Tucked between the buzz of Benidorm and the natural beauty of the surrounding hills, Cala de Finestrat is a charming seaside destination that punches well above its weight when it comes to family holidays. With its gently sloping beach, calm waters, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where both kids and grown-ups can unwind. Whether you’re planning a day trip from a nearby resort or a week-long family stay, here’s how to make the most of Cala de Finestrat with children in tow.
- Safe, Sandy Shores: Perfect for Little Swimmers
- Playgrounds and Seafront Fun
- Try a Treasure Hunt Through the Village
- Nature Walks and Viewpoints
- Easy Day Trips for Families
Safe, Sandy Shores: Perfect for Little Swimmers
At the heart of Cala de Finestrat is its small, horseshoe-shaped beach, which offers a family-friendly alternative to the larger and often busier sands of Benidorm. Sheltered by surrounding cliffs and residential blocks, the bay is protected from high waves, making the water here calm and shallow – ideal for paddling, swimming, and even trying out beginner-friendly watersports like paddleboarding.
Parents will appreciate the beach’s Blue Flag status, awarded for cleanliness and safety. There are lifeguards on duty during the high season, and plenty of space for setting up a shaded base for the day. The beachfront promenade is lined with cafés, meaning a coffee or ice cream is never far away.
Getting there: If you’re staying in central Finestrat, the beach is within walking distance. From Benidorm, hop on the L2 bus or take a 10-minute taxi ride.
Playgrounds and Seafront Fun
Directly behind the beach, there’s a modern children’s playground equipped with slides, swings, and climbing frames – all safely enclosed and shaded during peak sun hours. It’s an easy way to break up a beach day and ideal for toddlers who need to burn off some steam.
If your family enjoys a casual stroll, walk the promenade where street artists and market stalls often pop up in the evenings during summer. It’s lively, but not overwhelming – giving it the feel of a local festival rather than a commercialised tourist zone.
Try a Treasure Hunt Through the Village
Want to mix fun with a bit of cultural discovery? Plan a village treasure hunt through Cala de Finestrat’s older streets. With whitewashed houses, terracotta rooftops, and steep paths leading up into the hills, the area makes a lovely backdrop for a child-friendly walking challenge.
Create a list of things to spot – like local tiles, plant pots on balconies, or a traditional Spanish fountain – and let the kids take the lead. You can even stop off at a local bakery or panadería for a snack reward along the way.
Nature Walks and Viewpoints
If your kids are a little older and up for light adventure, Cala de Finestrat is a great base for walks into the Sierra Cortina hills. There are well-marked hiking trails that begin just a few minutes inland from the beach. These offer manageable elevation, shady paths, and panoramic views back over the coast – perfect for a morning outing before the midday heat.
One recommended walk is to the Mirador del Tossal, a viewpoint that gives sweeping views across Benidorm and the sea. Bring water, sun hats, and maybe a packed lunch for a scenic picnic.
Easy Day Trips for Families
One of the advantages of basing yourself in Cala de Finestrat is its location – close to big attractions, yet far enough to avoid the crowds. Here are a few standout day trips for kids.
Terra Mítica Theme Park (15 minutes by car): A thrill-filled park with rides themed around ancient civilisations. There are roller coasters for older kids and gentler rides for younger ones.
Aqua Natura Water Park (20 minutes): Splash zones, slides, and lazy rivers galore. A must-visit in the warmer months.
Mundomar Animal Park (15 minutes): Dolphins, sea lions, parrots, and more. Educational and entertaining in equal measure.
Family Dining Made Easy
While Cala de Finestrat is compact, it has a surprisingly good range of relaxed eateries. Many restaurants along the promenade offer child menus, high chairs, and a relaxed vibe. Look out for casual tapas bars where little ones can nibble on patatas bravas or croquetas, and adults can unwind with local wine or beer.
For picky eaters, there are also pizzerias, burger joints, and international options – all within walking distance of the beach. And don’t forget the local ice cream parlour – Heladería Mira, where the variety of flavours makes dessert an adventure in itself.
Cala de Finestrat may be small, but it’s big on family charm. It offers the best of both worlds: a relaxing beach village feel with easy access to some of the Costa Blanca’s top family attractions. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, tweens, or teens, this peaceful corner of the coast has everything you need for a fun and memorable getaway – without the stress.
