One of the places I always take my family when they come to visit is Guadalest. Guadalest has a little bit of everything and it is idyllic and cosy.
Guadalest is a little town found in the Province of Alicante. It is located on top of a mountain near a valley. The valley has a really beautiful blue turquoise lake in the middle of it. Since the town is located in a high location, you have many good spots to take beautiful pictures or even observe the beautiful birds flying around at a distance.
Recommended Trip
- Time of the year: Apr - June or Sept - Nov
- Duration: Morning with lunch
- Approx. Expenses: 25 euros per person
- Traditional Food: "L'Olleta" and "Bunyols"
Recommended Route
As you come into the town through the highway “CV-755”, park in one of the parkings located around that highway. Believe me, you won’t find parking anywhere else, and it will only cost a few euros for the day. Once you have parked, then start walking through “Calle del Sol”.
You will notice the moment you start coming into the street that the buildings and streets become more traditional and Mediterranean. Through that street, you are going to see many little shops and cafés. In my opinion, I wouldn’t waste much time in those shops except for the “Cork Shop” If you like leather bags or artisanal cork, then you are going to love that shop. It will be a little bit expensive, but completely worthy of the quality of the product. We have never been disappointed.
Keep going up through “Calle del Sol” to a little corner where you can take really good photos of the traditional streets of Guadalest. The street will become “Calle la Peña”. Keep going through that street, and you will find the most famous photography spot of Guadalest, “The Rock of Guadalest”. There is a rock where you can go up (careful because it is quite slippery) and take a group photo over the valley of Guadalest. Take your time. That spot is truly beautiful and relaxing, especially if there are not many visitors.
Once you are satisfied with the views, go downhill and you will see your way up into the old Guadalest. In Spain, we call it “Casco Antiguo”. You will go through the medieval walls and feel free to take a nice photo there. It is also one of the best spots to take photos.
Make your own route: Here you can take a choice. If you like medieval castles and medieval history, you should not ignore the actual “Castell de Guadalest”. The entrance is right in front of the gates to the old village. It only costs around 4 euros and you will get a good amount of history and views of this beautiful town. If you are not into medieval history and you are more into traditional towns and lifestyle or even shopping, you won’t miss anything interesting for you in the castle and you are recommended to skip the museum.
Whether you visited the castle or not, now a stop you should not miss is the local “Free” museum “Museu Etnológic”. There you will be able to see a real traditional house and the lifestyle of the Spaniards in that town. Moreover, there is a little shop with local products (definitely I recommend the local honey in that area, you probably have never tasted something like that before).
Then you will arrive at the main “Plaza” where you will have beautiful views, cute shops, and if you advance to the very corner of the plaza, you will find an amazing small and “hidden” lookout of the whole valley to take photos. Take your time there, sink it in. It is a beautiful experience and very relaxing. Note: If you are visiting in Autumn, prepare your jackets; it can get windy up there.
Once you are satisfied, we become ready for the last part of your visit.
Your Lunch.
If you have visited this place at the recommended time, you are probably around Spanish lunch time. Depending on your culture, you may be tempted to eat in one of the cafes or restaurants in the beautiful “Plaza”, right? Mistake! You may enjoy your meal there, but you have been treated like a tourist. In other words, you paid more for less quality.
Instead, leave the old village through the same way you came in, and as soon as you go out the gates of the wall, walk down the hill through “Costera de Gabriel Miro”. You will enjoy the views once more and also a small area of the town with some shops and an ATM. Please get some cash out; the place we recommend to have lunch to does not accept card payments, it is a small family business. Note: You will also pass through a “Gelateria”. Take note for later if you feel like an ice cream.
Make sure you find the street “Carrer del Aire” and go up that street. On your right, you will find: The Café Bar “El Castell” where you will have a lunch deal of around 13 euros depending on when you go that will include a starter, main meal, dessert, and bread. I don’t think you can go wrong choosing any meal there; the family cooks the best meals in that town, but if you want to have something traditional, any rice or “L’Olleta de Blat” and for dessert, please choose “Bunyols” or Buñuelos if they are available. Note: This is a traditional family café. There are not many allergy-free options.
Conclusion
Once you have finished your lunch, hopefully, you have experienced what we did: a beautiful small town with amazing views, beautiful and cute shops, and amazing food. Now you are ready for finishing your day with an amazing place around the corner: Altea.
