Finestrat is located in the province of Alicante, on the Costa Blanca, just a few miles from Benidorm.
The town is sheltered from the sea breeze, so it gets quite a lot of warm weather, with cooler winters. Average temperatures during December are around 14°C, before dropping down to 12°C for the rest of winter; January and February. At the beginning of spring, temperatures increase.
March and April have average temperatures of around 14°C and 15°C respectively. In May it gets warmer; we see average temperatures rise to 18°C. This is a great time to visit if you would like to avoid both the hottest weather and the peak crowds. In June average daily temperatures take a significant leap up to 22°C. In July this quickly becomes 24°C before peaking in August at 25°C.
August is the hottest month of the year. Temperatures in Finestrat only drop slightly in September, matching July’s average of 24°C. October gets cooler but still has an average of 20°C.
October is a perfect time to visit if you like warm days, cool nights and are hoping to avoid the sometimes inhospitable heat of midsummer. Spain’s blissful sunny days last beyond summer; average temperatures stay lovely and warm until October.
November sees another significant drop in temperature to an average of 15°C, leading in winter with a return to December’s general averages of 13°C.
Locally known as ‘Cabalgata de Reyes Magos’, the Three Kings Parade is the most magical night of the Christmas season. This event takes place in the beginning of January and is one of the holidays that is most anticipated by children. During this event, the people of Finestrat celebrate the arrival of the three kings, who are known as Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar.
These kings are a representation of the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus after his birth. They bring a message of peace and solidarity for all.
On the eve of the event, the townspeople partake in a magnificent procession filled with colourful costumes, dazzling floats, marching bands, horseback riders, and belly dancers. The three wise men are represented by real people who come dressed as kings and ride around town gifting kids with sweets.
Later in the evening, kids place milk and biscuits under the Christmas tree in the hope that the three kings will find and enjoy the snacks. In some instances, the kids also leave some water for the camels. They also place their favourite pair of shoes in the hope that Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar will fill them with presents.
This event is locally known as Semana Santa and represents the essential celebration of the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. Semana Santa means Holy Week, which is the widely celebrated week before Easter. This holiday is hugely popular in Spain, which has a large catholic population. Many towns and villages, including Finestrat have elaborate traditional celebrations. In Finestrat Semana Santa is celebrated with various religious processions. Images of Jesus are carried through the streets in processions; each procession represents a different liturgical act of Holy Week. Participants express their grief on Thursdays and Fridays by wearing black clothing. On the Sunday morning of Resurrection, the dress code is white. One of the processions is specifically dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with her image on a float carried on the shoulders of believers. People of all ages participate in these processions, from small children to seniors.
The first Sunday of the week commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. After the procession, a pilgrimage to the Church of San Bartolomé or the Hermitage of Santo Cristo del Remedio takes place, where Palm Sunday is celebrated with a mass. Finestrat is a bustling place full of life, colour, food and religion throughout the week. If you want to get to know Spanish culture better, this is the time of year to visit Finestrat.
These fiestas are usually held in August and are locally known as ‘Fiestas en honour a San Bartolomé y el Santo Cristo del Remedio’. The processions and festivities last for an entire week, and most commercial activities are usually suspended while the celebrations continue 24 hours a day. Asides from the processions, there is live music in the streets, theatre performed in the open air, and people dancing in the streets. Special children’s events and entertainment are organized and take place in multiple venues across Finestrat. There are also numerous sporting events organized, either for your entertainment or for you to participate in.
The most spectacular aspect of the ‘Fiestas en honour a San Bartolomé’ is the night fires, when the sky lights up with fireworks. During the celebrations, drummers and demons weave amongst the people spreading fear and entertainment throughout the streets. Local Christians also enjoy the traditional pilgrimage from La Tapià and proceed to the Church of San Bartolomé, where they officially celebrate the festival with a mass held in honour of their Patron Bartholomew.
The local government, in collaboration with certain companies and organisations, also plans and hosts events all throughout Finestrat, just for this occasion. This is your chance to try different types of traditional delicacies and drinks, and be sure to check the schedule so you don’t miss out.
This occasion, locally called the 'Correfoc', is part of the aforementioned 'Fiestas en honour a San Bartolomé y el Santo Cristo del Remedio', but is so spectacular that it deserves its own description. The locals decorate the village with colourful decorations such as paper cuttings and lights. The streets of Finestrat really come alive for the Correfoc; this is a very exciting and much-celebrated event.
