📷 Photo by Alberto Restifo on UnsplashGuadalest
El Castell de Guadalest, Spain
A castle village on a rock pinnacle, entered through a tunnel in the rock, above a turquoise reservoir. Busy at midday with coach tours, so come early or late.
The fortified old town of El Castell de Guadalest can only be entered through the Portal de Sant Josep, a tunnel cut through a natural cleft in the rock. The castle dates from the Moorish period (most sources say the 11th century) and is largely in ruins: an earthquake in 1644 and a mine explosion during the War of the Spanish Succession (1708) destroyed much of it. From the fortifications on the northern edge you look down on the reservoir in the valley, known as the "Emerald Jewel" for its colour. A circular walk of low to moderate difficulty goes around the lake.
The village has fewer than 300 residents and is among the most visited in Spain. Many coaches arrive at weekends and in high season; it is better to come on a weekday outside peak season, or early in the day in high season. A municipal car park lies near the CV-755 and fills up quickly in high season.
- Nearest town
- El Castell de Guadalest, Spain
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 38.6785, -0.1985
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Área Camper Ponoig BenidormMotorhome stopover7 km from GuadalestMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Cap BlanchCampsite16 km from GuadalestTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Finestrat Camper la CalaMotorhome stopover16 km from GuadalestMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Área Camperalia FinestratMotorhome stopover16 km from GuadalestMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping Arena BlancaCampsite17 km from Guadalest · 100 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camper Park XalóMotorhome stopover17 km from Guadalest · 44 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Guadalest?
Guadalest is in El Castell de Guadalest, Spain, at GPS 38.6785, -0.1985. It is about 7 km from Callosa d'en Sarrià.
Can you camp near Guadalest?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is El Refu de Guadelest, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 58 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Guadalest?
Guadalest is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Valencia to Cartagena: Costa Blanca and Murcia and Rice fields, cherry valleys and palm groves – by camper from Valencia through the Costa Blanca hinterland.
What is there to see near Guadalest?
Places worth a stop nearby: Peñón de Ifach (24 km), Cap de la Nau (38 km), Palm Grove of Elche (63 km) and Albufera lagoon (74 km).
When is the best time to visit Guadalest?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)