by virtue of being set away from the main coastal road - has remained undisturbed by the package tourism crowds and only has a handful of hotels, none of them highrise.

Many of its second homes are nestled in the pine forests which lead down to the sea. Because of its foreign resident population, Moraira has a variety of services for expats, including good restaurants (Girasol is considered one of the best in Spain), sports facilities and upmarket fashion, gift and handicrafts shops. Blue flag-rated beaches spread for 15km either side of the town, many of them sheltered and safe for families. Playa El Portet is one of the best, located just around the bay from Moraira, while Playa l'Andrago is good for snorkeling. Winters are mild here, with temperatures hovering around 18°C.

There are new developments emerging between Moraira and Benitatchell, with three-bedroom townhouses from £170,000 with beautiful views across the valley or existing townhouses in residential neighbourhoods for about the same price. Modern two-bed apartments in the centre of Moraira cost around £100,000-£140,000 while three-bed villas in the sought-after residential area of El Portet de Moraira, near the beach, cost around £300,000.