The famous ‘fire run’, is a fast walk through the streets of Finestrat, led by bands of drummers dressed as monks. Fireworks are the order of the day for this festival; from early morning till late in the night, which keeps people awake and entertained. At night they light up the sky as bursts of colour explode throughout the city. The walks are led by fire carriers who carry lit fireworks and lead the way. Masses of people follow and enjoy the movement to the sound of the drums and the enchantment of all the sparks flying.
This event is not for the faint-hearted as you will probably witness fire carriers running through the crowds with the fire in hand, shooting cascades of sparks into the densely packed crowd. Some folks also push giant carts filled with lit firecrackers into the crowd, which sparks both fear and excitement.
Finestrat is a widespread village in the hills of the Costa Blanca. It’s a quiet place with an atmospheric old town. In Finestrat, the nightlife is casual and centres around neighbourhood bars and local restaurants. The edges of Finestrat share a border with the well-known holiday resort of Benidorm. The area of town that is closest to Benidorm has a nightlife scene that is livelier with a more international feel. Clubs, pubs and music bars provide entertainment that goes on to the early hours.
If you are looking for a crazy night out or if you want to go clubbing, head into the centre of Benidorm; it can be reached in just a few minutes by taxi. However, if you are looking to spend the evening exploring the charming town of Finestrat, take a look at the options below.
Located on the corner of a busy street in Finestrat, Bar El Cantonet is easy to find in this small town. This is a traditional Spanish tapas bar that is open from 9 am until midnight six days a week; it is closed every Monday. With a counter inside to display the daily choice of fresh tapas, you can choose to order your beer or coffee to drink while standing at the bar if you prefer. You can choose to either sit inside or make use of the outdoor seating along the pavement under the shade of an awning
. The tapas on offer include old favourites such as beef slices on bread, fish in oil and plates of olives. As far as evening dining options go, there is Spanish cuisine on the menu, and there is always a ‘menu of the day’ that includes two courses. Bar El Cantonet is family-friendly and a nice place to have an informal meal or drink at any time of the day. Local beer is on tap, and you can also enjoy the house wine or soft drinks – the prices here are attractive and won’t hurt your wallet.
Club Mesalina is a gentlemen's club located on the edge of Finestrat, close to Benidorm. The building is easy to find thanks to a huge billboard sign, and the property itself has a striking dark pink exterior with contrasting green trim. There is a discreet car park to one side of the property, which is useful if you drive to the area and don't want to park your car on the main street. Strictly for adults only, this club is open 24-hours a day every day of the week.
Inside there's an intimate dance floor and a long bar where champagne, high-end spirits and beer is served. The price point for drinks is high, seeing as you pay not only for what is in your glass, but for the privilege of watching the dancers and the sexy ambiance. Club Mesalina is an all-night bar where you can have a drink no matter what the time of day. As you would expect in a gentlemen's club, there are ladies available to provide lap dances and even sexual services. The building houses a few private and clean bedrooms, most featuring a mirrored wall.
La Bodega Bar is a neighbourhood pub that offers a warm welcome to both regulars and new visitors. The opening hours are from 9 am to 10.30 pm, six days a week – this bar is closed on Sundays. There is a lovely, relaxed vibe about this place and it's perfect for a quiet coffee, glass of wine or a bite to eat. This is a place where the young, elderly and all ages in between feel comfortable. Also a great place to visit with the family, you are sure to receive excellent customer service. The outside area features a lovely patio where customers can relax in the sunshine on warmer days. On the inside, there is an assortment of seating areas including a comfy sofa, benches, dining tables and bar stools.
A wide selection of spirits and mixes are sold here along with draught beer, cider and house wine. The drinks are served across a wide bar that has a trendy, industrial-chic look. La Bodega organises regular entertainment events such as karaoke nights, bingo sessions and live singers to spruce up the weekend. These evenings attract both local people and holidaymakers who enjoy a few hours of entertainment in a friendly atmosphere. A small menu of Spanish favourites is on offer, and there's a selection of snacks too.
This large bar and restaurant in the centre of Finestrat offer everything local people and visitors could want. Open from 9 am to 11.30 pm, there is a full range of breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and tapas available at La Barra De La Morena. Be sure to check for the special offers and bargain dishes. The extensive menu offers Spanish cuisine such as paella and tapas every day of the week. International dishes such as hamburgers, steak with veg and tuna salad are also served for lunch and dinner. A 'menu of the day' is usually available, including 2 or 3 courses, which is great value for money. If you're simply in the mood for tea and cake, the dessert menu has a choice of sweet treats on it. You can also order takeaway dishes from here if you would like to enjoy the food at home. When it comes to drinks, local beer, house wine and espresso are served at all hours at a competitive price.
