Gorgeous Guadalest
- Raffik Homsy
- Jan 23, 2020
- 2 min read
We were recommended a visit to Guadalest by friends onsite, and John's friend Lindsay - what a recommendation it was!
Guadalest is a world away from the skyscrapers of Benidorm, high above in the mountains where the air is crisp and the views go on for miles.
There is a tiny village in typical Spanish style with cobbled streets, palm trees and amazing views down to the blue lagoon of Guadalest.
Little Jaffa took us up in to the mountains and we were soon on steep mountain passes with impossibly tight twists and turns. It was quite an adventure to reach the top, but when we arrived, we were treated to stunning views of the lagoon.
From the mountain top village of Guadalest, you have stunning views over the dam, but journey down to its shore and you have a beautiful tranquil walk along the banks of the reservoir. It is heavily wooded with little coves, bays and wild flowers growing alongside the pine needle covered paths.
The lagoon is actually a very large dam and was completed in 1964. It supplies water to many of the local villages and towns including Benidorm. The emerald green colour of the lagoon is caused by silt suspended in the water.
The lagoon is popular for kayaking and swimming, as well as fresh water fishing.
After a pleasant walk along the banks (we didn't go all the way around, because that would have been a very long way, we drove up to the mountain top village, which is charming.
You can purchase local lace, pottery, wines, honey and home made jewellery. There are several intimate cafes and restaurants dotted along the narrow alleys with the typical Menu del Dia.
Walking through the town towards the cliff there is a doorway to the citadel built into the cliff face once you have walked through the cleft in the cliff you are greeted with a small hamlet which looks down on the lagoon. Very Spanish and very quaint the cobbled streets and small townhouses are picturesque.
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