Guadalest

A village perched on a pinnacle of rock above a turquoise reservoir, accessed only through a tunnel cut through the mountain. Despite being one of Spain's most-visited small villages, its dramatic setting never fails to astonish.

Though the village itself sees day-trippers, the surrounding Marina Baixa mountains and their abandoned Moorish terraces are virtually unexplored.

History

El Castell de Guadalest is one of Spain's most iconic and visited villages, renowned for its dramatic location atop a rocky pinnacle in the interior of Alicante. Its history is deeply rooted in its Moorish origins, with the castle of San José, built in the 11th century by the Muslims, serving as its strategic heart. This formidable fortress controlled the entire Guadalest Valley, its fertile plains, and access routes, making it a highly coveted stronghold throughout the centuries of Christian reconquest.

After falling to Christian forces in the mid-13th century, Guadalest remained a significant defensive point, often changing hands or being controlled by powerful noble families like the Cardonas and the Orduñas. The village's unique access, a tunnel carved through the rock, was a later addition to improve defense. The village's current appearance, with its white-washed houses clinging to the rock face, is a testament to both its medieval past and its adaptation to its challenging, yet breathtaking, geography. Today, it stands as a living museum, drawing visitors eager to explore its history and unparalleled views.

Highlights

• Rock-top castle accessed through a tunnel
• Turquoise reservoir setting
• Multiple quirky museums
• Moorish terraced landscape

How to get there

From Benidorm, Guadalest is about 23 km northwest. Take the CV-70 road directly to the village. The drive takes approximately 30-35 minutes and offers picturesque mountain views.

Explore nearby: Valencian Community guide · Alicante province · Castles of Alicante