Guadalest, Costa Blanca, Spain

Guadalest - The Eagles Nest

Located 25 km from Altea, is the village of Guadalest. Occupying one of the most stunning positions in Spain, this small village is precariously perched on the pinnacle of a granite mountain, giving fabulous views across the valley carved out by the River from which the village takes its name.

Getting to Guadalest by the twisting road that climbs ever upwards, passing through the village of Polop, is almost as spectacular as the position of the village. On reaching Guadalest you can see why the Moors, who constructed castles to defend the area, considered this place a site of strategic importance.

Intriguingly the old village and castle is accessed through a tunnel carved from the rock and when you reach the other end and see the ancient houses, you seem to have been transported to another age. Guadalest has plenty of museums, so you can learn more about its history, little crafts shops and places to buy souvenirs. Costing only a few euros the visit through the tunnel to the village is definitely worthwhile as the castle tour (starting at 10am) takes in the dungeon (great for the kids) and offers fantastic views across the valley from cobbled footpaths and lookout points.

Distance from Villa Ellis: 60-90 minutes by car depending on scenery stops

What's nearby...

We have written a little about the following places that are nearby to give you a taste of what you can do on your holiday.