At the top of a high rock, above the picturesque blue-green reservoir’s waters, sits Guadalest. This little quaint village, which actual full name is El Castell de Guadalest, has existed since the Muslim period. Nowadays, you won’t find many things to do there, but those that the village can offer will take you on a captivating journey back in time. Breathtaking views, charming medieval streets, and interesting museums are waiting for you. Ready? Let us show you amazing things to do in Guadalest village and valley.
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Guadalest, Spain FAQ
Guadalest is located in the Province of Alicante, close to popular holiday destinations like Benidorm or Alicante, and other beautiful small towns like Calpe, Altea, Finestrat, or Villajoyosa. The village sits at an altitude of about 550m a.s.l.
The answer can’t be any other than: of course! El Castell de Guadalest is one of the best places to visit on Costa Blanca. The village is full of history, streets hiding fascinating secrets, and spectacular views over the Guadalest Valley. All of that together creates an unforgettable vibe right from the village doorsteps.
Guadalest is best known for being a delightful Spanish medieval village that sits on the top of the mountain, offering spectacular views of the surroundings. It was declared a Historical/Artistic Complex in 1974 and later a Cultural Interest Asset. Guadalest is also named one of the most beautiful villages in Spain!
Guadalest is a perfect destination for a half-day trip but also for a nice and peaceful weekend getaway. It’s small, and it’s easy to explore everything in 2-3 hours. We recommend combining a trip to Guadalest with a visit to Fonts de l’Algar waterfalls located just a few kilometers further.
Things to do in Guadalest Village & Valley
To enter Guadalest you have to go through the Portal de Sant Josep, a short tunnel excavated in the rock. We can’t deny it – it’s a very original entrance to the village! As you go through it and reach the old town, you’ll start to feel that you are going back in time.
El Castell de Guadalest streets
One of the best things to do in Guadalest village is to slowly stroll through its old town streets and soak in its unique atmosphere. White houses, cobbled streets, small craft shops with local products, museums, restaurants… All of that adorns every street here. Not far from the tunnel, you’ll find a small village square with a town hall and viewpoints over the Guadalest Valley.
San Jose Guadalest Castle
Guadalest Castle (es. Castell de Guadalest) is an 11th-century fortress, built by Muslims. It sits on the highest spot in the village, on a rock at 595m a.s.l. Thanks to its strategic location, it played a very important role throughout the Middle and Modern Ages. The castle was badly damaged by two earthquakes (in 1644 & 1748) and the blasting in the War of Succession, in 1708. So unfortunately the castle doesn’t have a lot to offer today, but the views over the valley and bell tower are worth the trip.
While there, don’t forget to take a good look at the just-mentioned 11th-century bell tower. It’s one of the most iconic sights of the El Castell de Guadalest village, visible even from a distance.
Entrance to San José Guadalest Castle costs €4 for an adult ticket and €2 for a reduced (July 2026). Access is via Orduna House, which is also included in the price. For current prices and opening hours visit destinoguadalest.com website.
Orduna House
After the earthquake in 1644 that devastated the region, the Orduna family from Basque Country built The Orduna House. Since then, it has been restored and converted into the Municipal Museum. Inside, you’ll find, for example, 19th-century decor and furniture, paintings from the XVIII and XIX centuries, and an interesting collection of ceramics.
Entrance to Orduna House costs €4 for adult ticket and €2 for reduced (July 2026). A visit to Guadalest Castle is included in the price. For current prices and opening hours visit destinoguadalest.com website.
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Church is a Baroque-style church, dating back to the 18th century. It was burned and looted during the Civil War, and later in 1962 was remodeled. It’s located right next to the Orduna House. Entrance is free.
El Castell de Guadalest viewpoints
What’s another of the best things to do in Guadalest? Watching the views over Guadalest Valley! For the best ones, head to the castle and then to Plaza San Gregorio, the main square of the village.
From there, you can continue to Mirador des de la Muralla (our favorite), which is located just a few steps further. Just follow the path along the wall. But to be honest, wherever you go, stunning views of Guadalest Reservoir blue waters will be there.
