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If you’re looking for fun day trips from Benidorm, Calpe, or Altea and fancy a trip away from the coast, Guadalest is one of the most amazing towns to visit!
This small mountain village attracts over 2 million visitors each year – and for good reason which I’ll detail in this guide.
Want the easiest way to visit Guadalest? Consider booking an organised tour from Albir, Altea, Benidorm or Calpe that includes both Guadalest and the Algar Waterfalls – it’s the perfect combination for a fantastic day out!
You can book tickets through Get Your Guide below:
Where is Guadalest?
Guadalest is a small village nestled in the mountains of the Marina Baixa region in Alicante province.
It sits about:
- 25 km from Benidorm (35-40 minutes by car)
- 30 km from Altea (40-45 minutes)
- 40 km from Calpe (about 50 minutes) which makes for a great day trip from Calpe
The village is perched dramatically on a pinnacle of rock at 595 metres above sea level, offering incredible views over the surrounding valley and the turquoise waters of the Guadalest reservoir below.
How to get to Guadalest
By car
The drive to Guadalest is fantastic, with winding mountain roads and beautiful views:
- From Benidorm: Take the CV-70 road inland
- From Altea or Calpe: Take the N-332 to Benidorm, then the CV-70
There’s a large car park at the entrance to the village that costs around €4 for the day. In summer and at weekends it can get quite full, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea.
By public bus (from Benidorm)
The number 24 bus service runs from Benidorm (from Av. Mediterrani) to Guadalest, but it’s quite limited with only a few departures per day.
You can check current timetables at the Benidorm bus station.
By organised tour
For me, this is the most stress-free way to visit Guadalest. Many companies run day trips from the main Costa Blanca resorts.
The journey takes about 35-40 minutes from Benidorm, with the coach winding through mountain scenery that’s truly stunning. Most tours give you plenty of free time to walk around and see the sights at your own pace.
If you go with a tour that includes the Algar Waterfalls, you’ll get to cool off in the natural pools after your visit to Guadalest – a perfect combination, especially in summer!
The village of Guadalest
As you arrive at Guadalest, you’ll first walk through a small area with souvenir shops and cafés before reaching the old village. The historic part of Guadalest is accessed through a 15-foot tunnel carved into the rock – a unique entrance that sets the scene for what’s to come!
Once through the tunnel, you’ll find yourself in a white-washed village with narrow streets and amazing views at every turn. Despite its small size (the population is only around 200 people), there’s plenty to keep you busy.
The main street has shops selling local products like honey, liqueurs, and handmade crafts. There are also several small museums dotted throughout the village – some rather unusual ones too!
Don’t miss the viewpoints – the views over the bright blue-green reservoir and surrounding mountains are absolutely stunning and worth the trip alone.
Guadalest Castle (Castell de Guadalest)
The Guadalest castle is the most iconic sight in the town. Built by the Moors in the 11th century, it sits on top of a massive rock, looking like it’s growing straight out of the mountain.
To reach the castle, you’ll climb a series of steps carved into the rock which makes for a pleasant walk. Take water with you when you go, especially in the summer. You can also drive up and park your car – this will cost €2 (although spaces are limited so get there early)
At the top, you’ll find the remains of the castle walls and a small white bell tower called “El Campanario” which has become the symbol of Guadalest.
The views from up here are simply amazing – you can see for miles across the valley and reservoir. The castle was nearly destroyed by an earthquake in 1644 and damaged again during the Spanish War of Succession, but what remains is still impressive.
Entrance to the castle costs around €4.
The Guadalest lake (Embassament de Guadalest)
The bright turquoise waters of the Guadalest reservoir provide a stunning backdrop to the village.
Built in 1971, the reservoir is about 10km long and holds water that supplies many towns along the Costa Blanca.
