Peñiscola is a small town on Spain’s east coast, in the region of Valencia. Its population in winter is just 5,000 people, but swells to around 300,000 in the summer. Along the coast are various blocks of holiday apartments, as found all over Spain, but the old town itself, sticking out into the sea, as seen in this postcard, is just stunning, evoking images of a medieval fortress. Narrow alleys weave and wind their way up the hill towards the 14^th century castle, the protagonist of Peñiscola.

           The beach stretches north along the coast for 4 or so miles, with fewer crowds the further along you venture. However the beach clears completely between 1pm and 4pm as the Spaniards head home for lunch and an obligatory siesta, so it’s a perfect time to indulge in the white sand and gentle waves all to yourself.

• Peñiscola tourist website