There is a casual and relaxed atmosphere here, and everyone is welcome. There are lots of tables to choose from, so if you plan on eating out with a large group, you'll find space here. Outdoor tables line the pavement and inside the seating comes with a view of the street through the huge windows.
The Font del Molí is a tucked-away restaurant found in the hills overlooking Finestrat. It's worth the drive there for the great food, drinks and glorious views. Large parties often dine here as this restaurant caters to groups of all sizes. Font del Molí has a rustic Finca feel to it thanks to the chunky wooden chairs, stone walls and lush garden. There's a sprawling patio outside with lots of seating, and there's a small swimming pool with seating around the edge. Inside the dining area is a vast, casual bar in a cool space with shutters on the windows.
Linen tablecloths on the tables add a sophisticated touch, and the food served is homemade with mainly local ingredients. Fine fish dishes, slow-roasted beef and lamb cutlets top the menu at this eatery; all served with expertly cooked sides. A selection of good wine is on offer to complement the main courses. For dessert, there are mousses and ice-cream dishes that are perfect for an end-of-meal sweet tooth. Font del Molí asks you to make a reservation, although you can sometimes get a walk-in table if you are a small party.
Ron's Bar is located in a lively part of the Benidorm-side of Finestrat. There is a large indoor area, and there are a number of tables outside on the pavement as well. It's a popular bar for British and Scandinavian people who either live locally or come to Spain on holiday. It's ideal for a quiet drink in the sunshine during the day, or for a more lively night out after dark. Ron's Bar has long opening hours that run from 11 am to 4 am. Along with cheap beer and local spirits, there is a menu with affordable snacks and meals such as pizza and burgers served with chips.
The kitchen stays open until late, so you can order something hot until late into the night – something that other places nearby don't do. Ron's Bar is well known for its karaoke evenings. Most nights you'll find a DJ who gets the customers up on stage, singing to their favourite tunes. The friendly staff is good at getting everyone, young and old, to join in and immerse themselves in the night's entertainment. For sports fans, it's good to know that Ron's shows the top games on the TV, so you can cheer on your team while having a drink or two.
The Sunlux Music Club is an exciting bar that draws customers in with its purple-neon signs that glow in the dark. Inside it is nicely fitted out with a huge stage area and a long, horseshoe-shaped bar. As the bar's name implies, this is the place to be (whether you're in Finestrat or Benidorm) for live music of all kinds. Rock bands, indie singers and talented musicians play here to a crowded audience in the bar. The quality of music found here is top-rated and not your average holiday-resort sound.
Special evenings and events are organised at different times of the year, such as a Latino Fiesta that features salsa and samba music, dancing and themed cocktails. The Sunlux Music Club shows the larger sporting events such as the World Cup, Six Nations and other major games on large TV screens. Open until the early hours of the morning, SUNLUX serves a high-end selection of drinks. They offer an extensive menu of cocktails along with top brands of cognac, gin, rum and whisky. If you enjoy a good bottle of wine, you can select your favourite from the available wine list.
There is a lot to discover near Finestrat; everone will find something to their liking around here. Have your pick between water parks, zoos, life-size mechanical dino's, a medieval castle, waterfalls or a botanical garden.
There is no charge to enter the medieval town of Guadalest, and for a small fee you can enter the castle. The waterfalls and botanical gardens only ask a small entrance fee. But do keep in mind that most theme parks charge on average about €30 per person, and less for smaller children.
A valuable tip; if you visit a popular bar or restaurant in the area or a different kind of tourist hotspot, keep an eye out for promotional flyers for the theme parks you are interested in; often these flyers can get you a discount.
Each of the places mentioned below is well within driving distance from Finestrat; perfect for a little getaway! Here are some ideas for outings in the area that surrounds Finestrat;
Located in Benidorm, Terra Mítica is one of the best theme parks in Europe. No matter your age or interests, you are sure to have lots of fun in Terra Mítica; it has a wide range of incredible attractions, shows, performances and games for both adults and kids.
The park consists of five areas; Greece, Egypt, Iberia, Rome, and The Islands. Whether you are a curious or daring visitor, you will have ample choice when it comes to entertainment and fun in Terra Mítica.
