Travellers first started flocking to Spain for their annual holiday in the 1960's with cheap "package" holidays to the "costas.". Nearly half a century later, holidaymakers are still choosing this popular country as their No 1 holiday destination - though the type of holiday, location and method of booking has somewhat changed, with many opting to stay in luxury private villas in non-tourist locations.

For over fourty years Spain has been one of the most popular destinations in the world for holidays. Holidays to this popular destination took off way back in the 1960's with the introduction of the "package" holiday - with tour operators offering the all inclusive package of flights, accommodation and even car hire - and all at great prices. The "costas" were the most popular destinations, where holidaymakers would soak up a couple of weeks of sea, sun and sangria in their holiday apartment block.

Nearly fifty years on, with its days of guaranteed sunshine and good prices for food and drink, Spain continues to be one of the most popular holiday destinations, attracting more than 50 million visitors each year - though the destinations, type of holiday and the way people arrange their holidays has changed.

Most holidaymakers planning a holiday in Spain these days choose to book their holidays independently rather than through a travel agent- making their own flight, accommodation and car hire arrangements.

Although many still opt for the popular tourist traps of the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca for example, many more are choosing "get away from it all" holidays in quieter locations in the country, so as to avoid the crowded beaches and pool sides, the noisy night clubs, the banana boat rides and the burger bars and fish and chip restaurants.

And many more are opting for the "luxury" end of the holiday market, choosing to stay in independent private - a place where they can relax and unwind, do what they want when they want and enjoy all the comforts of home.

In these quieter rural locations, these holidaymakers have an entirely different holiday experience of Spain - almost as if they were in a different country. Here, they get a feel for what "real Spain" is all about, discovering a country steeped in history and rich in culture, a treasure trove of rich and varied landscapes and the experience of real Spanish hospitality.

One such area that is becoming popular is the inland region of - commonly referred to as the "hidden gem" of Spain. Here you'll discover a magnificent varied landscape- lush green fertile valleys with pine clad mountains, desert like areas resembling lunar landscapes and massive natural open spaces covered in palms and cacti that resemble something out of a spaghetti western.

Dotted throughout the area you'll discover a range of nature reserves, spa baths, sleepy little villages, hidden hamlets, and working towns that have remained untouched by our rapidly changing world - for the inhabitants of these places, it's as though time has stood still. Contrasting with this is the capital city of Murcia, a cosmopolitan city with modern stores and plenty of nightlife. Interesting places to see in the area include Pinoso, Jumilla, Fortuna, Caravaca de la Cruz, Cehegin, Calasparra - and much, much more. Murcia, certainly makes for a holiday with a difference!