Just 22 km inland from Benidorm along the scenic CV-70, Guadalest is a picture-postcard village with one of the most breathtaking settings in Spain. They call it the Eagle's Nest, because it perches on a granite outcrop with panoramic views over the valley carved by the Guadalest River.
It's tiny, but it's one of the most photographed places in the country and thousands of visitors come every year. And eating is never a problem: with 15 restaurants and room for 599 diners, there's something to suit everyone while you soak up the view.
Getting to Guadalest
By car
The drive is half the fun. The twisting mountain road climbs steadily through the pretty village of Polop, and it's nearly as spectacular as Guadalest itself. It might feel daunting for nervous passengers, but the views make it worth it.
By bus
Bus No. 16 runs direct from Plaza Triangular in Benidorm, Monday to Friday only, once a day. Pick-ups: La Cala Finestrat 9:45am, Av. Mediterraneo (top) 10:05am, Rincon de Loix 10:10am. The journey takes just over an hour via La Nucia and Polop. Single fare is €4. The return leaves Guadalest at 1:30pm, giving you about 2 hours to explore.
Always check the current timetable on the Llorente bus website, as times can change.
By taxi
Expect to pay around €24 to €30. The easiest option if you want to go at your own pace.
Don't miss
Casa Orduna
The Municipal Museum, built after the great earthquake of 1644. It belonged to the influential Orduna family, trusted administrators for the Marquis of Guadalest, and gives you a glimpse of noble life centuries ago.
Guadalest Castle
A fortress in the sky on a rocky outcrop, once both a shelter and a stronghold. Built by the Moors in 715 AD, it was badly damaged by the 1644 earthquake and again in the War of Spanish Succession.
The famous bell tower
The face on most postcards is the whitewashed bell tower of the Penon de la Alcala, clinging to the very edge of the cliff. One of the most iconic sights in the whole region.