Visit Guadalest
Guadalest is in the Alicante province in the region of Valencia and Murcia, Spain. It is about 25km west of Benidorm. It is situated in the mountain area of Marina Baixa.
Explore Guadalest
Guadalest, whose full name is El Castell de Guadalest, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Valencia and deservedly so. Suprisingly even though remote and at the end of a windy road, when you get to Guadalest there is a thriving town.
Guadalest was founded by the moors. The oldest part can only be reached by foot through a gateway hewn out of the rock. At the top the ruins of the castle and the church's belfry are perched spectacularly on the edge of the mountain.
The Castle of L'Alcazaiba was built in the 11th century by the Muslims and is problably Guadalest's most photographed monument. The castle is also known as the Castle of Saint Joseph and has been modified at various points in history. The Alcala Tower is the main part of the castle that still remains.
Originally residents lived with the castle walls but as the town grew up the streets and houses were built outside of the walls. The street leading to the castle is lined with lovely white-washed houses decked out in flowers. On this street 'De la Pena' is the town hall and some dungeons dating back to the 12th century.
Around the main street are lots of little cobbled streets and plenty of cafes and bars to tempt you for lunch or dinner 'al fresco'. The El Arrabal area of town is where most of the shops and cafes are situated and the area is very charming.
The views from the top are truly amazing. The surrounding mountains, the river below and the hillsides terraced by the Moors to grow crops are stunning. You can see three of the highest mountains in this area: the Sierra Xorta, the Sierra Aitana and the Sierra Serrella. To see more follow the very scenic CV70 road through the valley.
The river Guadalest has been dammed to form a reservoir and this looks beautiful from the village up above. It is possible to take a boat trip and get views of Guadalest from a different angle.
There are various museums to visit, including the Museo de Miniatures and the Casa Tipica an eighteenth century house made into a museum. The castle tour is also worth doing.
Places to visit nearby
The Guadalest valley is very picturesque and as well as Guadalest there are the villages of Polop de Marina and Callosa d'En Sarria. The slopes of the valley are covered in almond and orange trees.
As well as Benidorm the Costa Blanca resorts of Denia, Altea and Calpe are all nearby.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Alicante guide and the Valencia and Murcia guide.
Map of Guadalest and places to visit
Guadalest places to visit
Altea
A small resort set below the historic village which has views over the sea and coastline. The beach is a pebble beach
Altea guide
Benidorm
Benidorm is the largest resort in Europe and has a lively night-life. It is popular with young tourists and with families.
Benidorm guide
Calpe
Calpe is a popular resort on the Costa Blanca coast. It is recognisable for the huge rock just off the beach.
Calpe guide
Denia
A resort town overlooked by a large castle. It is a cosmopolitan town that has retained its charm.
Denia guide
Xativa Castle
Xativa Castle is a stunning castle whose Major and Minor castles spread out with their fortifications along the hilltop.
Xativa Castle guide
Alicante
With a medieval fortress above the town, a Boroque town hall, wide esplanades, sandy beaches, and lots more.
Alicante guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Valencia and Murcia