Finestrat
Located in the Marina Baja region of the Alicante Province, just 8 kilometres from Benidorm, Finestrat has approximately 6,386 inhabitants according to the National Statistics from 2010.
The village is located on a hill top and is characterized by narrow streets and terraced houses of Moorish origin. The Puig Campana Mountain, which rises to a height of 1,410 meters above sea level, is the backdrop to the village and the Theme Park Terra Mitica is situated nearby.
The village has one of the smallest beaches in Spain with 267 meters of coastline located 5 kilometres from the village. The small beach, known as the Cala de Finestrat was presented to the village in gratitude for their help in protecting the coastline from the Barbary or Berber pirate attacks.
The Puig Campana, which is the second highest mountain in Alicante, shelters Finestrat and is easily recognizable by the gap in its rock known as “El Portell” , Tajo or Cuchilla de Roldan (Roldan’s knife).
Local legend relates how the French hero Roland became embroiled in a fight with a Moorish leader. The battle took them to the summit of the mountain and when Roland was about to kill the leader with his sword, the moor dodged out of his way and Roland cut a large piece out of the rock which fell into the sea creating the Island of Benidorm.
Due to the natural environment of the mountains, the tranquillity of the village and the cosmopolitan attraction of the Cala de Finistrat, the residents combine agriculture with tourism and the service industries.
Typical local dishes include "arròs amb fressols amb naps", "arròs a banda", "pebreta tallada" and "coca girada".
Places of interest and monuments include:
The old Town.
The traditional styled houses perched on the gypsum rock have been maintained and the look out point and the Chapel dedicated to the Santisimo Cristo del Remedio are built on the foundations of an ancient Arab Castle.
The Hanging houses are a characteristic image of the town.
The Village Square.
The parish Church of Saint Bartholomew. This Baroque style church was consecrated in 1751 in honour of the Patron Saint of Finestrat Saint Bartholomew.
The Turret Square. Construction for this began in the eighteenth century to facilitate entrance to the church.
The Castle. Islamic in style, dating from the thirteenth century, it is located at the top of the village.
The Torre. A watch tower from the Almohad period, 12th Century, about 10 metres high it has been declared of cultural interest.
The Font del Moli or fountain of Moli. This is the most important natural spring in the area.
Castellets. A mountain ridge between Finestrat and the "Xarquet" ravine. Great for hiking and climbing.
Important Fiestas and Celebrations:
Fiestas in honour of St Bartholomew and Christ of Remedies. Celebrated on the 24th August.
Fiestas in honour of the Tourist. Held the second week of September with fireworks, children’s activities, sports and parades.
Fiestas of Saint Antonio Abad. Held mid January. Locals go from house to house collecting food donations with a pig. Once the collection is completed the items are auctioned and the pig is the prize in the local raffle.
Saint Blas. This fiestas is held mid February, locals go to the Font del Moli to enjoy a picnic of traditional dishes.
Ereta Day or Dia de la Ereta. This is celebrated at Easter and again the local make their way to the Font del Moli to eat the traditional "Mona de Pascua".
Night of San Juan. This is celebrated on the eve of the Saint John, On the night of the 23rd of June locals will go to the beach light fires by the shore and celebrate by jumping over the fires and paddling in the sea at midnight.