POLOP COSTA BLANCA

Few visitors bother to stop at Polop, a foothill town on the Guadalest road, but this small whitewashed pueblo is well worth the easy trip from Benidorm. A visit here is a chance to see an everyday inland town, largely untouched by the development seen on the coast. Lovely old buildings line the narrow streets, the church is a fine example of local architecture, and a ruined castle and a clutch of good restaurants complete the picture. The main attraction is the Font Els Xorros, an ancient fountain with  spouts which has been renovated, but the Museo del Alambre, with its medieval basement, is also worth a quick visit. Polop has always been noted for its craftwork, and lace, embroidery and woollen goods in traditional styles and patterns are still made locally.