The narrow winding streets of the old town make Finestrat an ideal destination for switching off from everyday city life

Finestrat's old town has always been a major asset for promoting the town as a tourist attraction. Its narrow streets, with their traditional houses painted in Mediterranean colours, meander as they gradually climb up to the old castle, now a beautiful park with native plants overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and Puig Campana mountain. The street of Algebsers evokes the Arab era during which this small medina began to take shape and has survived to the present day. As it grew, the town embraced Christian culture, which has also left its mark. Streets like Sant Miquel, Sant Bertomeu, Sant Josep, Sant Antoni and Sant Cristòfol are all part of the original layout, and as it expanded the town began to name its streets in a more prosaic way. Street names like Carnisseria (butcher’s shop), Ferreria (ironmonger’s shop), Forn Alt (upper bakery) or Forn Baix (lower bakery) give clues about the businesses based there in times gone by. The beauty of this Muslim quarter in the upper part of town combines with the quirkiness and charm of the hanging houses in the lower part. Inside, they're surrounded by picturesque squares that offer visitors lovely views of what many years ago was land farmed by the inhabitants of this charming town in the Marina Baixa region.

Hundreds of tourists come to Finestrat to walk around its streets, admire its beauty and enjoy the breathtaking views towards the coast and of Puig Campana and Els Castellets. The influx of visitors has increased considerably in recent years and businesses are flourishing in the old town, making it much more cheerful and attractive. Up until a few decades ago, there were hardly any cafés and restaurants that offered travellers a place where they could sit and savour the area's food and drink while enjoying wonderful views and a warm Mediterranean climate. However, new businesses have gradually appeared, making the town livelier and allowing you to round off this walk through the various streets by topping up your energy stores with some typical local snacks.

List of restaurants in Finestrat town centre:

*El Puerto: C/ Figueretes, 5. Tel: 636 047 454. Specialising in tapas

*Serenas: C/ Serra Cortina, 14. Tel: 666 205 452. International

*Pizzorante MangiaRè. C/ Puig Campana, 3. Tel: 672 605 090. Ristorante Pizzeria

*Bokadofinestrat: Avenida Benidorm, 10. Tel: 965 878 193. Spanish, tapas, rations

*La Barra: Avenida Benidorm, 9. Tel: 965 878 951. Tapas, Mediterranean

*Pirámide: Avenida Benidorm, 9. Coffee shop

*El Cantonet: Avenida Benidorm, 3. Tel: 965 878 504. Tapas

*Gastro Molí by Tolo: Avenida Benidorm, 13. Tel: 865 751 996. Mediterranean

*Nou Dolç: C/ Nou, 22. Tel: 965 878 457. Cakes, pastries and coffee shop

*Viva la vida: C/ Nou, 7. Tel: 722 804 321. Tapas, Home cooking

*Restaurante Font del Molí: Partida Font del Molí, 38. Tel: 965 878 416. Traditional and Mediterranean

Inland destinations have really taken off in recent years. Tourists aren't just looking for sun and sand holidays nowadays, they also want to visit traditional town centres and this is where Finestrat has a fantastic trick up its sleeve. It not only has a charming old town but it also comes with spectacular views, plus some lovely surrounding countryside, all crowned by Puig Campana mountain, making it difficult to beat as a destination. The town is fully aware of the enormous potential still to be developed and promotional activities have multiplied. The Easter and Christmas craft markets are a major attraction, showing hundreds of visitors the beauty of this small village as well as its delicious food and the kindness of its people. Mountain sports is another area yet to be developed to its full potential.

These trends in traveller tastes have led to the emergence of new forms of private and tourist accommodation linked to digital platforms in the town's urban area. It’s still the exception rather than the rule, but in Finestrat it's already becoming common to see tourists dragging their small suitcases up the slopes and steep streets. Rural houses and small hotels in rural areas complete the tourist offer. Discovering this little Mediterranean gem dominated by the province's second highest mountain, with its carefully selected range of food and drink and loyal to its traditions, is undoubtedly one of the most attractive options for switching off from your city routine for a few days.

Accommodation in the old town and rural areas:

*Hostal Casa Figueretes: C/ Figueretes, 17. Tel: 685 804 567. www.casafigueretes.es

*Hotel La Plantación: Partida Arenetes, 12. Tel: 965 878 715. www.laplantacion.com

*Finca Fabiola: Partida Tapià, 70. Tel: 965 878 876. www.fincafabiola.es

*Hotel Nature Suites: Partida La Alhambra, 17. Tel: 684 416 085. www.naturasuiteshotel.com

*Camping Puig Campana: Partida Tapià-Marraix, 57. Tel: 965 878 584. www.puigcampanacamping.com