Benidorm’s scorching weather, white sand and buzzing holiday atmosphere have charmed holidaymakers for decades now, and the resort shows no signs of stopping any time soon. However, one of the only persistent complaints holidaymakers have is how crowded Benidorm is.
While the fact that Benidorm’s beaches and its strip are always busy and full of laughter and chatter is an integral part of the resort’s atmosphere, the crowds can get a bit full-on for some, especially if you’re there for more than a few days. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, we’d suggest taking a trip to Cala de Finestrat, where things are much quieter.
The Beach
Cala de Finestrat beach is only a few miles south of Benidorm. It’s very easy to reach; you can walk it in about 45 minutes along the coast (best attempted early in the morning so as to avoid the hottest part of the day), or take one of the many buses from Benidorm to Cala de Finestrat. Alternatively, it’s a ten minute drive over the N-332.
The beach is beautiful, quiet and offers the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. Granted, it’s hardly empty, but it’s a far cry from the busier beaches in Benidorm. The water is clean and the views gorgeous, making it a lovely place for all the family. There are a number of cafes and bars overlooking the beach, so even if you don’t feel like spending the day on the sand and in the water, there are plenty of places to sit, have a coffee and watch the world go by.
Bar Sol
In Cala de Finestrat you’ll find Bar Sol. It can easily be reached on foot from the beach, so follow the directions above if coming from Benidorm. If you’re staying in Finestrat already, you’ll find it on Av. De Finestrat.
La Cala
03509 Finestrat
677856668
Located close to the seafront, Bar Sol is one of the area’s most loved establishments among holidaymakers. Run by an English couple, it serves reasonably-priced drinks and quality pub food. Repeat visitors cite the prices, the excellent, fresh food and the friendly service as their favourite things about Bar Sol.
Villaitana Golf Club
Close to Finestrat is the excellent Villaitana Golf Club. Easily reachable by car, it’s beloved by golfers across the entire Alicante region.
Av. Eduardo Zaplana Hernandez-Soro
Partida del Moralet
03500 Benidorm
966813013
With 36 holes in a stunning location, Villaitana is a great place to practice your swing – whether it’s part of a golfing holiday or you’re just sneaking off to the course for a day or two. Be warned: it’s a challenging course, so expect to have your skills put to the test.
How to Get to Cala de Finestrat
Several airlines operate direct flights from London to Alicante, including budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet. Flight time is around two and a half hours.
Once you’ve landed at Alicante, we suggest taking at taxi or shuttle service. It’s best to sort out transfer services from Alicante airport ahead of time so that you enjoy fixed prices and they’ll be waiting for you when you land. It’s around a 40-minute drive over the A-70 and the AP-7, although you will need to pay a toll along the way.
If you’re taking public transport, first you’ll want to take the airport-Benidorm bus service. From there, it’s either a medium-length walk or a quick bus journey to Cala del Finestrat. However, due to the fact that most of the area’s accommodation is in central Benidorm, we’d suggest dropping your bags at your hotel rather than trying to get to Cala directly from the airport.
Where to Stay
Hotel Internacional – Offering solid, all-round accommodation at a brilliant price, Hotel Internacional is simple, pleasant and unpretentious. What’s more, its central location makes it perfect for visiting either the main parts of Benidorm or taking a trip to Cala de Finestrat.
Hotel Fetiche Alojamiento con Encanto – If you enjoy gorgeous contemporary styling, the beachy Hotel Fetiche Alojamiento con Encanto is for you. The interior is a striking but pleasant contrast to the surroundings (it’s located within Benidorm’s Old Town) and the hotel puts its focus squarely on service without distractions. Car hire, storage space and more are all happily arranged by reception on request, and the noon checkout makes for a less stressful end to your holiday.
Villa Venecia Boutique Hotel – Villa Venecia stands as a welcome oasis in the glitz and hubbub of Benidorm. This exclusive boutique hotel offers luxury and comfort, but without compromising on privacy and an intimate hotel experience. Whether it’s the designer furniture the ocean views, the hot tub or the hydro massage bathtubs (every room has one!) that wins you over, you’re sure to have a stay you won’t soon forget here.
