The Mediterranean Sea, or the beaches of the Costa Blanca are not everything. Besides enjoying the sun and water, discovering the interior of the province of Alicante will bring us some very pleasant surprises. A different environment to the beach, like very high mountains, cherry, almond or citrus crops among others.
We visit the Castell de Guadalest
The Castell de Guadalest is a town located in the interior of the province of Alicante surrounded by the Sierras of Aitana, Serella and Aixorta. With a population of a little more than 200 inhabitants, it has become one of the most visited places in the interior of the province, being declared Historical-Artistic Site in 1974 and later on a Cultural Interest Site.
The village of Guadalest
As soon as we arrive, we realize that we are in a very touristic place, visited by people from many countries.
You will find a large number of shops selling local artisan products, most of them made in the area, such as honeys or jams among many other things. Of course, these are products that will make the area known every time a customer buys them and takes them to their usual places of residence.
We can walk around the narrow, pedestrian streets and discover what life was like many years ago. When we arrive at the entrance of the Castell de Guadalest, we can take a nice picture that we can pick up on the way back in the form of a key ring. As we go up we can see the wonderful views over the valley and even see the Mediterranean.
The entrance to the castle is done by a tunnel that crosses the mountain on which the castle is built.
What to visit if we go to the Castell de Guadalest
The Castle of San José
It’s a fortress built by the Muslims before the reconquest in the eleventh century and is located on the highest rock in the city.
Alcozaiba Castle
We will find it next to the Castle of San Jose and it is a restored watchtower with beautiful views over the valley.
Arriving at the village square we will find in front of us the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the town hall and several restaurants and banks where we can enjoy the views over the valley.
Museums in Castell de Guadalest
Casa Orduña Municipal Museum
It’s a house built in the seventeenth century by the Orduña family that was looted during the War of Succession. It is currently renovated and still has original furniture and decoration of the time.
Bethlehem Museum and Dollhouses
It is built on a rock in the Guadalest fortress and houses the work of Antonio Marco. It consists of doll houses and antique toys
Museum of Microminiatures
We will be able to visit the amazing creations of Manuel Ussá, probably one of the best miniaturists in the world.
Medieval History Museum
It is dedicated to medieval torture and we can see the instruments used in antiquity for punishment.
Museum of Salt and Pepper Shakers
We’ll only find two in the world and the second one is in Tennessee, USA.
Ethnological Museum
It will help us to know how people lived and dressed in the Guadalest Valley. We will find posters and information brochures about each of the exhibitions.
Microgigant Museum
It is very similar to the Museum of Miniatures, where we can see things as curious as a flea dressed walking on a bike.
Guadalest Valley Historic Vehicle Collection Museum
It is already outside the town centre on the road to Callosa at km 7. We will find about 140 motorcycles, bicycles and old cars between the 20’s and 70’s of the last century. There is a shop with artisan products and a restaurant where we can enjoy the nature.
The dam of Guadalest
It is one of the main visits we have to make if we are in the province of Alicante. Its turquoise waters and a road that borders the entire reservoir make any time of year excellent to visit it.
How to arrive to Castell de Guadalest
It is located on the road CV755 and depending on where we will come from we have 2 accesses.
Whether we are coming from Benidorm, Alcoy or Alicante we will have to go up the renovated CV70 road.
If we are in Calpe, Javea, Denia, Altea, Moraira or other towns in the Marina Alta area we will have to go up the CV755 road from Callosa. We will enjoy a road full of curves and views, admiring the majesty of the Castell de Guadalest.
What means of transport are available to reach Castell de Guadalest
As public transport we can always use the ALSA bus services or different companies that organise day trips, although we will be limited to a very strict timetable.
If, on the other hand, we want to have total freedom of movement, the best option is always a car. Being here on holiday if we do not have one we always have the option to rent a car in Benidorm, Altea, Denia, Javea or Moraira. In these cases Victoria Rent a Car will offer you a car rental delivery to the hotel or at your door.
If we rent a car in Calpe will allow us not only to request it at the hotel where we are staying, but also to go to the offices and choose the one we like best.
Don’t we want to go by car?
There is a solution for everything, so we can always go by bicycle if we like outdoor sports and self-improvement. On the other hand, we can book a scooter rental in Calpe. We will have a 125cc Piaggio Liberty that we can drive with our category B car licence if we are at least 21 years old and have 3 years experience. If we have the A1 there are no limitations.
You know, there are no excuses not to visit the Castell de Guadalest
