People travel from all over the world to see some of Spain's most iconic landmarks, from Barcelona's La Sagrada Familia or the Alhambra in Granada, but there's plenty to explore beyond this. One Spanish city known locally as The City of Red Prawn is home to over 20 kilometres of golden sand and world-renowned dining, without the crowds.

As many of Spain's major cities continue to struggle with overtourism during the peak season, venturing off the beaten track can make for a less stressful and often cheaper time away. Dénia is a picturesque port town located at the foot of the Montgo Mountain on Spain's Costa Blanca, and its unique location tucked away from the elements means the city gets an average of 320 days of sun a year.

Located a 40-minute drive along the coast from Valencia, and just over an hour's drive from Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, the charming Spanish city is an ideal coastal getaway that's famed for its sandy beaches and rocky coves that can be explored by kayak.

A 15-minute drive away, Les Deveses and Les Marines are just two of the city's Blue Flag beaches, and the Port of Dénia is home to stylish restaurants serving fresh seafood, including the city's famous delicacy, deep-sea red prawns.

The city's impressive dining scene has even seen it recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. One of the oldest restaurants in Dénia, Casa Benjamin, has been operating since the early 1900s. Alongside live Flamenco shows, the restaurant also serves its house-made artisan vermouth.

Known as the gateway to the Balearic Islands, if you feel like a day trip, you can also catch a ferry from the city's bustling port and spend an afternoon in Ibiza, Majorca or Formentera.

While there's plenty of opportunity to relax, if you feel like tapping into your adventurous side, the old railway line on the edge of town is ideal for cycling enthusiasts, and the route passes through pretty olive trees and orange groves.

A former Roman settlement and an important site in the Moorish kingdom, there's plenty of history to the city too. The 11th-century Dénia Castle, which was once used by pirates, offers panoramic views over the city and its idyllic coast, and just 25 minutes away is Benissa, one of the oldest towns on the Costa Blanca.

On her blog Stylish Travel Tips, Kasia Hering said Dénia is an ideal escape from "mass tourism", and the city maintains a "nice atmosphere together with locals and the international audience that comes here more often".

Flights to Alicante next month in August are currently available for £19 from Liverpool, £22 from London and £24 from Manchester on Skyscanner.

You can also fly to Valencia, where flights from Birmingham cost £18. Flying to Valencia from London is £23, and it costs £31 from Manchester, and direct buses are available from both cities.

Prices are correct at the time of writing.