Malvarrosa Beach, Valencia

If it’s old-school Spain you are after, step right along. Mom and pop tapas bars, leather-skinned sun-worshippers and pretty fishermen’s cottages all feature in Malvarrosa.

The legendary old tram doesn’t run here anymore, but that doesn’t stop locals heading in hoards for the institutional Sunday paella followed by an afternoon of fun in the sun. Or explore Cabanyal, the beach’s backstreets that boast  unique little townhouses swathed in colorful tiles.