A traditionally agricultural town transformed into a touristic shop for its visitors who arrive en masse attracted by its charms.

One of the most emblemic images on the whole of the costa Blanca is in this town:  the mixture of its slim belltower and the tunnel that provides access to the old town.  Both are situated on a great granite rock.  Castell de Guadalest is  the capital of the valley which  takes its name from the river that runs hrough it and it is bordered by the Sierras of Aitana, Serrella and Aixorta, holding its waters in a resevoir near the village.  The most outstanding thing of this town is its situation because the old town is to be found on the top of a hill which is only accessible through an opening arch made in the mountain itself.  In this high part of the town is the aforementioned belltower, the antique underground dungeons, the castle of San Jose, present cemetery, the house  of the noble family Oduña, the parroquial church and the Moorish fort called Alcozaiba.  At the foot of the rocky promontory is the most modern part of the town, el Arrabal, where the craft shops are situated along with museums and restaurants.  This village has totally transformed it agricultural tradition to focus on tourism.  All the village is a tourism attraction with its souvenir and craft shops, the most charming museums in the province and a privileged situation topped by magnificent views across the valley and the resevoir of Guadalest.

Wooden objects. Embroidery. Lace. Honey.  Liquers.

The typical dishes in Guadalest are made with their own local produce.  The “arros amd fressols y naps”, “la pebrera farcida”, “conejo al ajillo” rabbit with garlic, roast vegetables, “l’olleta y les pilotes” a stew with typical meat balls, are some examples of this varied cuisine.

In the first week of June there are fiestas in honour of San Gregorio, the patron saint of the town, called the Fiesta of the Young.  In August the town fiestas in honour of the Virgin of the Asuncion.

The town, declared patrimony of cultural interest.  The buildings which appear form part of this group.

Cstle of San Jose.  A fort from the XI century, created by the Muslims, is situated on the rock in the highest part of the town.  It played a very important role during the Middle and Modern ages, thanks to is strategic position.  The earthquakes of 1644 and 1748 and the explosion that it suffered in 1708 in the War of Succession were the reason for its destruction.

The castle of the Alcozaiba. A fort from XI century, also created by the Muslims, is to be found in the grounds of the antique Houseof Orduña.  Today only one ruined tower survives.

The House of Orduña of the nobility from the XVII century is situated between the Parroquial church and the Alozaiba castle.  The house belonged to a family of the same name, whose members were the governors and confidantes to the Marquis of Guadalest.  In the building the furniture and decorations from the XIX century can be seen, also paintings from XVIII & XIX and also an interesting collection of ceramics.

Parroquial church.  Dedicated to Our Lady of the Asuncion.  Built in the XVIII century in barroque style and attributed to Jose Sierra.

Prision:  A building for the XII century which is to be found underneath the Town Hall.

• Museum of torture instruments
• Municipal Museum Casa Orduña
• Museum of micro minatures
• Ethnic Museum of Guadalest
• Museum of miniatures and giant sculptures.
• Museum of Nativity Scenes and  Dolls Houses.

Town Hall Telephone  96 588 52 19
Town Hall Fax    96 588 52 09
Culture Centre   96 588 53 21
Guadalest Culture House   96 588 53 85
Town Museum “Casa Orduña”   96 588 53 93
Chemist   96 588 50 10
Road Assistence  1062
Emergencies  112 or 085
Ambulances  112 or 092