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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Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain by Ramon Llorensi

City Highlights

This excursion gives you the chance to see the areas and landmarks of Barcelona that have made the city famous and characterise it to this day. Seeing the city on foot is also a great way to really immerse yourself in the local culture and engage with local residents as well as other travellers. Some of the highlights of this trip are the Gothic Quarter and the Spanish Village and two unforgettable places are the religious sites. The 600-year-old, quintessentially Gothic Cathedral of St Eulalia is built on the site of a former Roman temple to Hercules. The world-famous Sagrada Familia, designed by Gaudi, is spectacular despite still not being completed to this day.

For Football Fans

One of Barcelona’s greatest highlights is its football team. It’s renowned worldwide for its success, both nationally and internationally and usually fields a team of some of the footballing world’s best players. Their home is at the Nou Camp stadium, known locally as simply the Barca and a guided tour is a great way to soak up a real feel of the team and the ground. This tour allows you to pass through the visiting team’s changing room, down the tunnel and on to the pitch, as well as seeing other areas such as the press and interview rooms. There is also a great chance to wander round the Barca Museum, which houses memorabilia from the club’s immensely successful past.

Nou Camp stadium, Barcelona, Spain by Börkur Sigurbjörnsson

Sun and Sea

A chance to make the most of Barcelona’s coastal location is offered by the nearby town of Sitges, accessible by a 45-minute coach journey. This quaint town with its whitewashed houses has plenty on offer, from winding lanes with little shops to explore to seventeen beaches where you can relax, catch some sunshine and enjoy a cool drink. There is something for everyone in Sitges, whether you’re looking for sedate sunbathing or a frolic in the waves. If playing in the water is what appeals to you and your family, then a visit to Isla Fantasia is a must. It’s a giant water park with countless slides, splashdowns and a children’s area. A day at Isla Fantasia will be one that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Into the Mountains

For those who want to see the surroundings of Barcelona, a trip to Montserrat is a great starting point. Literally meaning ‘jagged mountain’ in Catalan, Montserrat is a striking feature of the local landscape and lies only a short distance from the city. One of the most interesting features is the 1000-year-old monastery nestled at the foot of the mountain which hosts the sanctuary of the Black Virgin of Montserrat a site of pilgrimage in the region. From the monastery, it is possible to take the rack railway to the summit of the peak, which is over 4000-feet high and offers spectacular views across the local area.

Any trip to Barcelona will allow you to experience cultural attractions, many great landmarks and hopefully some glorious weather too.

Post by Tony, a UK based travel blogger on behalf of cruise.co.uk.

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