Orcheta

Like most towns and villages in the Marina Baixa region, the impulse to visit is designed around history, culture, tradition and the natural landscape. Crouching close to the Amadorio Reservoir, Orcheta and the surrounding area is an instant hit with ramblers, hikers and cyclists. For the experienced trail walker, there are not many better routes than the one that takes you across the Sierra de Orxeta, one of the longest ridges on the Costa Blanca. It’s challenging; 800m of ascent and 20km in distance – definitely a hike to be entertained in the wintertime.

If, however, you are visiting Orcheta during the heavy heat of a Spanish summer, the public swimming pool is a godsend. Clean, fresh and most importantly, cooling. Bar Gregori is also pretty cool, perfect for tapas and an ice-cold drink. While the village is self-sufficient with bars, restaurants, a baker, a grocer and a chemist, its proximity to the seaside resort of Villajoyosa offers you the opportunity to enjoy both costa y campo.

Staying in this idyllic setting for a few days or more is only ever going to be a good idea. And an even better one if you can coincide it with the penultimate week in September when the Patron Saint Festival takes place.

To complete your stay check out Casa Oliveira, owned by Mark and Paulo, it is a fine example of how to do rural tourism really well.