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Finestrat Unveils Intelligent Ornamental Lighting for La Penya and Historic Landmarks

Finestrat / 29th December 2025

Project funded by the European Union’s Next Generation EU programme

Finestrat has officially launched its new intelligent ornamental lighting system, transforming the night-time appearance of La Penya and some of the town’s most iconic landmarks. The project, now fully operational, is already drawing admiration from residents and visitors alike.

More than 110 LED spotlights have been installed to illuminate La Penya, including the slope where the traditional “Hanging Houses” are located, as well as emblematic buildings such as the bell tower and dome of the Sant Bertomeu Parish Church and the Town Hall. The lighting system allows for special illuminations on key dates such as Valencian Community Day, 25 November, and throughout the Christmas period.

Mayor Nati Algado highlighted the impact of the initiative during a visit with Councillor for European Funds Héctor Baldó:

“Residents and visitors are already seeing one of the projects that has most transformed the night-time image of La Penya. The new smart lighting gives the area a modern and distinctive look, with more than a hundred projectors installed along the hillside. As a new feature, we have also restored lighting to the area known as Penya Retor.”

The smart lighting has also been installed on both façades of the Town Hall, along Plaça La Torreta and Carrer Major, as well as the clock façade overlooking Plaça de l’Ajuntament.

This initiative forms part of Finestrat’s wider strategy to become a more sustainable, accessible and innovative destination. The project is funded through the Sustainable Tourism Destination Plans, supported by €3 million secured by the Town Council under the European Union’s Next Generation EU programme.

The total investment amounts to €470,101.60, with €240,000 funded by the EU and the remainder contributed by the Finestrat Town Council.

Renewal of Public Lighting in the Historic Centre

In addition to ornamental lighting, the project includes the renewal of public lighting across the historic centre. Nearly 50 new LED streetlights have been installed in Carrer Fonteta, Carrer Nou, Plaça del Poble, Plaça de l’Ajuntament, Carrer Major, Plaça La Torreta and Carrer la Penya, improving efficiency, visibility and sustainability.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

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

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

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

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

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

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Finestrat Unveils Intelligent Ornamental Lighting for La Penya and Historic Landmarks

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

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