Due to its protected geography, the local area has a micro-climate that is unique to the country and for which it has been baptised the Costa Tropical.

To be precise, the climate is not really tropical but subtropical, since there is none of the stifling humidity common to the tropics. Quite the opposite. Sea breezes fan the shoreline throughout most of the year, tempering the severe summer heat, and there is no rainy season. In fact, it sometimes doesn't rain for many months at a stretch. When it does, it can be torrential and often a year's supply of water will fall in a couple of weeks. But, on average, it only rains 20 days a year. Not a very good reason for bringing your umbrella.

In wintertime, temperatures very rarely fall below 10°C, averaging an impressive 18°C throughout the low season. In summer, this average rises to about 25°C with midday temperatures often well into the 30's.

Results of this extraordinarily mild climate are easy to see. Markets are packed with delicious arrays of fruit and vegetables. Spring flowers and herbs dot the hillside when those in the north are still trying to break through the frost. It's even not uncommon to see the first almond blossom out before Christmas. How could anyone live anywhere else?

Sea temperatures are ideal for swimming throughout the summer months but only those in a wetsuit tend to brave the chillier waters out of season. This doesn't stop water sports enthusiasts who can practise most hobbies throughout the whole year, especially sailing and diving.

Unlike most of Europe, winds in this area are only light to moderate when they blow, although occasional gales can sweep the coast during the changing seasons. In the hottest part of summer there's normally a slight sea breeze to take the edge off the extreme heat, especially in the evening when the sun goes down.

It's hard to believe that such benign weather can exist in Europe, so to help convince you we've selected a list of weather links covering Spain and Europe which, between them, will give you a very accurate estimate of current weather conditions as well as fairly reliable short-term forecasts for the next few days.