Discover Guadalest Valley

Guadalest Valley

With a rich history stretching back to the Moors who first settled here in the 8th Century, it’s no surprise that the Arabic influence is still very much visible in the architecture and layout of the valley’s six villages.

Even after the Reconquista and the establishment of Christian rule, the Moorish roots remain an influential part of the Guadalest Valley experience.

From the fortresses built to defend the valley to the local food and customs, the synergy of the two cultures still resonates.

Guadalest

And what was once, and still is to some degree, an agricultural hub with terraced plantations irrigated by the Guadalest River, it is now a unique tourist destination where walkers, cyclists, climbers and day-trippers make their pilgrimage to Costa Blanca’s favourite rural destination.

Guadalest

The star of the show, Guadalest, is one of Spain’s most visited villages. And although in high season, during Easter and Spanish public holidays, it can get rather busy, don’t let anyone put you off going.

We have strolled the narrow streets many times; often in splendid isolation, and also in the company of hundreds of like-mined souls. And on every occasion the visit has always put a smile on our face.

Café Culture, Guadalest

The place is abuzz with people wowed by the beauty, the history and the community of visitors who all seem happy to have made the decision to travel to Guadalest.

Plaza de San Gregorio

As you wind your way up through the web of boutique shops, museums, galleries and restaurants, every turn brings a surprise until you guide yourself through the 15-foot tunnel carved into the rock which is your entrance to the castle and square.

Majestic views of the valley and reservoir await.

View down to Guadalest Reservoir

Benimantell

So close to Guadalest you can quite easily walk between the two. And we often do (20-30 minutes depending on your pace).

We always think of Benimantell as a bit of a foodie paradise – countryside style. Some fine family-run restaurants and an annual Food Festival in honour of a classic local dish, Olleta de Blat. This winter wheat grain stew is so embedded in the DNA of Benimantell and the wider Guadalest Valley that the November Olleta de Blat festival runs for 9 days!

Benimantell

The village is also a centre for hikers with many trails into the valley and the Sierra Aitana mountain range, making Benimantell the ideal location if you’re looking to explore the area on foot (or Mountain bike).

Beniardà

Our favourite Guadalest Valley village. Not quite sure why, maybe its position down by Guadalest Reservoir. Or simply the solemn joy of meandering through its historic lanes, listening to the gentle chatter behind closed doors.

Beniardà

Then again, it might well be the Fiestas that Beniardà seems to excel at – September’s Les Fadrines, a riot of exuberance, or the annual Feria Artesanal celebrating local produce such as honey, olive oil, sausages and buñuelos de calabaza (deep-fried pumpkin doughnuts, if you will).

Benifato

Sweet little Benifato. Where nothing much happens but you sort of kind of like it that way.

Quaint and peaceful while also a perfect base for the hillwalking fraternity.

Plaza Major, Benifato

And to enhance the general sense of well-being you will find a gorgeous bistro run by Ba and Nat, a Dutch couple who have created a little bit of international magic in the heart of a typical Spanish mountain village.

Even if you’re not staying in Benifato, make sure to pop into La Esquinita for some classic tapas and, believe it or not, an English breakfast served weekends only!

Confrides

At the highest point in the Guadalest Valley you will find Confrides sitting over 700m above sea level. Often a stopping point for cyclists riding high into the mountains, where they will pull into Pension El Pirineo for a well deserved pick-me-up.

It is also primed for hikers, where one of the designated trails to the ruins of Confrides Castle offers stunning views down the Guadalest Valley and out towards the Mediterranean Sea.

Confrides

Abdet

The first time we entered the village of Abdet we immediately felt at home. It is that sort of place.

Park up and explore – all 3 streets! Take in the views, sit in Plaza de San Vicente Ferrer and admire the church while staring trance-like at the surrounding mountain vista.

Abdet

Abdet’s claim to fame is in having the region’s oldest trinquet, built in 1772, where the street game of Pilota Grossa is played.

And while it is a serious destination for rock climbers and ridge walkers, it is also a generous sanctuary for those of us quite at ease doing very little except to wonder at the beauty of things.

DO

Guadalest Valley is an outdoor paradise where activities from climbing to cycling and walking to canyoning feature high on a To Do List.

And with Guadalest itself being such a significant tourist destination there is plenty in the way of history and culture. From the famous castle to unique museums, there is more than enough to entertain solo travellers, couples, groups and families.

Castillo de San José

Situated in the El Castillo area of Guadalest, this 11th century Muslim fortress offers awesome views across the valley. Access is via Casa de Orduña, the former 17th century home of a wealthy noble family and now a museum. A 4 euro entrance fee is great value for money, providing a glimpse into the past along with spectacular views.

Castillo de San José

Museo Microgigante

There are several superb museums sprinkled around Guadalest, including the Microgiant located on Calle El Sol.

You can view an array of astonishing peculiarities, from a bullring placed on the top of a pin to a clothes-wearing flea riding a bike! Ideal for both the young and young at heart.

Museo Microgigante

Reservoir Walk

There are many challenging walks, hikes and climbs throughout the Guadalest Valley, however, if you have a spare 2-3 hours, the loop around the reservoir is a relatively moderate route providing spectacular views and a genuine communion with nature that lifts the spirit.

