La Nucia, a quaint nestled in a valley just under six miles north of is said to be a hit with expats. The village, whose name translates from Spanish as "delicious", has previously been praised as an idyllic retreat by foreign property experts at Kyero.

With a population of around 18,000 and average property prices sitting at £300,000 (349,000 euros), according to Kyero, La Nucia offers a tranquil alternative to the bustling city life of Benidorm. The picturesque Puig Campana mountains serve as a stunning backdrop to the town, which also boasts small developments that Kyero claims are popular with both expats and locals.

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Located not far from Alicante and Valencia, La Nucia is home to residents from Spain, Britain, Germany, France, The Netherlands and Scandinavia.

The town's charming streets are lined with pretty townhouses, villas and apartments. Residents have a choice of supermarkets and a market held every Sunday, reports .

A 27-hole golf course is also within easy reach. Hotelsbenidorm.com lists La Nucia among six must-visit spots near Benidorm, praising its natural setting and recommending it to hiking enthusiasts, with four routes available for both beginners and seasoned hikers.

While Kyero notes that La Nucia may not be the cheapest part of the Costa Blanca, its shops and proximity to Benidorm make it possible to live "within a budget".

For families, La Nucia offers Spanish state schools and Elian's, which provides bilingual education for younger children.

The Spanish Tourist Board has highlighted La Nucia for its renowned second-hand goods market and its vibrant fiestas in honour of the Holy Conception in August and San Rafael festivities in November.

Accommodation options in La Nucia include Hostal Sunami, Casa Alice, Casa Rural and Hostal Kaizen, as listed on booking.com. La Nucia is also home to the Michelin-starred restaurant El Xato, which is a family-run establishment and considered "the most prestigious restaurant in the Marina Baixa area.

According to Michelin, the staff at El Xato go above and beyond to ensure that diners "arrive as guests but leave as friends".

Chef Cristina Figueira, supported by her husband Francisco Cano, "demonstrates an inexhaustible spirit", resulting in her becoming "one of the most outstanding cooks" in the region thanks to her "mastery" of Alicante cuisine, according to Michelin.