El Castell de Guadalest

El Castell de Guadalest is a small hilltop village built on a rocky outcrop in Spain's Costa Blanca region. The settlement divides into the fortified upper area where castle ruins stand and the lower residential area, connected by narrow stone streets and accessible through a tunnel carved directly into the rock.

The village was founded in the 11th century under Muslim rule as a defensive settlement. It survived earthquakes and conflicts over the centuries, with sections of its 16th-century defensive walls still visible today standing as proof of those periods.

The name comes from Arabic origins meaning "Castle of the West". Walking through the narrow streets, you see how daily life unfolds in simple white-walled houses built directly into the rock, creating a rhythm that feels connected to centuries past.

Park in the valley below and walk up into the village as the upper areas are not accessible by car. Most museums and the castle grounds are clustered together but require climbing steep steps and navigating narrow passages to reach them.

The village houses nine different museums with unexpected collections ranging from miniature models to antique vehicles and religious scenes. This unusual number of themed museums makes a visit surprisingly rich despite the village's small size.

Location: El Castell de Guadalest

Address: 03517 El Castell de Guadalest, Alicante, Spain

GPS coordinates: 38.67696,-0.19832

Latest update: January 19, 2026 13:31