Guadalest is a picturesque village perched high on a mountain, with great views of the surrounding countryside.
If you’re thinking of going there, it’s worth noting that there are a lot of steps and fairly steep inclines, so it’s best to wear flat shoes with a decent grip.
Once you’re up this set of steps, then there is a tunnel between two large rocks to go through, which take you to the entrance to the castle and the upper town.
The castle is in a superb defensive decision, and was built by the Moors over 1,300 years ago.
Heading uphill from the tunnel, the street leads on into the upper town.
The building on the right of the photo below is the church, and further on there are quite a few touristy shops selling souvenirs, crafts and local produce.
This street opens out into a square, where there are more shops and a few cafes, before leading onto a viewpoint with great views of the surrounding countryside, and of the reservoir below.
You can see by the water levels that the area has been in drought for some time, as this photo was taken in the winter when you would expect it to be much fuller.
Tips for Brave Travellers
Do wear flat shoes with a decent grip – it would be difficult to access the upper town in heels!
There are public toilets near the car park in the lower town, or use the facilities in a cafe after having a drink.
Good for a short trip as it’s only 30 minutes drive from the coast.
