🏰 Looking for a fun little day out to the mountain village and Castle of Guadalest, or looking for day trip ideas from Javea? Great… then let this guide to Guadalest, help you plan your adventure!
The Castell de Guadalest, in English – Guadalest Castle, is perched somewhat precariously on the hill, with spectacular views overlooking the Guadalest Reservoir. Our guide to Guadalest will help you navigate your way there, explain where to park, what to see and more.
Below we breakdown the main sights, which include – the San Jose Castle; the Bell Tower; tunnel entrance to the walled city of Castell de Guadalest; the Casa Orduña Museum; and views over the Guadalest Reservoir. Not forgetting the miniature museums! We also recommend that you find a place for a quick tasting of the local tipple – crema de nispero.
So if you’ve already done everything there is to do in Javea, explored all the best beaches and completed all the walks? Well don’t you worry… because this little day trip from Javea is just what you need. In fact, I’d go so far as to say, the charming Castell de Guadalest, with population of fewer than 200, is one you don’t want to miss. Add a quick visit to the beautiful Algar Falls on your way back to Javea… and your day trip is complete!
So read on for our day trip guide to the Guadalest village in the mountains… it’s well worth the easy one hour drive from Javea.
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Guide to Guadalest Castle & Day Trip from Javea
Where is Guadalest Castle & How to Get There
If you intend to take a day trip to Guadalest from Javea, then it’s likely that you’ll have a rental car. Till now there are no guided tours from Javea, as there is from Benidorm or Alicante.
If you’re staying in Benidorm or Alicante, and stumbled across this one day guide to Guadalest then you’d be in luck! Here are a couple of well priced guided tours to consider.
From Javea to Guadalest, the travel time is just over an hour, and a scenic day trip to boot. Take the main highway E-15 / AP-7 south towards Alicante. There are two options from the main highway. Firstly, you could take the CV-755 turning inland just before Altea, alternatively take the CV-70 outside Benidorm.
The town square within the walled Castle of Guadalest cannot be accessed by car. Therefore, you’ll need to park in town and then take the short, but steep walk up. There is ample parking in the centre of town, and costs just a few Euros.
Our map above includes an optional visit to the Algar Falls, which you can read more about at the end of our post.
Note: You could take the bus from Javea to Benidorm, then a second bus to Guadalest Castle. However this does become a longer day.
What is Special About Guadalest Castle?
Well I’m glad you asked! Guadalest is listed as one of Los Pueblos más Bonitos de España. Which translates as one of the most beautiful towns of Spain. See… now you have to go, right!
And honestly it’s not difficult to see why. As you drive up the Guadalest valley and the town comes into focus, you begin to get a sense of the sheer beauty. The mountains and cliffs on which Guadalest was constructed is nothing short of impressive. I’ve shared this video by El Castell de Guadalest, as the drone captures the landscape perfectly and highlights what makes it so special.
The History of Guadalest Castle (In Short 😁)
In addition, the history of Castell de Guadalest has been turbulent. Suffering wars, earthquakes and more, this village’s story is one of resilience and grit.
Established in Medieval times, Guadalest’s origins began under the Moors. In the 11th Century, this rocky summit provided it’s muslim founders, the safety and security they required to survive attacks. As such a castle, known as the San Jose Castle, was constructed at the highest peak. However, following an earthquake in 1644, and an explosion during the war of 1708, the San Jose Castle did not fair well. Today, the ruins and final remains, can still be seen and explored, providing a stunning view towards the Bell Tower and the Guadalest valley.
The second aspect of Guadalest’s history that we found interested is related to the Casa Orduña. Basically, after the Expulsion of the Mariscos in 1604-09, when the descendants of the Muslims were sent from Spain, the Castell de Guadalest came into the possession of the Orduña family. They lived here for approximately three centuries as wardens over the area. Following the earthquake in 1644, they built the house now known as Casa Orduña. And this is where they lived until their heir line finished in 1934.
Then in 1994 the Casa Orduña was purchased by the Municipality and the house restored. It is now open as a museum, and one we recommend you visit.
Obviously there is a whole lot more history tied up in the story of Guadalest. But we’ll leave some of the discovery up to you.
Things to do at Guadalest Castle
We arrived in Guadalest on our day trip from Javea, having done very little research on what to see and do. I had arrived with my camera, with the sole intention to take photos of dramatic scenery.
