All About Guadalest – The Eagle’s Nest Carved into the Mountain
Located just 22 km inland from Benidorm along the scenic CV-70, Guadalest is a picturesque village that offers one of the most breath-taking settings in all of Spain. Nicknamed The Eagle’s Nest, it is dramatically perched atop a granite outcrop, offering panoramic views over the valley sculpted by the Guadalest River, from which the village takes its name.
Although small—home to just 258 registered residents as of 2023—Guadalest is one of the most photographed destinations in the country, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
Despite its size, finding a place to eat is never a problem. The village boasts 15 restaurants, with a total seating capacity of 599 diners, ensuring there’s something to suit every taste while you take in the incredible views.
Getting to Guadalest
By Car
The drive to Guadalest is an experience in itself. The twisting mountain road that climbs steadily upward—passing through the charming village of Polop—is nearly as spectacular as Guadalest’s hilltop setting. While the winding route might feel daunting for more cautious passengers, the breathtaking views along the way make the journey well worth it.
By Bus
If you prefer public transport, bus No. 16 offers a direct route to Guadalest from Plaza Triangular in Benidorm.
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Schedule: Currently operates Monday to Friday only, and runs once per day.
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Departure Points:
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La Cala Finestrat at 9:45 AM
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Av. Mediterráneo (top) at 10:05 AM
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Rincón de Loix at 10:10 AM
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Journey Duration: Just over 1 hour, passing through La Nucía and Polop before heading up the mountain.
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Fare: €4.00 (single trip)
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Return Trip: Departs Guadalest at 1:30 PM, giving you around 2 hours to explore the village.
Please check the Llorente Bus website to confirm current timetables and operating status, as schedules may change.
By Taxi
Between 24€ - 30€ contact Radio Taxi
Visit Guadalest with Round Town Travel
Visit Guadalest and Algar Falls with Round Town Travel
On reaching Guadalest you can see why the Moors, who constructed castles to defend the area, considered this place a site of strategic importance.
The Old Village of Guadalest
The old village and castle of Guadalest can only be reached by passing through a 15-foot tunnel carved directly into the rock. As you emerge on the other side, surrounded by ancient stone houses and narrow cobbled streets, it feels as though you've been transported back in time to a bygone era.
Below the Portal de San Jose
Casa Orduña – The Municipal Museum of Guadalest
The Casa Orduña, also known as the Municipal Museum, is one of Guadalest’s most historically rich and culturally significant sites. Built after the great earthquake of 1644, this stately home belonged to the influential Orduña family, who served as trusted administrators for the Marquis of Guadalest. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into noble life during centuries past.
As you explore the house, you'll walk through beautifully preserved rooms furnished in 18th and 19th-century style, including a grand library, formal dining area, and richly decorated drawing rooms. The museum also hosts a collection of historical artifacts, religious artwork, and antique documents, giving deeper insight into the region’s heritage.
One of the highlights of your visit is the access to the upper part of the castle ruins, which are included in the entrance fee.
From here, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Guadalest Valley and surrounding mountains—truly a photographer’s dream.
Whether you're interested in local history, architecture, or simply want to experience the elegance of a bygone era, Casa Orduña is a must-see on your visit to Guadalest.
Guadalest Castle – A Fortress in the Sky
Guadalest Castle - Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, Guadalest Castle once served as both a shelter and a fortress. Originally built by the Moors in 715 AD, served as a vital strategic stronghold throughout various periods in Spanish history. Over the centuries, it endured significant damage—most notably from a devastating earthquake in 1644 and again during the War of Spanish Succession in the early 18th century.
While the remains of the castle itself are a major draw, the image that graces most postcards of Guadalest is actually the whitewashed bell tower of Peñón de la Alcalá. Perched dramatically on the edge of the cliff, it appears to cling precariously to the mountainside, offering one of the most iconic and breathtaking sights in the region.
Guadalest Castle
Today, for just a few euros, visitors can explore this historic site on guided tours that begin at 10:00. The tour includes access to the old dungeon—a highlight for children—and breathtaking views of the surrounding valley from cobbled paths and scenic lookout points.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The climb involves cobbled paths and stairs.
- Not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
View from the very top of the Castle.
Cemetery at the Castle Summit
This is a truly unique feature and is perched beside the castle ruins, offering both historical significance and stunning views.
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Location & Access
You’ll reach the cemetery by climbing the Via Crucis path, dotted with stations of the cross, leading from the Orduña House and castle entrance up to the summit
What You'll See
Here lies the municipal cemetery, surprisingly high and still in use. Look for well-kept graves adorned with fresh flowers, reflecting its status as an active burial site offering breathtaking views . The cemetery’s position—a tradition to place graves “closer to the sky”—adds a poignant and spiritual quality to your visit .
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Panoramic Beauty
As you wander among the tombstones, you’re rewarded with sweeping vistas of the valley, reservoir, and even the Mediterranean Sea on clear days
Visitor Tips
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Wear comfortable shoes: The climb involves cobbled paths and stairs.
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Quiet please: It’s still a functioning cemetery—please speak softly and respect the space.
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Best light: Mid-morning or late afternoon provides optimal lighting for photos and atmosphere.
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Cemetery gate: Look for the entrance outlined in stone; it's often overlooked without guidance
Quirky and Captivating Museums in Guadalest
Although the village has just over 250 residents, tourism is now its lifeblood, and Guadalest boasts some of the best small museums in the region. If you’re looking for an experience that transports you back to a time when every piece of land was fiercely defended, a visit to Guadalest is an absolute must.
Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum – Museo de Saleros y Pimenteros
A must-see for the curious and the collector at heart, this delightful museum features over 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from around the world!
Curated by Andrea Ludden—who has spent more than 30 years building this extraordinary collection—the museum is a sister site to another one she founded in Gatlinburg, Tennessee (USA), which houses an additional 20,000 pieces.
Located at Avenida de Alicante 2, right next to the main parking area in Guadalest, the museum is fully accessible, with no stairs or steep climbs. It’s fun, educational, and a hit with children—an ideal stop for families.
You will also find a lovely restaurant here, that offers a wonderful menu del dia for a great price for this area.
Antonio Marco’s Dolls House Museum
This charming private museum is the lifelong work of craftsman Antonio Marco, who spent 15 years meticulously building and decorating the collection.
Inside, you’ll find beautifully detailed dolls houses, a handcrafted Nativity scene, and models made with real materials like bricks, stone, and iron. Each miniature interior is an authentic replica of traditional Spanish homes.
Open every day of the year, this museum offers a fascinating peek into the world of miniature design and old-world craftsmanship.
One of the most captivating exhibits in Guadalest is a massive Nativity Scene, often referred to as the "Giant Bethlehem." Weighing an incredible 12 tons, this intricately detailed scale model reflects life in the early 20th century and took over 20 years to complete. What makes it truly special is the craftsmanship—no cork, plastic, cardboard, or paint was used. Instead, it was constructed using stone, tile, brick, wood, iron, natural plants, and bonsai. The result is a stunning, award-winning display that has even received praise from Spain’s Royal Family.
Micro-Gigantic Museum – Just one of Guadalest’s Unique Attractions.
Nearby, you’ll find the fascinating Micro-Gigantic Museum, home to two extraordinary collections. On one side, you'll discover a series of miniatures—so tiny they must be viewed with magnifying glasses. On the other, you'll see giant sculptures that contrast dramatically with their miniature counterparts. This quirky and imaginative museum offers a truly unique experience for visitors of all ages.
Among the miniatures to be seem are: -
- A bull ring on a pinhead
- A bible written on a hair
- A flea riding a bike on a seed
- The church and the tower of Guadalest on one quarter of a centimetre
- An ant playing the violin
- A miniature of the Kremlin
- A village built on a bone two centimetres long.
Torture Museum
This museum exhibits instruments of torture and execution from Medieval times to the 20th century. Situated in the old town of Guadalest.
The museum is very interesting and has many different kinds of torture devices that have been used throughout Europe. All of them were quite barbaric including the impaling device and a device I like to chop heads off.
Guadalest Tourist Office: Tel. (+34) 965 885 298
Museo Vehículos Históricos Valle de Guadalest – Classic Wheels in a Scenic Valley
Situated just 7 km from Guadalest along the CV‑755 (also next to El Riu restaurant and local craft shop), this hidden gem is a must-visit for vehicle enthusiasts, families, and anyone who appreciates design and nostalgia
What You’ll See
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Over 140 fully restored motorcycles dating from the 1920s to the 1970s, including European classics like Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Harley-Davidson, and Vespas.
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A fascinating selection of microcars—tiny, quirky vehicles such as the BMW Isetta and Messerschmitt KR200
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A nostalgic display of vintage memorabilia—sewing machines, typewriters, telephones, radios, and petrol pumps—that capture the essence of 20th-century life
The Story Behind It
This museum is the legacy of Don Ricardo Fracés Seguí, a passionate restorer who spent over 25 years collecting and restoring vehicles. In 2003, he opened this 500 m² venue to share his love for classic motorcycles and microcars.
Opening Hours & Tickets
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Summer (July–August): 10:30 AM–7:30 PM
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Rest of the year: 10:30 AM–6 PM
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Closed on Saturdays; hours may vary on holidays
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Admission: €5 adults, €4 seniors/children 6–12, free under 6
Highlights for Visitors
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Ideal stop-off on the scenic drive from Benidorm to Guadalest—just minutes before reaching the village and with ample parking.
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Family-friendly: interactive displays, a café, gift shop, and adjacent restaurant “El Riu” serve food, local products, food, and wine bodega.
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Mixed appeal: perfect for families, history buffs, photographers, and anyone drawn to vintage design and mechanical sculpture.
All about Guadalest
Guadalest Reservoir, Embalse de Guadalest
The dam was built across the Guadalest River between 1953 and 1964 and is 73 meters high, 270 meters long and supplies water to many towns and villages in the area, including Benidorm.
You can drive across the dam and along the North side of the lake by taking the turning marked "Embalse de Guadalest" on the road from Guadalest to Callosa. It is also just 5kms by a minor road from Abdet. Follow the (camino rural) road from the bottom of the village all the way to the bridge on the West side of the lake, you could park near here.
Enjoy a lovely walk around the Lake, on minor roads and paths, The journey is about 12.7km (7.9 miles). see map below.
The Guadalest dam is a great place for freshwater fishing, but you'll need a licence.
The green colour is caused by tiny particles of silt suspended in the water. It is perfectly safe to swim in, although not suitable for small children or poor swimmers as the water soon gets very deep. The best access for swimming is from the car parking area at the dam. Go through the gates (where it says dangerous swimming "peligro de bano") you will find some access paths down to the shore.
Did you know that Guadalest has been a location for a number of films?
The town has been the backdrop to a number of popular films like “My Life in Ruins”, the sequel to the successful “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. One of its producers was Tom Hanks! In the film, part of the town’s main plaza and panoramic views of the Guadalest Basin substitute for Greece.
Guadalest in 1940
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