As well as the Cathedral and Castle, buildings of architectural or historical interest include the Montesion Church, Franciscan Monastery, and Moorish L'Almudain Palace. The labyrinth of streets of the old Portela quarter are worth exploring for the shops and bistros tucked away in ancient houses.

Reflecting its cosmopolitan nature, the city’s eateries range from pizza snacks to gourmet cuisine. Many restaurants specialise in seafood and most offer traditional regional dishes. These include excellent soups and ice-cream and ensaimada sweet pastries.

Head for the city centre’s Plaza and Avenidas Espana or the Porto Pi Centre near the harbour for everything from table linen to leather shoes, bags and belts, olive wood carvings, pearls and imported crystal. Shop opening hours are generally 9am-1.30pm and 4.30-8pm Monday to Friday and 10am-2pm Saturday.