But less than half an hour’s drive inland on the Costa Blanca coast lies a part of Spain that is worlds away from the worst excesses of the cheap, alcohol-fuelled holidays parodied by BBC TV’s hit comedy series set in Benidorm’s Solana Hotel.

The Jalon Valley – or Vall de Pop to give this little piece of paradise its traditional Spanish name – is a hikers’ and backpackers’ dream, a land of olive groves and oranges, almond trees that in early spring burst into blossom to become a sea of pink and white, and vineyards that in autumn cloak the landscape in a patchwork quilt of red and gold.

Jalon Valley, Vall de Pop, Spain by Robert5321

Surrounded by mountains, and offering spectacular views in every direction, the Jalon Valley is full of hiking trails and delightful towns and villages – where walkers and backpackers will find a host of bars and restaurants waiting to offer refreshment and traditional Spanish hospitality.

There are literally hundreds of footpaths and trails between the nine villages that make up this beautiful ‘Comunidad’ in the Costa Blanca’s Marina Alta.

What to See and Do

Coll de Rates – Walk from Jalon across the mountains to Marnes, enjoying spectacular panoramic views en route

Sample the local vino in Jalon, where the local Co-operativa bodega is happy to provide plenty of wine-tasting opportunities

Stop off in Lliber, with its three bars around the village plaza offering a summer refuge from the heat of the mid-day sun. From here, stroll around the wooded hillside of the Montanyeta, or tackle the Penya Roja – either on foot or by climbing harness

Alcalali – another delightful, typically Spanish village set amid the sweet-smelling citrus groves

• Benidorm is not all bad!

The old town, dwarfed by towering hotel blocks but even today reminiscent of the original fishermen’s quarter, is still very much in existence, packed with delightful and traditional tapas bars at every turn.

The beaches are renowned for their golden sands, sunshine is pretty much guaranteed for most of the year, and for the kids, the Terra Mitica theme park will keep them entertained for hours – whether they’re tiny tots or moody teenagers!

There’s also Aqualandia, a fun-filled, top-rated water park for all ages, and Terra Natura, for young – and older – nature lovers.

Nicki Williams, for more than 20 years a resident of the Jalon Valley – is a copy writer for Gear-Zone, where you’ll find everything for the intrepid backpacker and hiking enthusiast, including outdoor clothing, footwear and camping equipment.

Check out our range of major brands including Rab, Craghoppers, Berghaus and The North Face.

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Poros is, like the most Greek islands, of volcanic origin. It consists of two parts – a small rocky island Sphairia and much bigger and busier Kalaureia, where is also a vast majority of hotel complexes and beaches. Both sites are connected by a bridge. The first building, which you see when you arrive on Poros, is the white clock tower overlooking the island Sphairia. From its summit, where you can get after overcoming incredible amount of stairs you have a wonderful view over the harbor and the picturesque local countryside.

On the Kalaureia you can then do a little trip to the remains of the Temple of Poseidon. This was built five hundred years before Christ in honor of the ruler of the seas, made of the granite stone, which was imported from the neighboring island of Aegina. In the fourth century, the temple was destroyed by the earthquake, so that today you can see mostly the foundations of that massive structures. Among them is also located Bust of Demosthenes, who was a prominent Greek orator, killed at Poros with a poison. If you are passionate lover of the ancient monuments, visit the small archaeological museum with the exhibition related to the Temple of Poseidon.

But to the Greek islands you mainly travel because of the sea and beautiful beaches, right? They can be found on the southern part of Poros, while the north is dominated by olive and citrus groves. The beaches here are rocky as well as sandy and you can rent a lounger with a parasol on all of them. To achieve perfection, do a short stay in a nice local tavern to taste a delicious moussaka and souvlaki.

Poros Island is located in the Saronic Gulf, not far from Athens. The journey from Piraeus port takes approximately 1 hour and costs around €18.

View Poros – one of the most beautiful islands in Greece in a larger map

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