Guadalest Reservoir

Motor Museum

Over 180 motorbikes, mopeds, scooters, cars and micro-cars are stashed away in the tardus-like Motor Museum, located just outside of Guadalest on the road to Callosa d’en Sarrià.

Motor Museum

Sitting next door to a restaurant and gift shop selling local products, it’s worth visiting to combine a little bit of motor nostalgia, shopping for a few gifts to take back home and a traditional lunch in the Spanish countryside.

STAY

From boutique B&B’s to eco-friendly hotels and a traditional pension to an individual Casa Rural, accommodation in the Guadalest Valley is as varied as the landscape each establishment inhabits. Wherever you might decide to stay, either for a night or longer, your Room is never too far away from a View.

Casa Noves

Located in the centre of Guadalest, within walking distance of the castle, shops and restaurants, Casa Noves is that dreamy sort of place where you feel a little bit pampered.

And when you are tucking into a rather brilliant breakfast on the terrace, with views across the valley and out towards Altea Bay and the Med, you begin to feel a little spoilt.

Casa Noves, Guadalest

Hotel Nasilvana

Formerly the village bar, Hotel Nasilvana has belonged to the same family for decades. Now run by Francisca and Manolo, this homely hotel and spa is the ideal place to enjoy the village of Benimantell and a perfect location to explore the rest of the Guadalest Valley.

It’s not often you’ll find a jacuzzi and sauna in officially rated 2-star accommodation. Add in an authentic Spanish kitchen with paella on the menu as well as a tempting list of meats cooked on the grill, and you are already in the process of personally awarding another star to this lovely couple who run this lovely place.

Hotel Nasilvana, Benimantell

Llar de Beniardà

Another couple, Mar and Paco, spent 2 years bringing this traditional casa de pueblo back to life, aided by their Feng Shui master, Arianna.

A sheer delight, each room is individual, there’s a splendid wine cellar and a ‘secret’ patio to relax and contemplate the day ahead. If you like the idea of staying in Beniardà, our favourite Guadalest Valley village, you won’t go far wrong with bed and breakfast in this charming Casa Rural.

Llar de Beniardà

Dine

Eating out in the Spanish campo is often all about being local. From the fresh produce on your plate to the tradition that lies behind it, you’ll be inspired to be brave and different, and as obsessed about food as the Spanish themselves.

Most, if not all, of the restaurants across the Guadalest Valley are managed independently, the keys to the kitchen often passed down from one generation to the next. So the passion for comida casera is genuine, it matters. And that always makes for a nice hearty lunch, one that you might talk about for a while.

Here’s a couple that do just that for us!

Restaurant Sonia L’Obrer

Back in 2018 the original El Restaurant L’Obrer closed its doors for the final time and it was in 2020 when Sonia Alvarado opened up to serve a regional menu that ranged from local specialities Olleta de Blat, Putxero amb pilotes and Arròs al forn to classic Valencian paella.

Restaurant Sonia, Benimantell

With a varied menú del día throughout the week and tasty vegetarian cuisine, it’s the sort of place you’ll happily tell your friends and family about on your return home.

Restaurante Mora

You cannot miss Mora. Situated on your left-hand side as you set foot on Calle El Sol, a legacy Guadalest eatery serving up a delicious menu to locals and visitors for decades.

The interior and exterior of the fabled Mora is probably one of the reasons we love coming to Spain; easy elegance and that nonchalant ambience only al fresco dining seems to inspire.

Restaurante Mora, Guadalest

As for their food, again you enter a world of grilled meats, fresh seafood and local specialities. And don’t forget to order a round of their Pan con Tomate y Alioli – mmmh!

Shop

When you’re in the Guadalest Valley and your mind turns to shopping, there really is only one destination.

Guadalest.

As a magnet for tourists, arriving from all across Spain as well as many other European countries, the shopping experience is designed around an Iberian theme, primed to tempt you to buy either as a reminder of your visit or for prezzies to fly back home.

Guadalest Shopping

From art to women’s fashion, leather goods and ceramics to honey and nispero jam; panama hats and bullfighting memorabilia to incense and Alicante wine, the list is endless.

And we love it!

Gift Shop, Guadalest

Getting to Guadalest

Guadalest by Bus from Benidorm

Thousands upon thousands of tourists staying in Benidorm make the pilgrimage up into the mountains to visit Guadalest.

For many people it is an habitual part of their Benidorm holiday.

Travelling by bus, however, has its limitations.

The Number 16 takes about an hour from Benidorm and arrives in the main Guadalest car park at approximately 11:00am. However, the last bus back down to Benidorm is at 13:30pm, giving you just over a couple of hours to walk around the village, take some pics and maybe grab a spot of lunch.

An alternative bus journey would be to visit on one of the organised day trips to Guadalest where the tour tends to give you about 3 hours and can include a stop off at the Motor Museum on the return trip to Benidorm.

Guadalest by Car

If you are visiting for the day from Benidorm but have hired a car, try to get there early as car parking can be difficult, especially in high season. The charge is only 2 euro and there are plenty of designated spaces – but there are also a lot of people who like to visit!

An alternative is to park up in Benimantell and walk along to Guadalest, half an hour should do it.

For more information on the villages of the Guadalest Valley you can visit our dedicated ‘Beyond’ pages: Guadalest, Benimantell, Beniardà, Benifato, Confrides and Abdet