Have had some wonderful advice and suggestions for our month-long trip that will take us through Andalucia on our way to a final five days in Barcelona. Now I am looking at the five or six days we will spend along the Costa Blanca as we head east before dropping our rental car in Valencia and taking the train to Barcelona.

Thinking of spending three nights in Alicante and then two more in Valencia - does this sound like a reasonable plan? Are there other seaside towns that might be better than Alicante for a pair of active late-60-somethings who enjoy cultural/history offerings, long walks, local food? Are three nights too much time for Alicante? If we are going to be in Alicante for three days, we will likely look for an apartment to use as a base for exploring the surrounding areas, but if we decide on only a couple days, will look at hotels.

Suggestions for other places to visit are most welcome.

cultural/history offerings:
Cartagena (Roman Theatre and other Roman stuff; a complete visit lasts at least a full day)
long walks :
Calblanque Park (between Cartagena and La Manga), for example trail from Los Belones to the sandy Calblanque beaches; you may also visit the Calblanque Park visitor's center.

We liked Valencia very much...lots to see, great food ,and the beach that goes forever
( great for long walks ).