What to do in Guadalest (Spain)

The Guadalest valley is the most visited place in Spain. Let’s see why.

What I knew about Guadalest before I went there is that it is one of Spain’s most visited tourist places. The journey promised breathtaking views, judging by photos on the Internet.

As I live in Valencia, it took me 2 hours to get to Guadalest by car. When you go for such a long ride, the place should exceed all your expectations. I was full of hopes and decided to “tick” my traveler’s checkbox anyways. Read further to avoid mistakes I’ve made on the trip because this place is worth a visit.

How to get to Guadalest

Guadalest is located 63 km from Alicante, 24 km from Benidorm and 116 km from Valencia.

There are some bus routes:

Bus tours from Alicante to Guadalest are organized from the port of the city. Information at “Oficina De Turismo: Playa Postiguet”, tel: +34 965 14 54 57.

Bus tours from Benidorm, offered at the city tourist office.Information at “Oficina De Turismo: Avenida Martínez Alejos 16”, tel: +34 965 85 13 11.

From Valencia there are no bus routes, but you can go by car.

Nearest car parkings (with the cost of 2 euros per day):Castell de Guadalest, Avenida de Alicante s/n, Castell de Guadalest, Carretera de Alcoy s/n.

History of Guadalest valley

In the green valley of the province of Alicante, surrounded by high mountain ranges, there is a small Spanish town of Guadalest. With an area of ​​about 16 square kilometers and roughly 250 people (by 2010). The settlement itself arose in the XI century during the Muslim period of Spanish history.

The fortified castle of San Jose, built by the Moors on top of an impregnable cliff and intended mainly to store the collected taxes, is still considered the main symbol and hallmark of Guadalest to this day.

It is also called the “Eagle’s Nest” for its location.

The main population of Guadalest continued to be Muslim until 1609 when their mass expulsion took place. Three earthquakes occurred throughout the history of the settlement, partially destroying the fortified castle.

In 1708, with the War of the Spanish Succession, the long-suffering Guadalest was also damaged. This time, by explosions.

Finally, the blows of destiny stopped, and in the next couple of centuries, the settlement was significantly restored and landscaped. In 1971, the large-scale construction of a dam on the Guadalest River took place.

Thanks to this dam, an artificial water reservoir was formed, which became another gem of Guadalest. Many tourists come here to admire the fantastic view of the pond and its stunning emerald color.

In 1974, Guadalest was declared a Historic and Artistic Monument, and currently, the settlement lives off the tourist activity.

What to see in Guadalest

• The Castle of San Jose (El Castillo de San Jose) is the city’s highest point, used as a watchtower in the XI century.
• House of the Orduña family (La Casa Orduna). The house was built after the earthquake of 1644 by the members of the Orduña family. In 1756, the family was honored to become members of the military order of Santiago (la Orden Militarde Santiago) and received a title of nobility.
• Castle of Muslim origin (Castillo de Alcozaiba), XI century. Unfortunately, only one tower has lived to our days.
• Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción), XVIII century, baroque style.
• The Prison, XII century. You can find it in the cellars of the town hall.
• Museums (there are eight of them).

What else? Read more about Guadalest on my personal page.