This wealthy ancient town is approached through the palm trees of El Palmeral Spain's second largest such forest. Once in the town, the feel is of an authentical provincial Spanish town, where few tourists venture, even though it is only 30km inland from the coast: a 16km strip of sandy beaches with small cliffs ideal for fishing and diving.

The old quarter, with three medieval churches, displays the town's aristocratic past (it was here the Reyes Catolicos held court in the 15th century) and the town is dotted with historic mansions, one of which houses the tourist office so you can take a peek inside.

Modern life in Orihuela is equally colourful, centred around the bars on Calle Duque de Tamames and Calle Valencia. There are also big discos just outside town. Golfers have three 18-hole courses nearby, Campoamor, Las Ramblas and Villamartín, with lots of trees and vegetation to pose a bit of a challenge. The town also has two nearby sports marinas at Cabo Roig and Campoamor.

The surrounding countryside is wonderful for walking and cycling, much of it natural parkland. Or there is the rockclimbers haven of Sierra de Orihuela, a rocky range carpeted by flowers and pine trees.

New apartments in Orihuela with communal swimming pools can cost as little as £50,000 or you can buy an apartment on Villamartin golf course from £70,000. Villas start at around £130,000.