El Castell de Guadalest

El Castell de Guadalest is a tiny village perched at around 500 metres up in the Marina Baixa region of Alicante province, and its view over the reservoir shows up again and again in photos of the region. It sits roughly 1h40 from Valencia, and the reward on arrival is a natural balcony over the mountains and a reservoir of an almost unreal turquoise colour.

What to see

The most striking detail is the entrance to the old quarter itself: to reach the highest part you pass through a tunnel carved directly into the rock, a narrow gateway that separates the newer village from the historic core. At the top, the castle looks out over the valley from its defensive perch, with views in every direction. Narrow lanes, white houses and lookout points make the walk through the village short but intense.

• The turquoise reservoir, the star of the photographs.
• The climb to the castle and the viewpoints over the valley.

Tips for your visit

• Come early or in the late afternoon; midday brings the crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes; the old quarter has slopes and steps.
• Combine it with the rest of the village and the wider Marina Baixa.