Not far from the coast, a group of 10 councils around the Sierra de Crevillente mountain range have come together to form an area called La Isla de Interior (the Inland Island) which is the best alternative to the coast.
One of the 10 towns is Hondón de Las Nieves, a gem for those who want to get away from the suntan lotion and buckets and spades. Many of the towns around here are easy to miss with the main roads whisking past the outskirts.
Hondón de Las Nieves is the southernmost town of La Isla de Interior. Even a short visit to the town pays dividends. The small baroque church, dating from 1685, does its best to make up for the lack of grand cathedrals.
In a way, the group's geographical position gives it a great advantage. Only 20km (12.5m) from Europe's palm tree garden, Elche, and 35km (21.8m) from Alicante there is easy access to a major tourist airport.