Los Olivos Camping Park

If you've come to this coastal part of Spain, chances are you'll want to spend at least some of your time splayed out on a sumptuous stretch of sand. Alcossebre (15 minutes' drive) has an ace beach for just that, as well as coastal boardwalks, seafood bars, mountain views and plenty of ice cream spots. Peníscola (20 minutes) receives similar acclaim from holidaymakers, who flock here to swim while admiring vistas over its seaside citadel. Away from the coast, entertainment options include Papagayo Garden (15 minutes), an animal park with plenty of parrots, Panoramica Golf (35 minutes), an aptly-named sport spot with spectacular scenery, and Villafamés Contemporary Art Museum (35 minutes), a small but curious collection of modern pieces in a traditional hilltop village. Benicàssim (30 minutes), meanwhile, is a lively coastal town that plays host to a huge Spanish music festival every summer. Families will also find things to do around here, including the Aquarama water park and Plaça del Trenet, where the kids can whizz about on miniature locomotives. If you want to explore further afield, get set to drive to Tarragona (an hour and 20 minutes), where there's an impressive Roman amphitheatre and aqueduct.