Although just a 20-minute walk from beautiful beaches which stretch almost as far as Dénia, Oliva has the feel and charm of an inland village. The beach strip is lined with holiday villas and apartments but development remains low-level and discreet.

The town is steeped in history, with the remains of a Moorish castle, a maze of narrow cobbled streets and two pretty domed churches. The newer area of town is the place to shop, including in the covered market where you can buy all sorts of local produce, and locals congregate around the paseo in the evening, in the many bars and restaurants.

This is a very Spanish town and to live here you will need to learn some Spanish - or even pick up a few words of the regional language, Valencian, which is widely spoken.

The nearby golf course Oliva Nova is one of the best on the coast and there are good sailing and windsurfing facilities at the Club Nautica, nearby riding schools and beautiful countryside for cycling. The town also has indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Property here is very reasonably priced and tends to be either rural fincas or tall, thin townhouses and apartments. There are small rustic properties ready for renovation between Oliva and Pego for about £30,000 or for around £40,000 you can get a three-storey townhouse in the centre of Oliva in need of total renovation. Even large apartments and townhouses in good condition can cost little more than £60,000 and for £120,000 you can buy a beautifully renovated three-storey townhouse with an internal patio.