Villajoyosa, the 'jewelled town' 10km south of Benidorm, is Spain's chocolate capital, with a museum dedicated to the art of chocolate production. But what is truly striking about Villajoyosa are the vibrant colours of its facades, painted ochres, reds, yellows and blues. Some say they were painted this way to guide the fishermen home. Others point out that half the houses don't even face the sea so more likely it was an inventive use for left-over paint from the fishing boats.

The lower part of town - the 17 streets that make up the original old town - is a charming area of narrow streets, with restaurants, shops, small businesses and a pretty market square.

The town runs along a stretch of beaches leading to the busy fishing harbour where you can catch the fish market every afternoon. Either side of Villjoyosa are 12km of beaches ranging from the popular town beach, El Centro, where you can play beach volleyball and other activities in the sports zone, and the busy El Paradis - both awarded EU blue flags - to tranquil creeks such as Caleta and Bou Nou with transparent water.

In total contrast to such tranquillity, nights can be spent at the Costa Blanca Casino just outside Villajoyosa on the road to Benidorm. It's open from 8pm till 4am and costs €10 to enter. Or just 5km away there's Terra Mitica theme park.

Property is harder to come by in Villajoyosa than other towns along this coast, but a three-bed semi-detached villa with sea views will cost about £220,000.