Guadalest, what to see in one of the most beautiful villages in Spain

There is a small town on the Costa Blanca that is one of the favorite excursions for many of our guests. It is Guadalest, one of the most charming villages in Spain. If you are in the province of Alicante, Guadalest is one of those must-see stops you should make.

This village of just over 200 inhabitants is located in the comarca of Marina Alta, inland from the province. The Guadalest valley is situated in a mountainous location that looks like something out of a fairy tale, both because of its characteristic castle and its turquoise-colored reservoir. These are some of the reasons why it was declared a Historic-Artistic ensemble in 1974, earning a place in the Association of “The most beautiful villages of Spain”.

Throughout this post, we will tell you more about what to see in Guadalest and what to do in this beautiful town in Alicante so that you cannot resist visiting it.

What to see in Guadalest?

Guadalest is situated on top of a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 595 meters, with its houses built into the rock, overlooking a vast valley framed by several mountain ranges of the province of Alicante: Xortà and Serrella to the north and the Aitana mountain range to the south. 

If you enjoy hiking, here is a perfect location to indulge in incredible views, but if you prefer to enjoy things at a slower pace, we suggest several points of interest you cannot miss during your visit to this charming town of Alicante.

Guadalest, don’t miss its charming old town!

At the top of the hill is the Old Town of Guadalest; the views from here are spectacular, and this area retains all the charm of a small Mediterranean village. Access is through a tunnel that passes through the rock of the mountain on which the castle is located. The area has a medieval atmosphere, with cobbled streets and several craft shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to take a break before continuing your visit.

The San José Castle or Castell de Guadalest

It is a 11th-century Muslim fortress. It was built on a rock in the highest part of the town, and although only some remains are preserved now due to the earthquakes it has suffered over time, it played a very prominent role throughout the Medieval and Modern ages because of its strategic location.

On the way up to the castle, you can discover small chapels as well as a bell tower. The views from these points are breathtaking. Don’t hesitate to peek! Next to the Guadalest Castle is the Castillo de la Alcozaiba, a restored watchtower. The views from there are also impressive.

The Guadalest Reservoir

Undoubtedly, the Guadalest reservoir would be the most characteristic and photographed point of the entire valley because of its peculiar turquoise water. This dam comes from the Guadalest River and is the main tributary of the Algar River. If you enjoy walking, you can circumnavigate it along a simple and enjoyable route. However, swimming is prohibited in these waters.

Did you know Guadalest has many museums?

As many as nine museums are part of this small town. Yes, you read correctly, nine. Here is what you can find in each of them:

1. La casa Orduña

This house museum belonged to the Orduña family, who resided in El Castell de Guadalest. They served the marquesses as castle guards and governors of their estates. Today, many of these details have been preserved, such as original furniture, decorative elements, rooms characteristic of the building, exhibition halls, and a library where you can let your imagination run free and travel back in time.

2. Museo Belén y Casitas de Muñecas

A museum built on a natural rock that showcases the artistic work of Antonio Marco. A collection of dollhouses, an ecological nativity scene, and antique toys.

3. Museo Microminiaturas

In this picturesque museum, you will find countless monuments and scenes represented in miniature. This collection was created by Manuel Ussá, one of the best microminiaturists in the world. And it’s no wonder; here you can see from the Statue of Liberty inside a needle’s eye, a flea dressed as a bullfighter, to The Naked Maja painted on a fly’s wing… Surprising, isn’t it?

4. Museo Microgigante

A museum quite similar to the previous one, where many more works of this peculiar and tiny art by Manuel Ussá are gathered.

5. Museo Histórico Medieval

This is the medieval torture museum, consisting of more than seventy torture instruments and devices spread across a three-story building. If you decide to visit, you can learn about the horrific tools used for punishment in the Middle Ages.

6. Museo de vehículos históricos Vall de Guadalest

If you are passionate about vintage cars, this is undoubtedly your museum. Comprising a collection of about 140 motorcycles and original cars dating from the 1920s to the 1970s. Besides vehicles, it displays items and appliances from the era. One of the highlights of this museum is the stunning architectural beauty of the 500m2 hall that houses it.

7. Museo de la bicicleta

If your usual mode of transportation is the bicycle, 60 models of the first bicycles ever made make up this museum. Items such as the Draisine, the Celerifer, or the 19th-century tricycle are among the pieces you can find.

8. Museo Saleros y Pimenteros

Did you know there are only two such museums in the world? One in Castell de Guadalest and another in Tennessee, USA.
It features more than 20,000 original pieces from around the world, from the year 1800 to present day.

9. Museo Etnológico

This museum showcases the customs and way of life of our ancestors from the Guadalest Valley in the 17th century, housed within one of the typical houses of the old town.

Now that you know everything Guadalest has to offer, what are you waiting for to discover it?