Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish

The “El Xato” Restaurant has received the 2024 Michelin star physically this week to put it on the façade of the establishment . This is the sixth consecutive year that the nuciero restaurant has received this distinction from the prestigious international guide, recognising the great work of its chef Cristina Figueira. Starting this week, the 2024 Michelin star is on the façade of the “El Xato” Restaurant in La Nucía.
Cristóbal Llorens , Councilor for Commerce, and María Jesús Jumilla , Councilor for Tourism , attended the reception of the plaque that commemorates the El to the events and catering director Pepe Cano . Also present at the presentation of the plaque was Eduardo García , director of Makro Finestrat (Official Sponsor of the Michelin Guide).
Centenary Restaurant
The El Xato Restaurant is centenary and in 2024 it will celebrate 109 years of life since it opened its doors . During this century of life, its cuisine has adapted to the evolution of gastronomy, without ever forgetting its roots and flavors. They are now in their fourth generation at the helm of this reference restaurant, which received its first Michelin star in 2019. Since then it has repeated the distinction every year consecutively: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 .
National Award
In the 17th edition of the 2023 National Hospitality Awards, El Xato Restaurant was awarded as the outstanding hospitality company in the promotion of Spanish culture and gastronomy.
Overview
This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:
Weekly markets and street trading
Live music in bars and small venues
Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)
Small cultural events and exhibitions
Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm
BENIDORM – Events and Activity
Markets and street life
Cultural activity
Nightlife and entertainment
Overall feel
Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.
ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere
Live music
Sea activities
Overall feel
Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.
ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity
Markets
Live music
Cultural venues
Overall feel
Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.
LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus
Markets
Sports activity
Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events
Overall feel
Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.
FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle
Markets
Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods
Beachfront activity
Entertainment
Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events
Overall feel
Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.
OVERALL SUMMARY
Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment
Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed
Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life
La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused
Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

Local & Spanish


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