UYTUR

If you want to explore a small town in Spain that manages to combine the feel of a Spanish beach resort with the history and scenery of a mountain village, then head to Mojácar in the province of Almeria. For more than 4,000 years, Mojácar has been settled, although much of the bright white architecture that now stands dates back to the 14th century. Be sure to visit Torre Pirulico, a watchtower from the 13th century from which you can see the coast, as well as the vantage point of El Mirador del Castillo. Venture down to the beach, known as Mojacar Playa, for some fun at the coastal resort.

Sharing the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal is Spain, a vibrant country in Europe known for its passionate people, its sunny beaches and its incredible history. While no trip would be complete without visiting Spain’s major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, don’t miss out on the small towns that deliver plenty of charm. In many cases, these small towns in Spain are cheaper than their urban counterparts, and they offer a more authentic glimpse into local culture. These are some of the top small towns in Spain to add to your upcoming trip’s itinerary.

Everyone visiting Ibiza should consider catching a ferry to Formentera, off the island’s south coast. Formentera has an ambience and appearance a world away from most Mediterranean destinations. Firstly the beaches (Playa de Ses Illetes, Calo des Mort) look almost tropical, like the kind you’d find in the Caribbean, with turquoise waters and sugar-white sand. To get about Formentera’s unspoiled interior you can hire a bike for the day and then be free to set off along dusty tracks that snake through little whitewashed hamlets. As you go you’ll never be more than a few hundred metres from the coast and another immaculate sandy beach.

For families, Ibiza has few of the showy attractions of big Mediterranean resorts, such as water parks and fun fairs. Instead, attractions for kids are a little more low-key and nature-oriented. On the outskirts of Ibiza Town is Horse Valley, a stables that rescues mistreated horses and ponies and organised a range of excursions around the rugged northern region of the island. For some action on four wheels there are also go-karting tracks at both San Antonio and Santa Eulalia

Chances are that you won’t have experienced an aquarium quite like this before. The attraction is minutes outside San Antonio, down in a sea cave where local fishermen used to set their lobster traps. Now kids and grown-ups can head underground to see all sorts of marine species, including grouper, rays, morays and conger. The attraction is also a recuperation centre for sea turtles. You’ll be able to admire the sea-life from raised boardwalks, running above the cave’s well-lit pools.

There’s a pork delicacy unique to the Balearic islands that is well worth trying. Sobrasada is a kind of cured sausage akin to chorizo, with soft, ground pork seasoned with paprika. It’s loved across Spain but originates in Ibiza and Mallorca. For a delicious and authentic main course, try bullit de peix, a fish stew served at local restaurants around the island. It’s made with grouper and potatoes, but these are accompanied by lobster and shrimp, and the whole things comes with a aioli on the side.

On Ibiza the sea is your playground. All of the main resort beaches have a watersports centre for jet-skis, parasailing and water-skiing and other motorised fun. Stand-up paddling and kayaking are also on the menu here. At the port in Ibiza Town you could also charter a yacht: You can sail alone if you’ve got the experience or hire a boat with its own captain to take you anywhere you want to go around Ibiza’s craggy coast. You could also take your adventure beneath the waves. There are 17 diving schools on the island, and it’s a wonderful activity here as the water clarity is so high and there are all kinds of caves and underwater drop-offs to see.