One of the genuine delights of holidaying on Spain’s Costa Blanca is that while you get to enjoy all that wonderful Mediterranean beach culture, there’s also plenty of culture of a very different kind. Being so close to Benidorm (3 kms away) means that, as a base, Cala de Finestrat puts you right in the heart of the action, but even when surrounded by sun loungers, parasols, and beach bars, you’re never too far away from being able to explore the more authentic Spanish side of life.
Finestrat: An Ancient Village with Old School Charm
Just 8kms (less than 15 minutes) from Cala de Finestrat is the charming traditional village of Finestrat, which is nestled into the side of the Puig Campana mountain peak. It provides a welcome contrast to the lively beach resort for those days when you want to remind yourself what life used to look like in this beautiful part of the world. It’s the only place in Spain where the village itself is in the mountains, while its official beach sits below it, some distance away on the coast. This is because the beach was gifted to the village by the government in recognition of the valuable work the men of Finestrat undertook over many years in protecting the coastline from raiding pirates.
Today, this picturesque village presents a charming face to visitors through its gently winding streets, the ‘hanging’ houses (casas colgadas) embedded into the side of the mountain, quaint townhouses with their window boxes of vividly coloured flowers, and the remnants and overtones of its Iberian, Roman and Moorish heritage.
Take your time to wander the streets and soak up the ambience and ancient history of this lovely place, but make sure you don’t miss these highlights.
San Bartolomé Church
Dating back to the 18th century, Iglesia San Bartolomé presides literally and figuratively over the village’s history and is its most significant attraction. Aside from the impressive belltower, the church doesn’t give much away with its modest Baroque and Neoclassical exterior, but inside it’s a different story. The interiors are lavishly decorated with gilded religious artworks around the walls and all over the ceiling, with a large dome as the impressive centrepiece.
While you’re there, you can also have a look at the city hall, which is right next door.
Castell de Finestrat
Even though a castle no longer exists here, the site of the 13th-century Arab Almohad castle is still a very interesting place to spend some time. The ruins of the castle are buried underground, but from the park that now sits above it, you can get an insight into the importance of its defensive properties as the highest point in the village. Today it’s a great place to soak up the history of this part of the town (known as “Castell”) and take in the lovely views it offers along the coastline up to Alicante.
There are two viewpoints: one towards Puig Campana and one towards the sea.
The Hermitage
In the same area as the ruins of the castle sits the serene-looking Hermitage of the Santisimo Cristo del Remedio. Built relatively recently, in 1925, like so much important architecture around the country, it was unfortunately badly damaged during the Spanish Civil War – including the destruction of the image of Cristo del Remedio, which was tossed down the mountainside. Painstakingly restored by the locals over ensuing years (including the broken pieces of the Cristo del Remedio), the elegant whitewashed exterior of the Hermitage now provides a fitting complement to the beautifully maintained surrounding gardens, and the dramatic backdrop of Puig Campana.
Where to Stay
Principado I La Cala: Delivering ocean and mountain views, and situated close to the beach, shops and restaurants, this quality accommodation offers spacious apartments, each with a large terrace. Featuring air-conditioning, a well-equipped kitchen, private bathroom, flat screen TV, free WI-FI, and stylish modern furnishings, there’s also an onsite outdoor swimming pool and a pleasant garden in the complex to enjoy.
Penthouse Beni: Set in an amazing position right on the beachfront, this soundproofed penthouse apartment features a lovely private balcony and access to a rooftop terrace and swimming pool. With two spacious bedrooms, a sitting area, and a well-appointed kitchen with a dishwasher and oven, the apartment has a private entrance and lift access to ensure the most relaxing stay possible.
Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa: Set a short distance from Cala de Finestrat, this stunning hotel offers world-class service and amenities in a magnificent location. Offering spectacular views over the Costa Blanca, it is surrounded by pine woods in the beautiful Sierra Cortina Mountains. The hotel features sophisticated rooms with high-end amenities, seven swimming pools, charming gardens, four onsite restaurants and a fitness centre. The luxury is topped off by the facilities of the Thai Spa wellness centre, which offers opulent services to pamper and indulge.
How to Get There
To get to Cala de Finestrat you’ll need to fly into Alicante Airport. Flight time from the UK is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with multiple carriers including British Airways, easyJet, Tui, and Jet2 offering a good range of available flights. Prices vary depending on the time of year you travel, and start from around £26 one-way in the cheapest month, July.
Once you arrive, the easiest and most convenient way to ensure you get from Alicante Airport to Cala de Finestrat without delay, is to pre-book a service with Shuttle Direct. You can choose from a selection of services to suit, and whether you opt for a private luxury transfer or a shared shuttle, you’ll be transported to your final destination safely and comfortably.
Overview
UK to ALC Flight Time: 2 hours, 45 mins approx.
ALC to Cala de Finestrat Distance: 57 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 37 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
When you book with Shuttle Direct, we offer a range of services because we understand everyone has different needs and wants. There are various ways of getting from Alicante Airport to Cala de Finestrat to cater to all budgets and travel requirements.
If you want to save a little money on your Cala de Finestrat transfer, and you don’t have any objections to travelling with other passengers, an economical shared shuttle bus is a good option. Once you leave the terminal you’ll meet at a designated point at the airport, then travel in a comfortable, safe shuttle to a central drop-off. While it doesn’t offer the convenience of a door-to-door service, you’ll not only save money, you may even make some new friends along the way.
If door-to-door is a dealbreaker, though, a pre-booked taxi from Alicante Airport to Cala de Finestrat is a great solution. Once you land, your driver and taxi will be waiting, so you won’t have to line up in long taxi queues with all the other travellers. Once you meet your driver, you’ll be taken swiftly to your accommodation without delay.
If you’re travelling with a group of friends or family, a minibus transfer offers the convenience of a door-to-door service in a larger capacity vehicle. A minibus is a good way to make the logistics of getting from the airport at Alicante to Cala de Finestrat easy, because you can all travel together in the same vehicle and there’s plenty of room for everyone’s luggage.
For the ultimate in comfort and convenience, a private Cala de Finestrat transfer with Shuttle Direct gives you the luxury you’re looking for. A professional chauffeur will meet you inside the terminal when your flight lands, then escort you to your ride and set off without delay. You’ll enjoy a smooth, hassle-free journey right to the door of your accommodation.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Everybody has different wants and needs when it comes to making travel arrangements. At Shuttle Direct, we know how to please everyone with our range of services. In the end, you’re the only one who can make the right choice for you, but generally it comes down to cost and convenience – and which of those is most important.
Cost: If your main priority is saving money, an economical airport transfer is a great start. A shared shuttle bus will give you the savings you’re looking for, without compromising on quality. You’ll be sharing the ride with other passengers, making it much cheaper than a private one, but you’re still guaranteed a safe and enjoyable service.
Convenience: If convenience takes top billing in your holiday travel arrangements, and you don’t mind paying for it, one of our private luxury services, or a pre-booked taxi from Alicante Airport to Cala de Finestrat will give you door-to-door service and unbeatable comfort and convenience.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct provides a huge range of onward airport transfer services to and from destinations all over Europe and the world. It doesn’t matter whether you’re after a private luxury service or a budget-beating shared shuttle bus, we’ve got exactly what you need to get you wherever you want to go, at the price you’re looking for.
