The interior of Alicante has many treasures to show us. One of them is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, El Castell de Guadalest. This is certified by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain to which it belongs, which, as a full member of the latter, became one of the most beautiful in the world thanks to the fact that it belongs to the International Federation of the Most Beautiful Villages in the World. And all this after signing a petition for membership of the Spanish association in 2012, which was approved on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 in Quebec (Canada).
Guadalest is at the top of a rock at 595 meters above sea level and its houses are perfectly embedded in the rock. From this beautiful town you can see impressive views of the Xortà, Serella and Aitana mountain ranges.
Climate in Guadalest
In Guadalest, climatic conditions are classified as temperate and moderate. In winter there is much more rain than in summer. In Guadalest, the average annual temperature is 15°C and the annual precipitation is approximately 598 mm.
Attractions of the area
At the top of the rock is the Old Town of Guadalest, the views from here are spectacular and this area has all the charm of a small Mediterranean town. Access is through a tunnel that crosses the rock of the mountain on which the castle is located.
With a medieval atmosphere, cobbled streets and several craft shops and restaurants, it is the perfect place to take a break before continuing with the visit. These are the places you can’t miss:
The castle of San José or the Castell de Guadalest
It is a Muslim fortress from the 11th century. It was built on a rock in the highest part of the town, and although only some remains are now preserved due to the earthquakes it has suffered over time, it had a very prominent role throughout the Middle Ages and Modern Age for its strategic situation.
On the way up to the castle you can discover some small chapels and a bell tower. The views from these points are not to be missed. In addition, next to the Guadalest Castle is the Alcozaiba Castle, a restored watchtower where its views are also impressive.
The Guadalest Reservoir
The Guadalest reservoir is the most characteristic and photographed point in the entire valley for its peculiar turquoise water. This reservoir comes from the Guadalest River and is the main tributary of the Algar River. If you like to walk, it is possible to go around it, taking a simple and entertaining route. Of course, bathing is prohibited in these waters.
The Orduña house
This house museum belonged to the Orduña, a family that lived in El Castell de Guadalest. These were at the service of the marquises as wardens of the fortress and governors of their states. Currently they have managed to preserve many of those details such as the original furniture, decorative elements, the property’s own rooms, exhibition rooms and its library…, where you can let your imagination fly and take you back in time.
Belén Museum and Doll Houses
It is a museum built on a natural rock that collects the artistic work of Antonio Marco. It has a collection of doll houses, an ecological nativity scene and antique toys.
Microminiatures Museum
In this picturesque museum you can find countless monuments and scenes represented in miniature form. Collection created by Manuel Ussá, one of the best microminiaturists in the world. And it is no wonder, since here you can contemplate from the Statue of Liberty inside the eye of a needle, a flea dressed as a bullfighter to La Maja Desnuda painted on the wing of a fly.
Medieval Historical Museum
This is the medieval torture museum made up of more than seventy pieces and instruments of torture spread across a three-story building. If you decide to visit it, you will be able to see the gruesome utensils used to punish people in the Middle Ages.
Vall de Guadalest Historical Vehicle Museum
If you are passionate about vintage cars, without a doubt, this is your museum. The museum is made up of a collection of about 140 original motorcycles and cars, dating from the 1920s to the 1970s. Apart from the vehicles, items and appliances from the period are on display. One of the peculiarities of this museum is the surprising architectural beauty of the 500 m² room that houses it.
Salt and Pepper Shakers Museum
There are only two museums like this in the world: one in the Castell de Guadalest and another in Tennessee, USA. It is made up of more than 20,000 original pieces from all over the world from the year 1800 to the present.
Ethnological Museum
This museum collects the life habits of our ancestors from the Guadalest Valley from the 17th century inside one of the typical houses of the old town.
Gastronomy in Guadalest
Guadalest’s typical dishes are made with local products. Rice with beans and turnips, stuffed pepper, mincho, rabbit with garlic, baked vegetables, wheat pot, olleta and corn balls are examples of this varied cuisine.
One of the star dishes of mountain gastronomy is olleta de blat or wheat pot, a stew prepared with wheat, vegetables, spices and different types of pork.
Furthermore, if you plan to take a souvenir from Guadalest, we recommend that you opt for local products, such as the Apícola Pérez store, a local beekeeper who makes different types of honey from the mountains of Alicante.
Festivities and Fests in Guadalest
The most important festivals in Guadalest are the following:
- Saint Gregory. These festivities are celebrated the weekend closest to May 9, which is the saint’s name day. These festivals are also called “Youth Festivals”, since it is the young people who are in charge of the entire organization.
- Patron saint festivities. They take place from August 14 to 17 in honor of The Virgin of the Assumption. Events are held in honor of the patron saint and whose central events are the transfer of the image to the church, the offering of flowers to the virgin and the procession throughout the town.
- Pilgrimage to Ginés. It is celebrated the second weekend of September in honor of Santa Ana and San Joaquín, patron saints of the Gines hamlet.
Transport in Guadalest
When going to Guadalest we have several options to choose from:
- On an organized excursion. It is the most convenient way to get there, since you don’t have to worry about driving on the winding mountain roads or finding parking, but just enjoy.
- On public transport. Only one bus company, Llorentebus, serves Guadalest and there is only one bus daily from Benidorm. We do not recommend this option since you will be very limited in the time you stay and will have very little mobility.
- By own car or rental car. We would say that it is the best option to have more independence and be able to travel to all the places of interest.
Infrastructure and housing in Guadalest
If you are considering moving to Castell de Guadalest, it is important to know the housing options available in the area. From traditional houses to modern apartments, the variety is wide and you can find an option that suits your needs and preferences.
The cost of living in Castell de Guadalest is attractive compared to other tourist areas in the region. Prices for housing, services and basic products are reasonable, making it an affordable place to reside.
The Castell de Guadalest community is welcoming and friendly. The local population is diverse, creating a multicultural environment that you can easily integrate into. There are community activities and events that encourage participation and a sense of belonging.
As for housing, the characteristic architecture of the town offers you unique options, from houses in the old town with historic charm to modern residences with panoramic views of the region.
Housing prices vary depending on location and amenities offered. You can find everything from cozy apartments in the center of town to spacious rural houses with gardens. The offer is diverse and adapts to different lifestyles.
The quality of life in Castell de Guadalest is appreciated by its residents, thanks to its quiet environment and its proximity to nature. If you are looking for a place to settle down and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, this town can be an excellent choice.
The local community is warm and welcoming, allowing residents to feel part of a family environment. The traditional gastronomy of the area, with dishes such as paella and typical sweets, adds a special touch to the experience of living in Castell de Guadalest.
In short, living in Castell de Guadalest is to immerse yourself in the authenticity of its history, the beauty of its natural environment and the warmth of its local community. This unique combination makes this town an unrivaled destination for those seeking a living experience in a historic and natural environment.
