Address : Plaza del San Gregorio, 1

Post code : 03517

Telephone : 965.88.50 95

Fax : 965.88.52.09

WEB: www.guadalest.es

Email: aj.castell@telefonica.net

One of the most emblematic tourist images of the Costa Blanca is undoubtedly the picture formed by the freestanding elegant bell tower and the tunnel that provides access to the old centre of Castell de Guadalest, both located within a granite mass of striking appearance. Castell de Guadalest is the capital of the valley of the same name. It´s bordered by Aitana, Serrella and Xortà mountains. The river Guadalest flows through the municipal area, interrupted by a reservoir near the town. The village is unique as its old urban centre is located on the top of an outcrop, which is only accessed via a tunnel hollowed into the side of the rock. The area at the top of the rock includes the ancient city dungeon, the bell tower, Saint Josep castle where the current cemetery is located, and the recently restored Orduña House. A parish church and the Moorish fortified building called Alcozaiba are also located in this area. A more modern village, "el Arrabal", is located at the foot of the rocky promontory and here you can find many craft shops, museums and restaurants. Tourism has completely transformed Castell de Guadalest and its two hundred inhabitants have devoted themselves entirely to the provision of tourist services; agriculture, the traditional source of income of the village, has become a residual activity. The entire village has become a tourist attraction and there are a large number of gift and craft shops; the most interesting museums of the province are located here and its privileged position offers magnificent views over the valley and Castell de Guadalest´s reservoir.

Gastronomy: Stuffed peppers, Olleta de blat (rice mixed with meat and vegetables), rabbit with garlic and oil, and baked vegetables are some of the local dishes.

Art: Ponchos, hats, shawls and embroidery.

Monuments: Castle of San Josep, Casa de Orduña, parish church, ayuntamiento (town hall), and Moorish prison -still in use. The town has the most surprising range of museums of the entire province of Alicante.

Cultural Attractions: Guadalest has the most surprising range of museums in the province of Alicante. The Toy Museum. The Micromodel Museum, the Toruture Museum, the Nativity Scene of Antonio Marco, the Contemporary Art Musum and the Ethnographic Museum complete the tourist offer of wonderful countryside and local specillities of Guadalest.

Name of Councillor: Josep Martí García

Festivals and Events: From the 14-17 of August major celebrations are held in honour of the Virgin of the Assumption with processions, open-air celebrations and an offering of flowers. A festival of youth is held during the first week of June.

Situation: To reach Guadalest from the coast, take the road to Polop - located 11 km away. You can also take the road from Callosa d´En Sarrià, which is a little longer. Guadalest can also be reached from the road from Confrides and Cocentaina. It is located 63 km from Alicante and 24 km from Benidorm

Region : LA MARINA BAIXA

Kilometres : 63

Altitude : 595

Number inhabitants 2006 : 230