Beaches all along the coast of the Comunidad Valenciana were packed today, as locals made the most of the regional fiesta to have a last dip in the sea and enjoy the soaring temperatures.

In Benidorm the mercury hit the 30º mark and beaches and hotels were full to the brim with tourists. Hotel owners have reported a 94% occupancy rate this week.

Temperatures reached an incredible 33ºC in Xàtiva yesterday - the highest temperature recorded in the Comunitat Valenciana.  Over the past couple of days, daily highs have crept up a degree or two in inland areas, but have stayed more or less constant along the coast.

In Utiel in the province of Valencia temperatures reached 31ºC, with highs of 29ºC seen in Valencia city itself and 27ºC in Oliva. In the provinces of Castellón and Alicante temperature oscillated between 29 and 30ºC.

The Spanish state meteorological office warns that temperatures are set to drop again on Friday, with showers forecast for the weekend.