Contact Information:
Partida del Moralet, s/n, 03502 Benidorm Tel: +34 902 02 02 20
Email: reservas@terramitica.com
Website: www.terramiticapark.com/en/
Mundomar is a marine animal park in Benidorm, located close to Aqualandia. Learn all there is to know about the wealth of marine animals in Mundomar. There are shows to attend as well; watch the dolphins, the seals and the parrots perform. There is a viewpoint in Mundomar that offers an excellent view of the surrounding area.
It is possible to buy combination tickets for Terra Mítica, Mundomar and Aqualandia; a smart thing to do if you want to visit two or all three of these parks. The combined tickets are good all season long and will save you money on entrance fees.
Contact Information:
C/ Sierra Helada, s/n, 03503 Benidorm Tel: +34 965 86 91 01
Email: https://www.mundomar.es/
Website: https://www.mundomar.es/en/
Want to learn more about animals? Then Terra Natura is the place to be. Terra Natura consists of two theme and aqua parks found near Benidorm. You will have a great time observing the animals and learning more about them.
If you would like, there are tour guides available to answer any questions you might have about the animals or to help you find your way around. Take as long as you like to explore all corners of this inspiring park and all of the different animal species it houses.
Contact Information:
Partida Foia del Verdader, s/n, 03502 Benidorm Tel: + 34 966 07 27 70
Email: info@terranatura.com
Website: http://www.terranatura.com
This was the first waterpark in Spain: It features at least twenty unique attractions to keep you entertained. There are intimidatingly fast slides, slides that are endless fun and slides specifically designed for little kids. All of the attractions here are located close to green areas; ideal for throwing down a towel and soaking up the sun.
It does get busy in summer, so get here early on warm days if you want to relax on the grass. Mundomar is located right next door, in case you would like to pop over there in the afternoon and make the most of your day.
Contact Information:
Sierra Helada, s/n, 03503 Benidorm Tel: +34 965 86 01 00
Email: aqualandia@aqualandia.net
Website: https://www.aqualandia.net
Of course you love waterfalls! Who doesn't? But the Algar waterfalls offer more than just the splendour of waterfalls. Les Fonts d'Algar is an excellent place to swim; the water is cool and clear and you do not have to be a strong swimmer in order to do so.
On the banks of the waterfalls there are excellent picnic spots where you can sit down and enjoy whatever delicacies you choose to bring with your loved ones. There is also a hiking path for those who would love to stretch their muscles and admire the nature in Algar, just be sure to bring appropriate footwear and water.
Contact Information:
Pda. Algar, s/n, 03510 Callosa d'en Sarrià Tel: + 34 965 88 01 53
Email: info@lasfuentesdelalgar.com
Website: http://www.lasfuentesdelalgar.com
As soon you walk in, you will notice an array of large life-like models of dinosaurs peeking out from all corners of the large park. Little children are bound go wild with enthusiasm when they look around and feel they are actually surrounded by real dinosaurs! It is as if you and your family have teleported through time and landed a 150 million years ago.
For a full immersive experience, be sure to catch a show in the 3D movie theatre. You could conclude the day with a walk through the Botanical Cactus gardens of Algar; it is located right next door.
Contact Information:
Partida Segarra s/n, 03510 Callosa d'en Sarrià Tel: +34 636 277 466
Email: algar@dinopark.es
Website: www.algar.dinopark.es
The moment you set foot in the Botanical cactus gardens of Algar, you are surrounded by plentiful cacti and succulents. These beautiful gardens are overflowing with many different cacti species, and this is the perfect opportunity to learn more about them.
This garden has been around for more than two decades, attracting 30,000 to 40,000 visitors from different parts of the globe every year. If you follow the main path, you can traverse the gardens in just one hour; take two hours if you'd like to wander a bit. The Cactus D'Algar is not far from the Waterfalls of Algar; perhaps you could visit both in one day.
Contact Information:
Partida Armaig, 1, 03510 Callosa d’En Sarrià, España Tel: +34 965 881 095
Email: info@cactusdalgar.com
Website: http://www.cactusdalgar.com
Out of all the activities and attractions listed here, this is the most historic one. The valley of Guadalest is also known as the Emerald Jewel of Alicante. Guadalest is a small village that is steeped in local history. The town is positioned just so, that any attackers could be seen coming from far away: today that means that you get to enjoy spectacular views.
Of course there is the castle of Guadalest to visit, and there are many museums to enjoy. A personal favourite of ours is the Micro-Giant museum where you can see the incredible miniatures (through large magnifying lenses) made by Manuel Ussa.
Contact Information:
Avda. de Alicante, s/n 03517 El Castell de Guadalest Tel: +34 965 885 298
Email: turismo@guadalest.es
Website: http://guadalest.es
