Finestrat is one of the amazing municipalities of the Valencian Community (Spain). The town is situated in the province of Alicante, in the Marina Baja comarca, in the immediate vicinity of Benidorm (just 8 minutes drive). According to the 2018 census, its population is 6.381 habitants.
Finestrat: Geography
The Alicante-Elche airport is located 50 kilometers from Finestrat. It is reachable by the AP-7 motorway, 65-A, or directly by N-332. The municipality has a coastline of about 267 meters, from Punta del Tossal to the mouth of the Barranco de la Cachola. The Cala de Finestrat beach borders such municipalities as Villajoyosa (southwest) and Benidorm (North-East).
The Puig Campana mountain lies on the border of the municipality, its height is about1410 meters. The Terra Mítica theme park is also nearby, covering 42.25 km2 of the municipality area and being one of the best parks in Spain. Nearest neighbors of Finestrat are Benimantell, Orcheta, Polop de la Marina and Sella.
Weather in Finestrat
The beach season on the coasts of Spain lasts from May to October. Air and water temperature are most comfortable these days, thereby ensuring the perfect vacation for everyone.
The beginning of the high season in Finestrat is in August, +27.4°C. The peak season is in October, usually at this time there is the maximum number of tourists. At the end of the high tourist season in Finestrat, which ends in November, the air temperature falls to +17.5°C, and there are fewer guests.
The so-called «rainy season» in Finestrat starts in August, when there can be as many as 5 rainy days and 13.0 mm of precipitation per month. The rainiest season is in October, when the amount of precipitation is 23.1 mm per month. The end of the rainy season in Finestrat is in November, when heavy precipitation ends with a norm of 21.4 mm and gradually the weather conditions are drier. The maximum number of rainy days per year is 9.
The average air temperature in winter is +14.1°C, in spring +17.6°C, in summer +26.1°C, in autumn +21.5°C.
History of Finestrat
Among other Spanish settlements, Finestrat was caused by Berbers’ intrusions. The pirates burned the village, and the inhabitants were turned into slaves. To protect against the conquerors, an observation tower (La Cala) was built on the shore, and the main part of this settlement was placed at the foot of the mountain. Owing to that, Finestrat became known as the «town of the sea and mountains». Today as before, the municipality lives a quiet measured life and receives tourists from all over the world. The area of Finestrat has already gained fame as a prestigious place for living and recreation.
Finestrat: Demographics
In recent years, the town’s population has fluctuated between 6.500 people. In 2007, 43% of the residents were foreigners.
Economy of Finestrat
Throughout its history, Finestrat has built its economy on agriculture. It is a wonderful area for almonds, olive and orange trees. Environmentally friendly conditions and favorable climate are conducive to a good harvest and create truly charming landscapes.
In 1980, the municipality brought great opportunities for tourism and commerce. First, a modern industrial zone was created on the initiative of town council, and today it attracts investment companies from all over the province. Forward-looking investors increasingly focus on Finestrat.
There is an office of Viveros de Empresas de la Cámara de Comercio – the organization promotes the creation and consolidation of companies, contributes to the creation of new jobs, diversification of production activities, etc. That is, by choosing Finestrat for life, everyone has great opportunities to start a business.
Also, Finestrat is being vigorously promoted as a tourist destination and a place of residence for employees from nearby towns, therefore, a large number of houses and residences are being built here.
Attractions of Finestrat
Thanks to its convenient location, Finestrat accumulated numerous cultures throughout its history. Many ancient civilizations have left their mark on this town. The historical down town of the municipality was built on the foundation of an old Moorish castle. Since 1924, it has been replaced by the Santísimo Cristo del Remedio chapel. A walk through the narrow streets of the downtown is always a delight for tourists, and locals, even as the years pass, do not cease to admire originality and comfort of their small town.
Between Hostal and San Miguel streets, there are the Torreta square and the church La Iglesia Parroquial de Sant Bertomeu (1751). The main celebrations here are held on August 24 and February 3, there are so many people these days that «not enough room to swing a cat».
Terraced houses are one of the most characteristic images of the town of Finestrat. And it’s the first thing one sees, when coming from Benidorm or Villajoyosa. Southern facades of these houses literally hang on the hill! If you also want to become a home owner in Finestrat, please find our new offers at a unique price from the developer.
La Plaza del Pueblo is located on the corner of Carrer Nou and Major streets. The mural of the church, which is placed in the square, was completed by students of the Faculty of Fine Arts in the framework of the competition «Espai d’art», organized by the town authorities and the University of Miguel Hernández.
