The Costa Blanca is not all about its well-known tourist resorts, it has been stated.

People keen for an alternative to locations such as Benidorm can find plenty of quiet locations and places where English is hardly spoken, the Times reports.

The paper said that many beaches in the Marbella area are particularly quiet, while those seeking a more Hispanic flavour can discover places where "paellas reclaim their culinary sovereignty over curry and chips".

Orihuela and Alicante were recommended for their cultural heritage, with many baroque and renaissance-style buildings.

Those keen on buying property in Spain may seek out such areas to provide an alternative to the popular holiday centres.

Alicante will be easier to access from the north-west of England by air this summer, budget airline easyJet announced this week.

The low-cost carrier is bringing the expansion of its operations from Manchester – which will include more flights to Alicante – forward from August to May.