A good hour’s drive from where we now live, brings us to this Benidorm neighbour, but Finestrat is a million miles away from Benidorm.
Finestrat is one of those places in Spain where everyone’s heard of the beach… but hardly anyone visits the village.
Two locations, one name, and a classic Costa Blanca identity crisis.
On one side:
✅ Finestrat Village: A charming hilltop spot with whitewashed houses and dramatic views over the Mediterranean.
On the other:
✅ La Cala de Finestrat (Finestrat Beach): A small, sandy cove sandwiched between Benidorm and Villajoyosa, complete with apartments, beach bars, and confused tourists who think they’re still in Benidorm.
In short:
Finestrat = the best of both worlds… assuming you don’t mind steep streets or busy beaches.
🏰 A Brief History of Finestrat (Without Sending You to Sleep)
✅ The village of Finestrat dates back to Moorish times, chosen for its hilltop location and defensive views.
✅ After the Christian reconquest, it became a typical Mediterranean village: agriculture, fishing, and generally keeping itself to itself.
✅ The beach area? That came later… mostly thanks to Benidorm’s tourism boom spilling over in the 70s and 80s.
✅ The iconic Puig Campana mountain, looming behind the village, is the stuff of local legends and Instagram photos alike.
🌟 What’s Finestrat Best Known For?
✅ Puig Campana mountain (1,410m) – If you’ve ever looked inland from Benidorm and seen a giant jagged peak… that’s it.
✅ Its two faces:
- A sleepy, photogenic village up in the hills
- A busy little beach cove full of sunbeds and package tourists
✅ The “Gap” in Puig Campana:
Local legend says it was created by a giant with a sword… because why not?
✅ Great hiking and climbing routes for the active and the foolhardy.
🗺️ Where Exactly Is Finestrat?
✅ Located in Alicante Province, on Spain’s Costa Blanca
✅ Finestrat Village: About 8km inland from Benidorm (about 15 mins by car)
✅ La Cala de Finestrat (the beach area): Just south-west of Benidorm, practically attached to it by urban sprawl.
✅ Surrounded by:
Benidorm (to the east), Villajoyosa (to the west), and Puig Campana (to the north)
✈️ How to Get to Finestrat Spain
By Air:
Nearest airport: Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) – about 45 minutes by car
By Train:
✅ Benidorm Tram Station is your best bet.
✅ From there:
- To the village: Local bus or short taxi ride
- To the beach: Tram stop at La Cala or bus
By Car:
✅ From Alicante:
- Take the AP-7 motorway (tolls may possibly apply) or the N-332 coastal road
✅ From Benidorm: - 10–15 minutes to either the village or the beach, depending on traffic
By Bus:
✅ Local Llorente Bus services run regularly from Benidorm to La Cala Finestrat.
✅ Getting to the village is trickier—check local schedules or grab a taxi.
🚶♂️ Are There Tours To Finestrat?
✅ Some hiking tours include Puig Campana summit treks—suitable for the fit (and mildly unhinged).
✅ Day trips from Benidorm occasionally include Finestrat Village as part of a “Traditional Villages Tour”.
✅ Check Viator, GetYourGuide, or local adventure tour operators for options.
🏞️ Things To See and Do in Finestrat Spain
In the Village:
✅ Wander the Old Town streets:
Bright white houses, narrow alleys, and ceramic tile street signs.
✅ Climb to the Viewpoint (Mirador):
Epic views over the coast and out towards Benidorm’s skyscrapers.
✅ Church of Saint Bartholomew:
Small but pretty.
✅ Puig Campana hiking:
Only for the fit. It’s steep, rocky, and a 3–5 hour round trip, but the views? Worth it.
At the Beach (La Cala Finestrat):
✅ Chill on the beach:
Small, sandy, and gets crowded in summer, but good for families.
✅ Beachfront bars and restaurants:
Plenty of places for cold drinks, tapas, or a full English… if you’re missing home already.
✅ Night Market (Summer only):
Small craft market along the promenade.
✅ Watersports (Seasonal):
Occasional kayak and SUP board rentals.
🍷 Food and Drink in Finestrat: What To Try (And Where)
In the Village:
✅ Traditional Valencian dishes:
- Arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock)
- Local sausages and cured meats
✅ Small, family-run bars serving menu del día for €10–€15
At the Beach:
✅ Typical beachside fare:
- Tapas
- Paella
- Burgers
- Full English breakfasts (yes, really)
Popular spots:
- Gastrobar El Cantonet (village) – Good local food
- Restaurante Puig Campana – Traditional Spanish cuisine
- Bar 10 & La Cala Lounge (beachside) – Casual, tourist-friendly
🏨 Where To Stay in Finestrat
✅ Village options:
- Small guesthouses and rural hotels—great for hikers and peace-seekers.
✅ Beach options:
- Mid-range hotels, self-catering apartments, and a few all-inclusive-style blocks
✅ Benidorm overflow:
Some people choose to stay in the beach area as a quieter base while still being close to Benidorm nightlife.
🕑 Best Time to Visit
✅ Spring (March–May): Best for hiking and cooler village wanderings.
✅ Autumn (September–October): Warm sea, fewer crowds at the beach.
❌ July–August: Hot, busy, and parking in La Cala is like playing roulette with your blood pressure.
✅ Winter: Mild, quiet, ideal for outdoor activities.
✅ Dave’s Personal Tips for Visiting Finestrat
✅ If you want proper Spain, visit the village.
✅ If you want sand between your toes, head to the beach—but go early.
✅ Parking in the village is limited—arrive early or bring patience.
✅ If you’re hiking Puig Campana… bring more water than you think you’ll need. Seriously.
✅ Want better seafood? Drive 10 minutes to Villajoyosa.
✅ The beach at La Cala gets rammed with tourists by noon in August—go in the morning or late afternoon.
🚩 Quick Practical Info
- Accessibility:
✅ The beach is accessible with ramps.
❌ The village = steep and cobbled—not ideal for wheelchairs or pushchairs. - Family-friendly:
✅ Beach: Yes.
✅ Village: Less so unless your kids enjoy “old buildings and viewpoints”. - Public toilets:
✅ Available at the beach.
❌ Scarce in the village—plan ahead. - WiFi:
✅ Good at most bars and cafes.
✅ Useful Resources for Visiting Finestrat Spain
- Official Finestrat Tourism Site
- Google Maps Location
- Bus schedules – ALSA
- Hiking maps for Puig Campana – AllTrails
Try a 7-day free trial of AllTrails Plus!
- Airport Transfers – GetTransfer.com
Final Word:
“Finestrat Spain is perfect if you want both mountain views and Mediterranean beaches… just don’t confuse the two or you’ll end up sunbathing with hiking boots on.”
Regarding my comment above “tolls may possibly apply”, there are toll booths on this stretch of the AP7, but they were closed in 2024 and into 2025. The tolls on the same motorway down towards La Zenia, however, were kept in place.
