Guadalest is a tiny, charming village situated between the mountains in the valley also called Guadalest. It is close to Benidorm and is easily reached along the CV70.
Getting to GUADALEST
It is easy to reach Guadalest as the same road also goes to Terra Mitica. Drive along using the signs that lead to La Nucia until you reach a roundabout that will turn you off to Guadalest on the right.
It takes less than 30 minutes to reach Guadalest making this town a favorite day trip or half day excursion point recommended by many local tourist agencies.
Attractions
Guadalest may be a small and charming village in a unique setup, but it offers a most picturesque view of the mountain top that might just take your breath away. The spectacular natural wonders of the peaks draw many to Guadalest, making it the most frequented village by tourists in the whole of Spain; it was declared a historical monument of artistic value in the year 1974.
One of the best attractions here in Guadalest is the castle of Islamic origin that stands precariously on a cliff face in its original position as in days of old. Its construction was said to have been extremely costly as it was completely fortified on the cliff to ensure its stability; it still stands today.
The Guadalest Castle
Even before reaching the castle, the street leading to it is really a pretty sight to behold. It is called De La Pena; its distinctiveness comes from the houses that are white-washed with quaint and decorative flower pots at each house lining the street. There are various types of craftware sold in quaint shops along the way offering leather ware as well. This interesting street comes to a halt at the long staircase leading to a door carved in a huge rock that leads to another ancient section that charges a small entrance fee. At this end stands the Town Hall, which was once the mysterious dungeon as old as the 12th century and carved out of the huge rock. This is the oldest section of the village; this is also the highest section of the village from which one can view the local town church, the bell tower and Saint Joseph's castle.
The Arrabal
This is the newer section of the village situated on the cliff's other side and has about 200 inhabitants, having moved out of the old castle, which has become a main tourist attraction in Guadalest.