Guadalest

Guadalest is a village that looks improbable even when you are standing in it. It perches on a jagged limestone crag in the mountains behind Benidorm, with an old fortress on the highest point and a pale-blue reservoir spread out below. To enter the walled upper town you walk through a narrow tunnel carved by hand into the rock, and then step into a square with cafes, souvenir shops and a bell tower. For centuries the settlement was a Moorish stronghold; the fortress is now partly ruined, damaged by earthquakes in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, but its terraces and viewpoints are superb. Guadalest also holds a curious collection of small museums, including miniature art, a historic house museum and an old torture-themed exhibit, which add quirky interest for visitors who want to go beyond the view. A guided tour from Alicante or the coast usually combines the village with other stops in the valley, so a half-day or full-day trip gives a good taste of the mountains. The drive itself is a highlight, winding through almond groves, orchards and the foothills of the Sierra de Aitana.

The best approach is by small group or private vehicle, which saves you the mountain driving and lets you enjoy the views. The distance from Alicante is a little over an hour, and it is shorter from Benidorm. Time on site is typically one to two hours, enough to walk the main street, climb to the castle viewpoint, take pictures of the reservoir and have a coffee. Entry to some museums and the castle terraces carries a small fee, which is often not included in tour prices, so carry a little cash.

Crowds are the main issue. Coaches arrive from mid-morning, so the early start or the late afternoon makes a difference. The village is steep with cobbled lanes, so wear sturdy shoes. In summer the sun is intense on the rock, while winter can be cool and windy; always carry a light layer. The Guadalest reservoir below is a bright turquoise colour that looks best in the morning light. There is little to do for swimmers here, so it suits a sightseeing day rather than a beach day.

Tours often combine Guadalest with the Algar waterfalls, a stop in Altea, or a visit to a chocolate or almond producer, so check the itinerary for the mix you prefer. If you travel with a hire car, aim to arrive before the buses and park in the lower car park, then walk up through the tunnel.

Local specialities to try include almond sweets, honey, local liqueurs and savoury pies. Allow a full half day including the drive. It is an easy, scenic outing for most ages, though the steep lanes and many steps make it less suitable for wheelchairs.

Two small tips improve the visit. First, allow time for the viewpoint beside the castle ruins, where the reservoir spreads below and the mountains frame the horizon; it is the picture most visitors come for. Second, try the local sweets and liqueurs, which are sold in many shops, and ask about almond cakes and honey.

If you are visiting with children, the tiny museums are quick and curious, and the tunnel entrance feels like an adventure. If the crowds are heavy, walk past the first square and the lanes get quieter. In winter, bring a windproof layer, because the village sits high and the breeze can bite even on sunny days.