On the third day of my Alicante trip, we traveled from Novelda to the mountain village of Guadalest and then continued on to the resort city of Benidorm.
We started with a one‑hour drive to Part Vella de Guadalest, the historic old quarter of the small mountain village.
It was unbelievably beautiful—almost like stepping into a storybook—so I had to share it here.
On the way back, we stopped by Benidorm, a resort city in the Valencian Community known as “the Las Vegas of Europe.”
It’s a lively beach destination filled with high‑rise buildings, sunshine, and a vibrant atmosphere from day to night.
Guadalest: A Sky‑High Fortress Village
Guadalest is a medieval village perched on top of rocky cliffs, about 30 minutes by car from Benidorm.
The first thing you see upon arrival is the dramatic rock formation with a fortress clinging to its edge.
Against the bright blue sky, the cliffs and castle appear to float in mid‑air.
Whitewashed houses nestled among greenery create a picture‑perfect scene that makes wandering the village feel exciting from the very first step.
The Brilliant Blue Water of the Guadalest Reservoir
From the village viewpoint, you can see a breathtaking turquoise‑colored lake.
Surrounded by mountains, the water glimmers like a jewel under the sunlight.
With the deep blue sky above and the emerald lake below, it’s a spot where you can fully appreciate the natural beauty of Spain.
A Charming Old Town Perfect for a Slow Stroll
Guadalest’s old town features a delightful square decorated with radiating paper ornaments.
White stone buildings, cobblestone streets, and small cafés and souvenir shops line the area, making every corner photogenic.
It’s the kind of place where you can take your time—eat ice cream, relax in the shade, and enjoy the peaceful mountain air.
A Hilltop Balcony with a Stunning Panorama
Climbing to the upper part of the village, you’ll find the iconic bell tower perched atop the rocky cliff.
From here you can see the lake, the mountains, and the white village spreading out below—an absolutely breathtaking view.
It’s one of those 360‑degree panoramas that makes you stop and simply take in the moment.
Benidorm: A Lively Resort City with a Completely Different Vibe
In sharp contrast to the calm, medieval atmosphere of Guadalest, Benidorm is a full‑on beach city.
High‑rise hotels tower over wide sandy beaches, and the city buzzes with energy from morning until late at night.
Clear blue waters stretch along the beach, where people relax, swim, or sunbathe.
The center is filled with restaurants, pubs, and busy shopping streets.
The Iconic White‑and‑Blue Viewpoint in Benidorm
In the heart of Benidorm, there’s a lovely viewpoint decorated with white and blue tiles.
The checkered floor, white arches, and Mediterranean blue patterns make it a perfect photo spot.
From here, the view of the beach and the sea is exceptional.
Lunch: Benidorm’s Famous Roast Chicken
We stopped at a restaurant known for its roast chicken—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and incredibly satisfying.
The terrace was surrounded by greenery, and the orange canopy kept the sun away, making it a wonderfully relaxing meal.
Two Worlds in One Day: The Contrast of Benidorm and Guadalest
Benidorm is an energetic beach resort.
Guadalest is a quiet, almost mystical medieval village.
The fact that these two completely different worlds exist just 30 minutes apart makes this area truly special.
It’s the perfect half‑day getaway when you’re staying at the coast.
Next time, I’ll talk about the nearby towns of La Manga!
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