Guadalest
Guadalest has the dubious distinction of being the most visited village in
Spain. Every major resort area seems to adopt a pretty inland village which it
publicises as 'authentic' then sends busloads of visitors there every day.
Authentic village life soon becomes a thing of the past, the locals concentrate
on relieving the tourists of as many Euros as they can and the whole experience
becomes nothing short of tacky. Unfortunately, Guadalest has reached this level
of development. Having said that it is still located in a spectacular setting at
600m above sea level in a rugged mountain range.
To get to Guadalest take the CV70 road out of Benidorm. This is the same road that goes
to Terra Mitica. Follow signs for La Nucia until a roundabout sends you off to
the right heading for Guadalest. It's no more than a 30 minute drive and many
local agencies offer half day excursions there.
Try to arrive in Guadalest early as the village isn't big enough for the tourist masses
though there is sufficient parking to cater for everyone. Stop at Bar Mora for a
coffee just in front of Museo Microgigante as you enter the village. This is a
fascinating museum displaying some works of art are displayed through magnifying
glasses because some of them are so small that they can't be seen by the naked
eye. Examples include a bullring constructed on a pinhead, an ant playing the
violin and an El Greco painting on a grain of rice. Entrance is 4 Eur. or you
can pay 7 Eur. which gives you entrance to this museum plus a second
Microminiatura museum near the town hall, the Antonio Marco Museum and the Museo
Ribera Girona.
As you wander up the steps towards the town hall a photographer jumps out and
snaps your picture. You then reach the entrance to the Municipal Museum. This is
the house of the Orduña family which was built after the great earthquake of
1644. Having looked around the house you can follow the steps up to the Castillo
de San José, the village castle which offers great views over the surrounding
countryside. At 3.50 Eur. this is far better value than the 5 Eur. key ring with
your picture in it that you'll be offered on your way out!
There are plenty tacky gift shops around and overpriced cafés. The only freebie
in town is a typical 18th century home with explanations in Valencian and
Spanish. There's a printed sheet in English to help you get the gist of what
you're looking at.
If you've got your own car you'll find more authentic villages by just taking a
drive through the mountains (Polop is an interesting spot on the way up the
mountain). Also stop off at Algar and go for a swim in the waterfalls.
Useful Websites about Guadalest
You can find more information on the
Guadalest
page of the official website of the Costa Blanca tourist board. |
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