Discovering the Treasures of Guadalest and Calpe

The main car park in Guadalest is located before starting the ascent to the historical area and the castle. It is free of charge and you will have no problem finding a parking space as it is very large.

An ascending pedestrian path leads to the entrance to the historic centre. A large stone arch built into the rock of the mountain welcomes visitors to the highest part of the village.
Once you pass through the gate of San Jose, you go back in time, walking through stone buildings from the Middle Ages. Although there are places to pay, especially access to museums, touring the oldest part of Guadalest is free of charge.

There are several museums in Guadalest but the one that really deserves a visit is the Orduña house. Originally from the 17th century, it was the place where the governor lived. The house was rebuilt after a fire and today it has the original furniture.
The tour takes you through the different rooms of the house, where the elements and daily routine of the noble families of the Middle Ages are recreated.
Access to the castle of Guadalest is available through the house, paying € 4 per adult.
Open Hours: Every day (timetables vary according to the time of the year): High and Mid-season: 10:15 – 19:00, low season: 10:15 – 18:00 Thursday and Sunday closed 14:00 – 15:00

Guadalest has two main viewpoints and this is perhaps the best. It is situated above the small main square where the Town Hall is located. The location high above and on the edge of the gorge gives one of the best postcards of Guadalest, the reservoir with its turquoise water below and the hills in the background.

A few metres from the previous viewpoint, surrounding the Town Hall building, it gives another image of Guadalest. From here you can see the other part of the village where the castle is built on the rock. In fact, from this small platform, the views are 360 degrees.

The ascent to the castle is by means of ramps and stairs. This fortress was originally built by the Arabs and later underwent modifications during the Christian reconquest by King Jaime.
Although some vestiges of what was once the castle remain, such as towers, its location at the top of the mountain offers privileged views of the reservoir, the hills and the rooftops of the lower part of the village.
The entrance fee is €4 which also allows you to visit the Orduña house.
Open Hours: Every day (timetables vary according to the time of the year): High and Mid-season: 10:15 – 19:00, low season: 10:15 – 18:00 Thursday and Sunday closed 14:00 – 15:00

As we descend towards the lower part of the village, this restaurant is doubly recommendable. Its open-air terrace is situated on the edge of the gorge, so the views as you eat are guaranteed.
On the other hand, they offer a menu with regional dishes consisting of starter, main course, dessert and drink.
Open Hours: Every day from 10:00 - 18:00.

This large rock by the sea is the symbol of Calpe, visible from any part of the town. It is 330 meters high and can be reached by a short trekking on footpaths. The reward is the view of the sea and the whole coast of Calpe.
There is a car park at the end of Isla de Formentera street before the pedestrian entrance to the protected park.
The first part of the walk is easy and can even be done with children. When you go through the tunnel, the path becomes more complicated and is not suitable for children. It is recommended to wear sports shoes as you are walking on small rocks.
To go up it is necessary to make a free reservation at least one day in advance as the capacity is controlled. The website for booking is Parques naturales de la Comunidad Valenciana.

The most central beach of Calpe with an extensive sandy area. From here you can see the Peñon perfectly. Each of the beaches that make up the central part of Calpe are connected by a beautiful promenade where you can find restaurants, bars and historical sites such as the Roman site Baños de la Reina.

To get to the historic centre of Calpe you have to climb some stairs as it is a few meters above the sea. There are several streets leading to the main church, the most picturesque of which is Pulchat street.
It is worth stopping and taking pictures of the endless steps, the narrow space between the fronts of the houses, the flower pots and the Spanish flag painted on each step.

The historic centre of Calpe was completely walled during part of the Middle Ages. Only a part of the original wall from the 15th century remains, allowing access to the main square and the church.
Of the watchtowers that are still standing, the Torreón de la Pieza stands out. Adjacent to the tower is the old arch that gives access to the Plaza de la Villa.

The church is of modern construction, standing out in the square due to its architectural difference with respect to the old adjoining houses and the walls. Inside, the paintings on the walls and the navy-blue colour of the walls stand out.
Of the old church of Calpe, which was inside the walls, only a small part remains, located behind the new church.

Right in the centre of the town, this salt mine is a protected area in Calpe. Different species of birds inhabit this ecosystem such as herons, ducks and flamingos. You can walk around the salt flat and stop at the decks to watch the birds more closely. This is also an ideal place to see the Peñón de Ifach in the distance and watch the sunset.

Nice place to eat by the sea. The menu has a wide variety of dishes ranging from pasta, fish, meat and Mediterranean food. Generous portions and good prices.
In the summer months (July and August) you should book a table in advance as the influx of tourists is high.
Open Hours: Every day from 12:00 – 23:30.