The August public holiday is a perfect moment to discover new places. Guadalest is among the most beautiful towns in the province of Alicante and stands as one of Spain’s most stunning destinations. Even with the sun high and temperatures warm, visitors can cap the afternoon with a refreshing hike through this priceless region just a few kilometers from Benidorm.
That is the heart of Guadalest: a town that preserves the classic character of inland Alicante while offering a vivid sense of place. Spain’s Most Beautiful Towns places it among the notable villages, and the site belongs to the municipality with a clear sense of identity.
Things you can’t miss in Castell de Guadalest
The municipality was declared a historical-art complex in 1974 and comprises two distinct neighborhoods: the old castle district, a fortress clinging to the rock and surrounded by an ancient wall, which retains a medieval atmosphere; and the newer quarter, established as the population grew along the mountain slopes.
Guadalest Castle, hiking and beauty
Access to the town begins through a tunnel carved into the rock, serving as the entry to the settlement. The bell tower of the church perched on the rock catches the eye, and nearby stand the remains of an old city wall. In the highest part of the town lie the ruins of the San José castle, a reminder of past fortifications.
Ascending the old staircase toward the historic quarter and passing the entrance, visitors arrive at the Orduña family mansion, whose shield hangs at the door. Adjacent is the parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which dates to the eighteenth century and adds a solemn counterpoint to the town’s landscape.
Panoramic viewpoints offer sweeping images of Guadalest, capturing the dramatic combination of rugged rock and whitewashed buildings that hug the slopes. The image conveys the town’s enduring charm and its strategic perch overlooking the valley below.
A stroll along the main street reveals a landscape of one-story, white, bright houses that reflect a timeless architectural style. The town also hosts a selection of museums that celebrate local history, crafts, and daily life. Visitors can browse handicraft shops and savor regionally inspired dishes in small restaurants, where the flavors of Alicante’s mountain gastronomic tradition take center stage.
Throughout the area, panoramic terraces and winding lanes invite exploration, with each corner presenting a quiet invitation to reflect on the region’s culture and natural beauty. Guadalest blends historic preservation with living traditions, offering a compact yet rich encounter with the heart of Alicante’s inland character.