Tours

Hiking, cycling, and walking tours are available around Valencia and the Costa Blanca.

Riding schools in a number of towns in the region provide classes and trekking opportunities. Pick up brochures at local tourist offices.

Learn to sail in most of the major resorts. For kitesurfing or windsurfing, gear is available for rent at many of the beaches. Many companies offer scuba-diving excursions; in the smaller coastal towns it's possible to dive in the protected waters of offshore nature reserves if you book ahead.

This region is a bird-watcher's paradise, especially in the salt pans of Santa Pola and Albufera Lake. The main coastal plain is a migratory highway for thousands of birds winging their way between Europe and Africa.

Contacts

Abdet. The Sierra Mariola and Sierra Aitana regions are both easily accessible from the Costa Blanca resorts. Abdet, near Guadalest, offers itineraries and traditional self-catering guesthouses amid breathtaking scenery. www.abdet.com. From €380.

Association of Diving Centers Costa Brava Sub. For comprehensive information on diving, equipment hire, and courses in the Costa Brava region, contact the association, which includes upward of 34 associated and accredited diving centers. 972/600017; www.submarinismocostabrava.com/en.

Ciclo Costa Blanca. If pedal power is your thing, Ciclo Costa Blanca is a good place to start, with both guided and self-guided tours. Meta Bike Cafe Comercio Enara 2, Calle Vell de Altea 24, Alicante, Valencia, 03581. 966/868104; www.ciclocostablanca.com. From €330.

Mountain Walks. Self-guided or guided bird-watching, mountain-walking, and cycling tours are customized to suit your requirements, with picturesque cottage accommodations, meals, and transportation included in the price. San Gregorio 4, Quatretondeta, Alicante, Valencia, 03811. 965/511044; www.mountainwalks.com. From €120.