Also known as El Castell de Guadalest, the 16 square kilometer Valencian town is a popular destination for guests who enjoy a colorful and rich cultural tour. The town is about 25 kilometers inland from the beach side destination of Benidorm, and is home to less than 250 residents. Historically speaking, Guadalest was a fortification, built by the Spanish royal family in the 12th century for protection against the invasion of Moors.

If you would like to take in the rich history of the town, then a museum tour would be most appropriate. Luckily enough, this small town of Guadalest is home to several museums, featuring different collections from various eras. A good museum to visit to learn more about the political significance of Guadalest is the Orduna House or Town Museum, built by the most prominent families that resided in Guadalest since the 1200’s. to know more about agriculture and early life of the villagers in Guadalest, the Ethnological Museum is a great place to visit. Learn how olive oil and bread used to be made using old-fashioned tools and equipment.

Particularly in the old village in Guadalest, you might be interested in seeing the Dolls Museum, Micro-Gigantic Museum, and the Torture Museum. At the Micro-Gigantic Museum, you will need a magnifying glass to view interesting displays such as a Bible written on a strand of hair, an ant playing the violin, and many more. The Torture Museum features an assortment of devices used since the Middle Ages for lawbreakers.

Apart from its rich assortment of museums, Guadalest is a picturesque town, holding an innate beauty that has remained unchanged over the centuries. An 11th century structure, known as the Alcozaiba Castle, was built by Moors, and as of the present, only remnants of the building still stand. You may need to have strong legs to be able to view this building, as there are stone steps that need to be climbed leading to the castle atop its rock. In Guadalest is also a 12th century Gaol or Guadalest Prison, with most of its original walls still standing.

While in Guadalest, you need not worry about your accommodations, as there are hotels in the area for tourists who like to stop by. Not only that, as you also have the option of renting out apartments or houses throughout the duration of your stay in Guadalest. If you are feeling hungry, there are several food establishments and restaurants in this picturesque town, to suit the tastes of visitors craving for Spanish cuisines.

Guadalest creates a certain charm that blends the past with the present. Interestingly enough, a huge portion of the walled and open villages in Guadalest have been well preserved, even after hundreds of years. While you are vacationing in Spain, make a note to see this age-old fortification, and take a trip through history in Guadalest.