Guadalest is one of the most visited treasures in Alicante. A castle perched on a rock, an incredible green valley and a turquoise reservoir make it one of those places you simply have to see if you’re in El Albir, Altea, Benidorm or the surrounding area.
Getting there is easy… but only if you know the right routes, avoid peak traffic hours, and know where to park without wasting time. Here’s the most complete guide on the internet: real information, local tips, and verified official sources.
Official routes to get to Guadalest
Guadalest has two main access routes:
- CV-70 → from Benidorm, La Nucía, Polop or Alcoy
- CV-755 → from Altea and Callosa d’en Sarrià
These routes are confirmed by Guadalest Town Hall (see sources at the end).
How to get there from El Albir Distance: 22 km
Actual time: 30-35 minutes
Most convenient route: via the CV-70
Recommended itinerary:
El Albir → Alfaz → La Nucía → Polop → Guadalest.
Tips:
- Go up before 11:00 AM or after 4:30 PM in summer.
- Slow traffic is common between La Nucía and Polop on weekends.
- 2 perfect natural viewpoints for photos (hardly any people there).
How to get there from Altea
Distance: 21 km
Time: 30-32 minutesRecommended route: CV-755
Route:
Altea → Callosa → Guadalest.
It’s more scenic and has more curves than the CV-70.
How to get there from Benidorm Distance: 24 km Time: 30-35 minutes Recommended route: CV-70
Very direct, with gentle curves. Perfect for families, taxis and older adults.
How to get there from Alicante
Distance: 55–60 minutes Route: AP-7 → exit 65A → La Nucía → CV-70 → Guadalest
It’s the most stable route for those coming from farther away.
Route comparison table
| Origin Actual time Road Curves Ideal for | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30–35 min | CV-70 | Gentle | Families, seniors, avoid motion sickness | |
| Altea | 30–32 min | CV-755 | Moderate Scenery, photos | |
| Benidorm | 30–35 min | CV-70 | Gentle Groups, children, taxis | |
| Alicante | 55–60 min | AP-7 + CV-70 | Gentle Full day |
How to get there by bus (2025)
The bus exists, but service is limited. Official line: Llorente Bus – Line 016
Benidorm → Polop → Callosa → Guadalest.
Duration: 41–55 min Price: €1–4 Frequency: 2–3 buses/day It’s practical for backpackers, but not very flexible for families.
No car from El Albir:
El Albir → Bus to Benidorm → Line 016 → Guadalest Total time: 1h30-2h.
Taxi to Guadalest
Approximate prices:
- El Albir → Guadalest: €30–40 Benidorm → Guadalest: €35–45
- Altea → Guadalest: €35–50
Tip: If you’re 3-4 people, a taxi ends up costing the same as or less than the bus.
Parking in Guadalest (2025)
1. Official municipal parking
- €2–3/hour
- Spacious
- 3-5 min walk from the center
- Perfect for summer
2. Parking free
Open areas next to the village entrance. They fill up before 11:00.
3. Parking PMR (reduced mobility)
Near Plaza de San Gregorio / Castillo. 4. RV/motorhome parking- Wide open areas near the municipal parking.
- Tip: spend the night in Polop or Benimantell.
- Avoid the drive up between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM in summer.
Guadalest Reservoir — how to get there and what to do
Access: via the CV-755 → “Embalse / Presa” turnoff.
Parking: free.
What you can do:
- Walk along the dam (flat)
- Incredible photos
- Circular trail around the reservoir (45-60 min)
- Picnic
- Kayaking in summer (depending on water level)
Great for kids, older adults, and dogs.
Hiking routes around Guadalest
✓ Circular route around the reservoir
1h-1h30, easy, perfect for families.
✓ Climb to the castle
Stairs + cobblestones, but stunning views.
✓ Castellets Route
Medium-high difficulty mountain route. Rarely mentioned in tourist guides → gold for hikers.
Local tips by season
Summer
- Avoid 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
- Lots of sun up top
- Perfect reservoir to cool off
- Arrive before 11:00 to park easily
Spring
- The best weather of the year
- Moderate crowds
Fall
- Amazing colors for photos
Winter
- Cold wind at the castle plaza
- Very few people → a premium visit
Tips by type of traveler
If you’re traveling with kids
- CV-70 (fewer curves)
- Parking municipal
- Reservoir to stretch your legs
If you’re traveling with older adults
- CV-70
- Parking PMR Reservoir for accessibility
If you have reduced mobility
- Part of the village is accessible
- Completely flat reservoir
If you’re traveling with a dog
- Perfect reservoir
- Water + shade
- Not allowed in museums
The perfect combined route: Guadalest + Fonts de l’Algar
Distance between the two: 20 minutes.
If it’s hot out:
- Algar in the morning
- Guadalest in the afternoon (shaded area)
If you want photos:
- Guadalest early
- Algar after midday
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are there a lot of curves?It depends: the CV-70 is very gentle, the CV-755 is more mountainous.
Is it safe to park?
Yes, completely.
Can you get there without a car?
Yes, line 016 → but it doesn’t run very often.
Is it accessible?
Partially. The reservoir yes; the castle not entirely.
OFFICIAL AND VERIFIED SOURCES CONSULTED (2025)
Guadalest Town Hall — Official access information
Llorente Bus — Line 016 Benidorm – Callosa – Guadalest
Moovit — Route and timing data for bus 016
Rome2Rio — Transport Benidorm ↔ GuadalestWild Swimming
LinkAlicante — Hiking routes (Castellets)
Avanza — Provincial lines Callosa / Polop / Guadalest
