This Mediterranean region does see all four seasons, but the weather is relatively mild year-round. Hot, sunny Spanish summers begin in late May and last until October. The sun drenched months of July and August are by far the most crowded of the year, though shoulder months like June and September are actually more pleasant. If you come in the off season you'll find quiet towns and few crowds. The mild winter weather is nowhere near beach-friendly, but it does provide a pleasant backdrop for strolling or shopping.

Whether you fly or arrive by train, your first stop is likely to be Alicante, the largest city in the region. The airport is 12km from the city centre, and flight time from the UK is about two hours. There are some direct flights from the UK and other European airports, but you may find that you'll have to stop first in Madrid or Barcelona. The Renfe train station is in central Alicante and has connections to a few other coastal towns like Gandia.

Once here, it is possible to get from town to town on public buses or, in some cases, trains. If you plan to mainly stay in one place and simply make a day trip out of town, relying on public transportation is probably your best bet. If however you'd like to explore the tiny hamlets, rocky coves and hilly trails of the Costa Blanca, having your own car is a must.

Once you've burned yourself to a crisp on the beaches, you might want to look to these other activities to keep busy. Walking is a popular pastime along the Costa Blanca, and there are trails to suit all abilities. One of the flattest ones is the Rac? del Duc rail trail, a path that follows the old railway line fromVilallonga to L'Orxa. It's also perfect for cyclists and is even wheelchair-friendly. For something more adventurous, try hiking trails like the one that circles the Pe?on de Ifach, an unusual rock formation near Calpe.

If you're into water sports, check out the offerings at large resorts like Benidorm and Torrevieja. You'll be able to rent jet skis, sailboats, windsurfs and peddle boats, and some outfitters offer waterskiing and parasailing too.

The kids will love the theme parks in the area, like the mammoth Terra M?tica, a fun American-style park with rides, shows and junk food. For hot days, head to water parks like Aqualandia, where slides and pools will help fend off the heat.