While you can admire the reservoir from various viewpoints in the village, you can also take a closer look:
- There’s a walking path that runs alongside parts of the reservoir. It takes around 2-3 hours to traverse around the lake
- In summer, you can go wild swimming, rent kayaks or paddle boats to go out on the water
- Some tour operators run boat trips on the reservoir
The colour of the water changes with the light throughout the day, but it’s often a striking blue-green due to the mineral content of the water. It’s particularly beautiful in late afternoon when the sun starts to dip.
You can walk to the lake from the stairway down to the river. If you prefer to drive, you can park at the east side of the river.
Museums in Guadalest
For a tiny village, Guadalest has a surprising number of museums – there are around 7 in total! Some are quite small and quirky, but they add to the charm of the place. Here are the main ones:
Museum of Miniatures (Museo de Microminiatures)
This unusual museum displays incredibly tiny works of art – some so small you need a microscope to see them!
You’ll find things like a bullfight scene painted on a grain of rice or camels passing through the eye of a needle. It’s fascinating to see what can be created on such a tiny scale.
Museum of Medieval Torture
Not for the faint-hearted! This museum displays replicas of medieval torture instruments with explanations of how they were used. It’s quite eye-opening and gives an insight into the darker side of history.
Museo de Saleros y Pimenteros (Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum)
Yes, this is an actual museum. One of the more unusual museums, with a collection of over 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from around the world. It’s quirky but fun!
You can buy tickets for €3 each.
Places to eat in Guadalest
After walking around the village and visiting the attractions, you’ll probably want something to eat and drink. There are several good options:
- Bar Restaurante la Plaza: In the heart of Guadalest, fantastic, delicious food with a stunning view.
- El Castell Café Bar: Great views over the valley and reasonably priced set menus
Most places have outdoor seating where you can enjoy the mountain air and views while you eat. Prices are generally reasonable, though a bit higher than you might pay in less touristy areas.
You’ll also find several ice cream shops and cafés perfect for a cold drink or coffee.
Tips for visiting Guadalest
- Wear comfortable shoes: The village is built on a steep hill with lots of steps and cobbled streets
- Bring a camera: The views are amazing and you’ll want to capture them
- Visit early or late: If visiting in summer, the village gets very busy mid-day, so early morning or late afternoon is best
- Bring water: It can get hot, especially in summer
- Allow enough time: To see everything properly, you’ll need at least 2-3 hours
Organised tours to Guadalest
If you’d prefer not to drive the mountain roads, an organised tour is a fantastic option and takes the stress out of planning.
Here’s my recommended tour which departs from multiple spots across the Costa Blanca, visiting both Guadalest and the incredible Algar Waterfalls, making for a fun-filled full day out.
The tours typically start with morning pickup from your resort, with air-conditioned coaches taking you up into the mountains. On the way, you’ll pass through stunning scenery as the road winds its way up to Guadalest.
When you arrive, your guide will give you information about the village and then you’ll have free time to walk around, visit museums, and take in the sights at your own pace. Most tours allow 2-3 hours in Guadalest, with more time often given in June and September when it’s not as hot.
After Guadalest, tours usually continue to the Algar Waterfalls where you can cool off with a swim in the natural pools. The combination works brilliantly – morning in the historic village, afternoon splashing in the refreshing mountain waters.
For the Guadalest and Algar tour, a good level of fitness is needed as there’s walking up hills and steps at both locations. The trip isn’t really suitable for people with walking difficulties.
When is the best time to visit Guadalest?
Guadalest is a town which is open all year round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re after:
- Spring (April-June): Lovely mild weather, green countryside, and fewer crowds
- Summer (July-August): Very busy but lively; mornings or late afternoons are best to avoid the midday heat
- Autumn (September-October): Still warm but quieter, with beautiful colours in the surrounding countryside
- Winter (November-March): Very quiet with few tourists; can be chilly but often sunny, and the views are just as spectacular
If you’re visiting in summer, combining Guadalest with the Algar Waterfalls makes perfect sense – the cool waters are so refreshing after walking around in the heat!
