Guadalest is a Valencian town and municipality located in a
mountainous area of the comarca of Marina Baixa, in the province of Alicante. It is a picturesque town that attracts around two millions of visitors
every year, making it an ideal day-trip for people staying at the Costa Blanca,
and a good starting point for those interested in the countryside.
The medieval castle overshadowing the Guadalest valley was
originally built in the 11th century, during the Muslim rule over the Iberian
Peninsula. It served to control the valley, as infighting between the smaller
kingdoms left by the disintegration of the Caliphate of Córdoba was constant.
In the 13th century, after the Christian conquest of the
region, the castle and the town were incorporated into the Kingdom of Valencia
by James I of Aragon.
Guadalest is surrounded by mountains, making it something
different for the visitors staying on the beach. Being relatively close to
popular destinations on the coast like Benidorm, Denia or Altea Guadalest makes
an easy short break. Surprisingly for its size the town offers lot of cultural
attractions and museums.