From the moment I laid eyes on Guadalest, I knew I’d underestimated it. Thinking we’d only stay for an hour, we soon realised it would more likely be a few hours.
In short, there are many things to do and see in Guadalest. We certainly didn’t have time to do it all, but we gave it a good crack!
So read on for a more thorough explanation of what to expect, how to organise your visit, and our list of the top things to do in Guadalest.
Entrance Tunnel to the Walled City of Guadalest Castle
After finding a carpark in town it’s time to explore. Start by crossing the street take a right… kind of follow your instinct. You’ll know you’re in the right place when faced with the vista! The panoramic view towards the Mediterranean is a pretty sight.
Next begin the walk upwards towards the castle, past the small kids park. At the top of the walkway, is the extraordinary entrance tunnel, into the walled city and Castillo de Guadalest. As you pass through, there is a sudden change in atmosphere, perhaps like walking onto a film set. Suddenly everything just feels different.
Plaza de San Gregorio & Lookout
I suggest you start by walking the main plaza.
It’s a small area and in the centre is the statue of San Gregorio. Admire the view over the Guadalest Reservoir and dam, especially its colour.
Be sure to walk the full boundary, for all the lookout opportunities and angles.
Note: You can view the local map and points of interest here.
Església de l’Asuncion – Church of our Lady of the Assumption
Moving on, after you’ve enjoyed all the angles, from every lookout or mirador, make your way back towards the entrance. On the left is the Church of our Lady of the Assumption.
The Church was built between 1740 and 1753, on the site of an old temple. But the church also suffered during the Civil War, and required restoration in later years.
This doors are swung open, inviting visitors to take a look inside. It’s a pretty church, and nice for a quick visit and moment of reflection.
Museo Casa Orduña – The Orduña House and Museum
Then next to the church, is the entrance to the Casa Orduña Museum, this is also the entrance and ticket point to the Castillo de San Jose. In which case, you’ll need to allow at least an hour for the next part of your visit.
Each room represents a window into history, and helps us consider how its previous inhabitants might have lived. From kitchen, bedrooms, to library… your mind wanders to a time past. And from here, you can simply meander through the museum at your own pace, following the arrows.
The entrance cost to the Casa Orduña Museum is 4€ per adult and 2€ per child. The timings are from 10am until 6pm or 8pm, depending on the season.
Castle of San Jose – The 11th Century Muslim Fortress
After admiring the Casa Orduña Museum, the arrows lead outdoors through a different door than you entered. This is where the walk up to the San Jose Castle and Cemetery begins. Depending on how long you intend to look at the view, your visit to the castle ruins take at most about 30 minutes.
As we explained above in our explanation related to the history of Guadalest Castle, it all began with the San Jose Castle in the 11th Century. So this is certainly an interesting sight to visit, within the walled city.
The path takes you over a steel bridge, providing a birds eye view of Casa Orduña and the Iglesia. Then it runs up the side of the summit. From here you can get further stunning scenery views of the Guadalest Reservoir.
Past the beautiful cemetery, continue up to the ruins of the San Jose Castle and highest accessible point in Guadalest. Look out towards the Bell Tower and imagine a time gone past.
To exit the complex, simply return to the bottom of the path and out through the revolving gates. This will bring you out at the town hall, prison and dungeon.
Town Hall, Prison & Dungeon
On your way past the Town Hall, pop in for a quick look. As well as serving as the town hall and centre, it also doubled as a prison and dungeon. There isn’t a lot to see, and the room was locked during our visit. But we could take a look through the grill and into the dark gloomy room.
Museums of Guadalest Castle
Surprisingly, there are a large number of museums in Guadalest. Unfortunately we only had time to visit the Casa Orduña Museum. But below are a list for you to consider.
Within the walled city
- Ethnological Museum – entry is free
- The Microminiatures Museum – photographed above. I mean who wouldn’t want to see the “Eiffel Tower within the eye of a needle.” The reviews are very good and the artist is said to have an incredible talent.
Outside the walled city
- The Microgiant Museum
- The Museum of Medieval Torture
- Antonio Marco Museum – a space dedicated to dolls houses and cribs
- Historical Vehicles Museum – 7km from Guadalest
Note: You may have read about The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum – sadly this is now permanently closed.
Drink Crema de Loquat / Nispero
As you drove through the valley towards Castell de Guadalest, you may have noticed the fruit orchards. Large netted areas cover the valley, protect the loquat fruit, or nispero in Spanish, from the harsh elements.