Where to Stay with Kids
If you’re considering an extended stay, look for apartment rentals or aparthotels that offer kitchenettes, pools, and extra space for families. Many are within a 5–10 minute walk of the beach, making midday breaks and afternoon naps easy to manage.
The quieter atmosphere of Cala de Finestrat means that even in peak summer, you’re unlikely to be disturbed by nightlife – another big plus for families with early bedtimes.
Residencial los olivos: Located within 700 metres of the beach, this apartment ticks every family’s boxes. There are 2 bedrooms and 2 living rooms so everyone has plenty of space. The balcony overlooks the cityscape, and all guests have access to a private pool and patio. For younger children there’s a playground, and for everyone else there are pleasant gardens for relaxation.
Mirador Vacation Home: This spacious apartment is a paradise for children and parents. With lush gardens, an infinity pool, and a terrace, you might not want to leave for the duration of your stay. The convenience factor is also high, thanks to the fully equipped kitchenette and washing machine.
Hotel Alone: If you and your family are looking for a hotel experience – no cooking, and breakfast provided – then Hotel Alone is a great option in Cala de Finestrat. The property boasts a tropical pool with a water slide, and there’s a hot tub for the grownups. Your evenings are sorted, with on-site entertainment for adults and children as well as a restaurant offering local culinary dishes. Across the street, guests can freely access the facilities of Tropic Hotel, which include 2 swimming pools and a tennis court.
How to Get There
Flights to Alicante from the UK are plentiful, and if you book your Cala de Finestrat transfer with Shuttle Direct before you depart, the journey will be straightforward, convenient and relatively low cost.
Airlines service routes from the main UK airports, and there are nearly 400 direct flights per week operated by the usual range of carriers: easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling Airlines, TUI and Ryanair. You won’t struggle to find a flight at a time and price that suits. With a flight time of under 3 hours and airport transfers from Alicante to Cala de Finestrat of around 30 mins, you aren’t going to waste much of your holiday time in transit.
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
We are proud to offer our customers a range of Alicante transfer services that provide punctual and reliable journeys to and from Cala de Finestrat.
Minibus Transfer: When you’re travelling with your family, you might want to consider booking an airport transfer from Alicante Airport by minibus. These vehicles are recommended by customers who have more luggage and larger parties than most. This option lets you all travel together in one of our comfortable vehicles.
Shuttle Bus: One of our most popular and financially efficient services is our shuttle bus. Just book your seat before you leave the UK, then once you land make your way to the conveniently located stop outside the Arrivals Hall. You’ll be on your way to Cala de Finestrat in no time at all. The route is served by frequent departures, and the stops are carefully situated to give you easy access to most accommodation options.
Taxi: When you disembark from a flight, the last thing you want to do is to stand in a taxi queue, uncertain what the cost will be and whether you’re getting value for money. Pre-book a Shuttle Direct airport taxi from Alicante to Cala de Finestrat to skip the line and any unpleasant price surprises.
Private Transfer: If you’re looking for those extra creature comforts when you travel, we have you covered. Our private Cala de Finestrat transfers provide you with a professional driver who will greet you in the airport, escort you to a luxury vehicle, then deliver you to the doorstep of your accommodation. No stress, no fuss, maximum ease.
Choosing the Right Transfer
All our airport transfers are reliable, prompt and offer value for money. Shuttle Direct is one of the market leaders in Alicante transfers, thanks to our professional service, great communication and friendly drivers. All you need to do is to choose which option works best for you.
Cost: The most budget-friendly transfer from Alicante to Cala de Finestrat is the shuttle bus. Booking your seats in advance saves you time and money – a cost effective start to your holiday without the headache of figuring out public transport systems.
Convenience: Travelling with the family puts demands on the logistics that travelling solo or as a couple does not. Our private vehicles and minibuses fit your schedule and your itinerary.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is an airport transfer company that serves not only destinations in Alicante, but throughout the world. We specialise in getting customers to and from the airport on time, in comfort and with minimum fuss. Start your Cala de Finestrat holiday on the right foot by booking one of our transfer options.
