Visit Guadalest: One of the most beautiful villages in Spain, and it's right here in the Costa Blanca!

Guadalest is a small village in the interior of Alicante, classified as one of the most beautiful in Spain.

In the village of Guadalest there are only 200 people living there all year round. It is a small place, focused almost entirely on tourism. It is a magical place, which seems to be taken out of a fairy tale, between mountains, with a castle and the reservoir where the river with the same name as the village flows.

It is located near Benidorm, Altea and Callosa d'en Sarriá.

Tourism in Guadalest

Guadalest was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1974 and has a history of more than eight centuries. The reservoir, which has changed the profile and landscape of the area, was built in 1971.

There is a lot to see in Guadalest, although the visit will not take you more than half a day if you only visit the village. If you go in summer, you can take a swim in the reservoir or take advantage of the proximity to the Fuentes del Algar and go for a swim there.

The village of Guadalest

Guadalest is full of small shops selling decorative and touristic articles. The streets are cobbled and the façades are white and stone.

San José Castle

The castle of Guadalest is the most recognisable part of the municipality. It was built by the Muslims on the highest part of the rocky mountain on which the whole village is based. It is the essential part to see in Guadalest, especially for its views.

Its location served as a strategic defence, but several earthquakes damaged it, and it was finally badly damaged in the War of Succession.

Alcozaiba Castle

Very little remains of this castle, only a tower that can be seen from the Casa Orduña, to which it currently belongs. It was built by the Muslims in the 11th century.

The church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Our Lady of the Assumption)

The church is right next to Casa Orduña. The construction was completed in 1753, although it was almost destroyed in the Civil War and had to be restored.

In front of the church is the main square of Guadalest, where the local fiestas are held. There are a couple of cafés and restaurants in this area too, in case you get hungry inside the village.

Museums of Guadalest

Although it is a very small village, there are many museums to see in Guadalest. This is one of the curiosities of this town. It is full of museums, each one more surprising than the last. The main museum in the town is the Casa Orduña Municipal Museum.

The house is decorated with the same period furniture. You can visit the bedrooms, decorated as in the past, the bathroom, the kitchen, the pantry and an exhibition room.

Other museums to be found in Guadalest are:

• The Museum of Nativity Scenes and Dolls' Houses.
• The Museum of Torture Instruments.
• The Museum of Microminiatures.
• The Museum of Salt and Pepper Shakers
• The Ethnological Museum of Guadalest
• The Microgiant Museum of miniatures
• And the Museum Collection of Historic Vehicles

These are inexpensive and very curious museums, with which to extend the day in Guadalest after the visit to the castle.

There is another interesting building which is an old prison located under the Town Hall building and dating from the 12th century.

The Guadalest reservoir

Of all the things to see in Guadalest, the reservoir is the only thing that is not in the village. You can go down to the reservoir by following the road that leads to Callosa d'en Sarrià. Just follow the road out of the village, go around a couple of bends and you will see a sign indicating the reservoir.

Along the way you will find an area that can be used as a viewpoint and a long straight road surrounded by trees that are well worthy of a few good photos!

There is a small car park at the reservoir. If you intend to go for a swim, it is best to park in this area and walk, as the road around the reservoir is very narrow and there are few opportunities to park.

How to get to Guadalest

Guadalest is only 20 kilometres from Benidorm and Altea, and from here halfway to Alcoy, via the CV70, a road full of curves and plateaus where you can enjoy the views of the mountains and nature.

From the A7 motorway, which covers the whole of the Valencian coast, to reach Guadalest take the CV70 towards La Nucia and, after that, Guadalest.

Very close to Guadalest there are other interesting municipalities from a tourist point of view, such as Polop, and various hiking and nature trails.

It is an area frequented by motorcyclists and cyclists, so drive with caution on the road.

Where to park in Guadalest

At the entrance to the village there are several municipal car parks, which you will have to use if you want to park near the village. 

In the same car park is the tourist office of Guadalest, where they will explain the most relevant information and you will get a free map.

Where to eat

Guadalest is full of restaurants, some better and some more normal. However, as the village is small, they tend to be very busy.

If you are not sure where to eat or the restaurants are all full, in Benimantell, which is the next town, there are also quality restaurants, and others on the road overlooking the village. It would be a good idea to call before you go, to make sure they have a free table.

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