Suggestions for east Spain

We have almost finished with scheduling our two weeks in Spain in late August. Coming from Granada and heading to Barcelona by car, we have two nights to spend somewhere in between. Candidate places are so far Valencia, Alicante or Aguilas (only one will be chosen). Do you have any other suggestions or can you make us decide over this?
What we want is a place with some nice beaches near it and good food.

Valencia is a beautiful mix of the Old and the New and, now the America's Cup circus has moved on, the beach should be pleasant. If you like old villages then only an hour off the A7 north of Valencia is the medieval region near Teruel, in particular Rubielos de Mora.

Dave

If beaches are the priority, go to Almería province and the Cabo de Gata area in the SE corner of Spain. Aguilas is OK too but IMO not in the same league. Other places may have more variety as regards food, but are much more urban.

I agree with #1.I love Valencia. As a city it has everything.A good beach,history,modernity,great food,and a lovely feeling.

Valencia is great! I would love to go back :-)

No really nice beaches near Valencia tho. Guess I must just have high standards...

I thought the beach at Valencia was really pretty (and that was in winter!). Has a great promenade too.

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<hr>I thought the beach at Valencia was really pretty (and that was in winter!). Has a great promenade too.<hr></blockquote>

What is the weather like in Valencia in the winter months? Is it comfortable enough to go out without a sweater? On the costa del sol when i was there, there were some pretty warm sunny days in feb and march. Warm enough to take a walk on the promenade without a jacket, but not warm enough to go in the water of course.

But Valencia isn't full of concrete and surrounded by plastic.

We were there in late November and it wasnt that cold. A jumper was necessary though :-)

Valencia has a mild climate, but if course not so warm as costa del sol.

Thanks all for your replies! Capo da Gata sounds great but I think it's too far from Barcelona to drive in one day.
What about Gandia, Javea or Denia? We are mainly into a nice, relaxing beach.

Cabo de Gata is another delightful, and wild, cove that has been surrounded by plastic. It's like a natural version of a Velázquez daubed in Emin's excreta.

Dave

Nice description WanderinWilco! I think I will make sure not to visit :-)