We were puzzled by this sight at first, until we met a lovely gentleman selling nispero liquor in the village of Guadalest. He was eager to tell us all about the nispero, and appeared with a bottle of the bright orange liquor, for an impromptu tasting.
The schnapps like liquor was served extremely chilled, as we learnt it had come straight from the freezer. And at this point, our nispero teacher explained how the sensitive fruit grew in the valley below. Light bulb moment… ahhh that’s what that was.
And naturally we left the tasting, with our own bottle of nispero liquor in tow.
Hiking in the Guadalest Reservoir and Valley
The Guadalest Reservoir or dam, is a super place to visit after the village and castle. The regional website for El Castell de Guadalest, share two possible hikes. However, they are both over 13km long hikes, and one way. Instead we recommend the two following loop walks on AllTrails.
Firstly, you could do the 9.7 km loop track around the dam. This trail takes 2½ hours and is suitable for kids, with just a few steep areas. Though the last half of the walk is along the road. If you wanted to avoid the road, you could instead walk the first section and scenic part of the trail along the water’s edge. Then double back, the way you came.
For slightly more adventurous hikers then check the El Castellet Circular PR-CV 149 hike. This has some steep climbs but the scenery is well worth the effort. The trailhead is a 30 minute drive from Guadalest. It’s a 9.8km walk, which normally takes 4 hours to complete.
Note: The water levels rise and fall depending on the season, but it is a beautiful colour all year round. Also, we recommend you download the trail as the phone signal in the area isn’t very strong.
🥾 If you love hiking then read our guide to the best walks and hikes in Javea!
Visit the Algar Waterfalls
If you decided against a walk around the Guadalest Reservoir, then you might like to add a stop to the Algar Waterfalls to your day trip from Javea. This will only add 10 minutes each way to your journey, as you take a detour from Callosa d’en Sarria. And it’s a beautiful waterhole for swimming in.
Read this post by Wild Swimming Holes for tonnes of helpful information on planning a visit. Including the dos and donts, the prices and how to get there.
Where to Eat Lunch with a View in Guadalest
There are a couple of really conveniently positioned restaurants, that have capitalised on the mountain views. Check out the reviews on Trip Advisor for L’Hort and Nou Salat.
L’Hort Restaurant is easy to get to, located on Calle de la Virgen, and is served with great views over the valley. If you fancy a quick bite to eat, want outstanding views, and are okay with slightly above average service, and above average food then try L’Hort. They do get very busy in the summer, so book ahead if your visit coincides with the busy season.
Nou Salat is a Mediterranean restaurant, just a couple of kilometres down the CV-755 road. This means that the views are up towards the Castle of Guadalest. On the weekend, you’ll find many Spanish locals arriving at Nou Salat for lunch. They are reviewed highly, and rate very well for their service and food.
Where to Stay in Guadalest
Two top choices for accommodation in Guadalest are –
- Cases Noves – this is an adults only boutique hotel. They are rated an incredible 9.8 on Booking.com and a firm favourite in Guadalest.
- Apartamento con Encanto en Guadalest – is a beautiful apartment, perfectly suited to a family. Also this apartment is fully equipped with kitchen and washer, therefore a great option for self-catering.
Tips on Visiting Guadalest Castle
- Bring something a little warmer to put on. It’s noticeably a couple degrees cooler in Guadalest.
- The Tourist Information Centre and public toilets are located in Car Park 3.
- The best time for visiting El Castell de Guadalest is from 10am onwards. The timings of the town vary according to the season, so a good rule of thumb is at sunset things begin to close.
- Is Guadalest Castle busy? Yes, in the high and mid season it can get busy. Particularly on the weekend.
More on Planning Your Holiday to Javea
We hope this guide to Guadalest Castle has helped you plan a successful day trip from Javea, Spain. If you have any questions, drop them below or get in touch.
If you’ve visited Guadalest recently and have something to add, then let us know!
While you’re here, stay a while and check out some of our other guides to Javea –
🛶 Take a kayak tour around the beautiful bays of Javea
🍷 Book a wine tasting at Les Freses Winery just outside Javea
✨ Stay a night at the beautiful Villa Riu Blanc Boutique Hotel near Calpe
👙 Consider a day trip from Javea to the beautiful Calpe
💎 Read our full guide to the best hotels and accommodation options in Javea
Don’t forget to pin our guide to Guadalest Castle, the perfect day trip from Javea!
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