La Iglesia Parroquial de San Bartolomé de Finestrat is a church of the patron-saint of this town, it was consecrated in 1751. Presumably, its construction was started in the XVII century. The Baroque facade is smooth and austere, it was influenced by emerging Neoclassicism.
In all likelihood, La Plaza de la Torreta, located in the heart of the town, was built in the mid-eighteenth century to facilitate the entrance to the church. In the old days, there was still one building like a tower.
El Castell (El Castillo) symbolizes the highest point of the town. This building appeared in documents of the XIII century. To date, there is no evidence of the Islamic origin of this fortress, because over the centuries it has undergone several transformations. The defensive part of the structures is well preserved, where from one can see Alicante.
La Ermita del Santísimo Cristo del Remedio is a chapel located near the fortresses of El Castell. Historical documents attest to the existence of a small church built after the conquest of this area by Christians. It was originally a modest chapel, where it was kept the figurative crucifix. In 1925, the building was renovated.
La Torre is a defensive tower of XII centuries, which probably was of vital importance to all residents of this town.
La Font del Molí (Fuente del Molino) is one of the most important mill fountain in the town in earlier days. The rules for using this resource were adopted in 1926 year. The source has 15 pipes, which are capable of pumping 20 liters per second.
El Mount Puig Campana provides the municipality with its unique position. The height is about 1410 m. Stunning views and crystal clear air attract hundreds of climbers and fans of outdoor activities.
Els Castellets is a popular route between the town and the ravine «Xarquer».
The beach Finestrat
Finestrat is a wonderful, picturesque and cozy beach in the municipality of the same name on the Costa Blanca. The width of the coastline is about 80 m and the length is 200 m. The coast and the bottom are covered by fine golden sand.
During the peak season, there are a lot of vacationers on the beach. Finestrat is popular among families with kids, young people, and adults. Water depth is gradual, sometimes there are small stones. The water in the sea warms up to +28°C in summer, which is favorable for the youngest tourists. For the convenience of vacationers, a variety of children’s and sports grounds are installed here.
Waves are insignificant, wind gusts are rare due to the convenient location in the bay among high steep rocks. The beach receives the Blue Flag award every year for its safety, cleanliness and environmental friendliness. It is convenient to reach the beach Finestrat from the town by bus, taxi, rented car. Umbrellas and sun loungers can be rented locally. For the comfort of the traveler, there are urns, changing rooms, ergonomic wooden decking for people with disabilities, and foot showers. Tourists can stay at apartments on the beach or in hotel rooms. Nearby there are many cafes, souvenir shops, supermarkets, as well as a local market. Nightlife lovers can go to the casino, bar, restaurant or club.
Property in Finestrat
Real estate in Finestrat is in stable demand among foreign buyers from year to year. The reason for this is the steady growth of the town’s popularity among both tourists and foreigners who want to buy property in Finestrat for permanent residence, for vacation or for rent.
Real estate in Finestrat is a great choice for those who want to settle in a quiet place, while having the opportunity to get away to the lively tourist city of Benidorm if desired. The Finestrat real estate market is mainly represented by apartments, villas, chalets and luxury duplexes, but there are also affordable options too.
According to the idealista portal for December 2020, the average cost of housing in Finestrat is 2.066 €/m2, annual variation is +1.7 %. Prices vary depending on the district: the most expensive area to live in is Golf Bahía (2.439 €/m2), followed by Balcón de Finestrat-Terra Marina (1.853 €/m2), Cala de Finestrat (1.852 €/m2) and finally the most budget-friendly – Finestrat Pueblo (1.442 €/m2).
As for prices by type of property, the most budget apartment of 40 m2 with one bedroom in the Finestrat Pueblo area will cost from 48.000€, and a studio of 30 m2 in the Cala de Finestrat area starts from 65.000 €.
The most inexpensive house is located in the Finestrat Pueblo area, it has 3 bedrooms and requires cosmetic repairs, its cost is 74.000 €. A similar house in the same area, but with a good overhaul will cost from 85.000 €. A two-bedroom house in a quiet area of Cala de Finestrat can be purchased from 120.000 €. A two-bedroom house in the prestigious Golf Bahía will cost from 159.900 €.
The price of a penthouse with magnificent views starts from 110.000 € in Finestrat Pueblo, from 117.000 € in Balcón de Finestrat-Terra Marina, from 133.000 € in Cala de Finestrat, and from 198.900 € in the luxury Golf Bahía.
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