When you book a holiday rental in Benidorm or a villa in Jávea, it is tempting to spend two straight weeks moving only between the pool and the nearest beach bar. But if you do that, you are missing out on some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in all of Spain.
Just a 40-minute drive inland from the high-rises of the coast, the landscape changes dramatically into rugged mountains, pine forests, and citrus groves. Hidden within these mountains are two absolute must-see attractions: the historic mountaintop village of El Castell de Guadalest and the stunning Les Fonts de l'Algar (Algar Waterfalls).
Because they are only 25 minutes apart by car, they make the perfect twin-centre day trip. Here is our complete 2027 guide on how to do it.
Stop 1: Morning in Guadalest
We highly recommend making Guadalest your first stop of the day. It is one of the most visited villages in Spain, and arriving before 10:30 AM means you beat the massive coach tours that arrive from the coast.
Guadalest is a tiny, ancient fortress village balanced precariously on the edge of a sheer limestone cliff. To enter the old town, you literally have to walk through a tunnel carved into solid rock.
What to see in Guadalest:
- The Castle of San José: Walk up to the ruins of the 11th-century Moorish castle. The 360-degree views from the top are breathtaking.
- The Reservoir View: Look down from the castle plaza and you will see the Guadalest Reservoir — a massive lake of water so intensely turquoise it looks photoshopped.
- The Quirky Museums: For a village with fewer than 250 residents, Guadalest has a bizarre number of museums. The Micro-Gigantic Museum (featuring art painted on grains of rice) and the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum are local favourites.
Top Tip: Wear sensible shoes. The cobbled streets leading up to the castle are incredibly steep and can be slippery.
Stop 2: Lunch in Callosa d'en Sarrià
After a morning of exploring Guadalest, drive back down the mountain towards the town of Callosa d'en Sarrià (the agricultural heartland of the area, famous for its loquat fruit). This drive takes about 25 minutes and is incredibly scenic.
Instead of eating in the tourist-heavy restaurants in Guadalest, stop in or just outside Callosa for lunch. There are several traditional ventas (country restaurants) along the CV-715 road serving spectacular, authentic Paella and locally sourced meats at half the price of the coastal resorts.
Stop 3: Afternoon at the Algar Waterfalls
After lunch, follow the signs from Callosa to Les Fonts de l'Algar (about a 5-minute drive from the town centre).
The Algar Waterfalls are a series of stunning cascades, springs, and natural pools carved into the limestone rock by the River Algar. The water is crystal clear and, even in the absolute height of an August heatwave, bracingly cold (usually around 17°C/62°F).
What to do at the Waterfalls:
- Swim in the pools: Taking the plunge into the icy water is the ultimate way to cool down. There are deep pools for swimming and shallow areas for paddling.
- Walk the wooden trails: A beautifully maintained 1.5km wooden walkway runs alongside the river, taking you past the most spectacular falls and through botanical gardens.
- Diving: In the deepest pools (specifically the "Toll de la Caldera"), you will often see brave locals diving from the surrounding rocks. (Note: Always check water depth and follow safety signs before jumping!)
Important Info for the Waterfalls:
- Entry Fee: Around €5 for adults and €2 for children (prices vary slightly by season).
- Footwear: You absolutely need water shoes. The riverbed consists of smooth, slippery rocks, and navigating them in bare feet is painful and dangerous.
- Facilities: There are toilets, first aid stations, and picnic areas on site.
How to Get There
By Car (Recommended):
Hiring a car for the day is the best way to do this trip, as it gives you total freedom. The drive from Benidorm takes the CV-70 straight up into the mountains. Parking is plentiful at both Guadalest and Algar (though you may have to pay a few euros for the private lots near the waterfalls).
🚗 Check Europcar Rates for your Day Trip
By Organised Excursion:
If you prefer not to drive, almost every tour operator and ticket shop in Benidorm, Alicante, and Torrevieja sells combined "Guadalest & Algar" coach trips. These are excellent value and completely stress-free, though you are tied to their timetable.
🚌 Book a Full-Day Coach Tour to Guadalest & Algar
By Public Transport:
There is a local bus (Number 16) from Benidorm to Guadalest, and another (Number 18) to the Algar Waterfalls, but connecting between the two via bus in a single day is logistically very difficult. Stick to a car or a coach tour.
After a long day of hiking, swimming, and exploring, you will be ready to head back to the coast. Find the perfect holiday apartment to return to →