There are certain things that you come to expect from a holiday in Alicante – sun, sea, sand and great food to name but a few. It is therefore unusual to do something out of the ordinary, but this is exactly what we suggest in this article.

Hire yourself a car from Alicante Airport upon your arrival and drive around the countryside surrounding the city. It is amazing what you will find and here are a few places to start.

Maserof Inn Museum

The Maseroff Inn is an incredible place where a number of attractions and activities are located. The house was bought in 1972 by Englishman Peter Pateman, who lovingly restored it and filled its interior with interesting antiques and local items, such as a wine press.

In 2005, the farmhouse was officially opened as a museum, but it is plain to see that the entirety of the grounds have the same function. The courtyard is just as full of antiquities and treasures at the museum itself.

Wine and oil tasting is easily arranged with visitors able to sample the delicious produce of the area all year round. Cookery classes are sometimes held at Maserof and one of the buildings has been turned into a restaurant, where Mr Pateman's daughter presides.

All of the food is seasonal and of the highest quality, making it absolutely imperative to arrive with an empty stomach. Each course is washed down with wine created on site.

The Maserof Inn is located between the Jalon Valley and the Bernia Mountain.

Pantano de Tibi

Visiting the Tibi Reservoir is a great way to combine several activities in one. Firstly, a walk around the area will give you the chance to see some great views and several old bridges, including one built during the reign of King Carlos IV in 1795.

The history lesson continues as you reach the dam that holds the reservoir back – this was constructed in 1580 and is still in use to this day. Your walk from the car park will bring you out at its base, but steps dug into the rock along the side, complete with a handrail, mean you can climb to the top.

It is wide enough to walk along the top of the dam, enjoying the vista across the glistening water. At this point you will be glad of a picnic lunch thrown into the back of the hire car in the morning, as it is a great spot to stop for a bite to eat.

To get to the car park, take the A7 north and turn off near Mount Maigmo, following the signs to Pantano de Tibi.

Lucentum

Also to the north of Alicante you will find the excavated pre-Christian city of Lucentum, which has enough to keep you occupied for at least half a day. It is amazing to walk around the foundations laid more than 2,000 years ago and see how the people lived then.

It is possible to discern the shape of a cistern and the outlines of a Roman forum and steam baths from the remaining walls. A garden section has been brought back to life and indigenous plants grown to show what would have been present all those years ago.

Detailed descriptions explain what each species is and how it would have been used by those living in Lucentum and the surrounding area. This is one place that all history buffs should certainly visit.