Guadalest Museums
If you like going to museums, El Castell de Guadalest has quite a lot of them for such a tiny place. Besides Orduna House, you can also choose to visit:
- Ethnological Museum (es. Museo Etnológico)
- Microminiatures Museum (es. Museo Microminiaturas)
- Microgiant Museum (es. Museo Microgigante)
- Medieval Historical Museum (es. Museo Histórico Medieval)
- Salt and Pepper Shakers Museum (es. Museo Saleros y Pimenteros)
- Historical Vehicles Museum (es. Museo Colección Vehículos Históricos)
- Antonio Marco Dolls Houses Museum (es. Museo Belén y Casitas de Muñecas)
Some of them actually sound fun, don’t they? If you want to learn more about each of them or check out opening hours visit guadalest.es website.
Mirador del Castillo de Guadalest
Only 2.5 kilometers from Guadalest village center, you’ll find a fantastic viewpoint named Mirador Del Castillo de Guadalest. From there, you can admire stunning views over the village, castle, and valley. Definitely one of the best things to do in El Castell de Guadalest!
Guadalest Reservoir
Guadalest Reservoir is located in the Guadalest Valley. It’s surrounded by the mountains of Aitana (the highest summit in the Province of Alicante), Serrella, and Xortá. Guadalest Reservoir is most famous for its spectacular blue-green waters that look especially impressive from the village.
The place is perfect for relaxing, having a picnic, swimming, and even practicing water sports like canoeing or paddle boarding. You can also choose to go on a long, almost 10km, walk around the lake. Doesn’t it sound like one of the best things to do in Guadalest?
How to get to Guadalest, Spain?
El Castell de Guadalest is located about 20km from Altea, 25km from Benidorm, 30km from Villajoyosa and 60 km from Alicante. The most convenient way to get to Guadalest is by car, but there are also some buses traveling from Benidorm.
Where to park in Guadalest?
You can leave your car in this paid parking lot, right next to the Guadalest entrance (€2 in July 2026). If you don’t want to pay, you can choose this free parking lot located about 800m from the village entrance.
In Guadalest Reservoir, it’s best to leave your car in this free parking lot, right next to the dam.
To Guadalest by bus
You can reach Guadalest by bus from Benidorm using line 016. The trip lasts about 40 minutes and costs €1-4. For more bus route details visit rome2rio.com website.
To Guadalest by taxi
The most expensive option of getting to Guadalest, but also the fastest one if you care about time. Also, possible from every nearby town! For example, a trip from Benidorm will cost around €40, €55 from Calpe, and €115 from Alicante. To learn more about taxi connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
Campings in Guadalest
If you’re traveling by camper, campings like Refugio de Guadalest or Camping Fonts del Algar might interest you. They are located no further than 20km from Guadalest.
To Guadalest with guided tour
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning your trip to El Castell de Guadalest, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details.
If you’re staying in Benidorm, we recommend taking part in this well-rated Guadalest & Algar Waterfalls Tour. And from Alicante this popular Guadalest, Altea & Algar Waterfalls Day Tour looks like an amazing choice!
Are you up for some fun? Don’t miss this exciting and fun Guided Jeep Trip to Guadalest and Algar Falls from Benidorm.
Explore local attractions
Things to do in Guadalest Village & Valley – Summing up
Now you know what Guadalest village and its surroundings are all about. It’s one of the most stunning places on Costa Blanca and it definitely deserves the title of one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. No matter if you’ll visit only for a few hours or if you’re planning on staying for a weekend – we’re sure that you’ll fall in love with this charming tiny village. Enjoy your time in El Castell de Guadalest!
Our opinion about El Castell de Guadalest
For us, a visit to Guadalest was a half-day trip from nearby Benidorm where we lived for a few weeks. We visited the village in late October and during that time there weren’t many tourists and the village was very quiet and peaceful. For us, it was perfect!
We visited both Guadalest village and valley, and we really enjoyed both. Strolling among village streets and admiring Guadalest Reservoir was a pure pleasure. Until today it’s one of our favorite places on Costa Blanca.
Also, we recommend combining the trip with a visit to spectacular Fonts de l’Algar Waterfalls which are only 15 kilometers away.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Guadalest?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Guadalest:
