Guadalest Reservoir

Guadalest Reservoir: Turquoise Jewel of the Marina Baixa Mountains

There are views in the Alicante province that stop you in your tracks, that make you reach for your camera before your brain has even processed what your eyes are seeing. The Embalse de Guadalest is one of those views. Seen from the rocky outcrop of the medieval village above, the reservoir unfolds below in a shade of milky turquoise that seems almost implausibly vivid — the product of glacial minerals suspended in the mountain water, painted against a backdrop of bare limestone ridges and almond terraces. It is one of the most photographed landscapes in the Comunitat Valenciana, and it completely justifies the superlative.

What Makes It Special

Built in the 1950s to provide water and hydroelectric power to the coastal lowlands, the Guadalest reservoir has matured over the decades into something that feels entirely natural and ancient. The water’s distinctive turquoise-green colour shifts with the seasons, the light, and the level of the water — deepest and most vivid in late winter and spring after heavy rainfall, glassier and more emerald in summer. At almost any time of year, the combination of colour, mountain setting, and the dramatic silhouette of the castle rock above makes this one of the most compelling inland landscapes on the Costa Blanca.

The reservoir sits at approximately 500 metres above sea level, surrounded by a ring of mountains — the Serra d’Aitana (the highest peak in Alicante province at 1,558 m), the Penya Mulnà, and the ridge of Puig Campana — that create a natural amphitheatre of extraordinary scale. The temperature up here is noticeably cooler than the coast, offering genuine relief in summer.

What to Do There

Photography and viewpoints

The classic view — castle ruins above, turquoise reservoir below, mountains beyond — is taken from the Mirador del Embalse on the road into Guadalest village. Come at sunrise or in the blue hour before sunset for the most dramatic light. In morning light, mist sometimes sits in the valley below, creating an almost ethereal scene.

A second outstanding viewpoint is from the Placeta de Perill (literally “Danger Square”) inside the village, perched on the very edge of the rock. Looking straight down to the water from here is both thrilling and vertigo-inducing.

Walking around the reservoir

An informal trail follows sections of the reservoir shoreline, accessible from the road that loops below the village. The walk is not signposted as a formal route but is well used by locals. Allow 2–3 hours for the full circuit; the terrain is mostly easy going on gravel tracks.

Kayaking and paddleboarding

In summer months, it is possible to hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at the reservoir shore. Paddling on the still turquoise water, with the castle cliff reflected beside you, is a genuinely magical experience.

Combining with Guadalest village

The reservoir and the Casco Histórico de Guadalest above it are inseparable. Spend time in both: the reservoir for photography and tranquillity, the village for history, museums, and a long lunch.

How to Get There

• By car: From Benidorm, take the CV-70 inland towards Callosa d’en Sarrià, then continue on the CV-755 to Guadalest. The drive takes approximately 30–35 minutes and is itself a scenic route through almond groves and mountain villages. Park in the large public car park below the village (paid; free in low season).
• By bus: There is an infrequent bus service from Benidorm to Guadalest, more useful in the context of a day tour than independent travel. Most visitors come by car or on an organised excursion.
• Organised tours: Numerous companies in Benidorm offer half-day or full-day excursions combining Guadalest with the Fonts de l’Algar. A practical option if you don’t have a car.

Best Season to Visit

• Winter and spring (January–April): The reservoir is typically at its fullest after autumn and winter rains, making the colour most intense. Snow occasionally caps the surrounding peaks, creating extraordinary photographic conditions.
• Spring (April–May): Almond and cherry trees blossom in the valley; wildflowers cover the hillsides. The light is clear and the temperatures pleasant for walking.
• Summer (June–September): Busiest season, especially at the village. The reservoir level drops somewhat, but the turquoise colour is still vivid. Kayaking is at its best. Come early or late in the day to avoid the worst crowds.
• Autumn (October–November): The crowds thin rapidly after September. The mountain light is golden and rich, perfect for photography.

Practical Tips

• Best light for photography: Early morning (6–8 am) provides the softest, most directional light and the fewest people. Midday light flattens the water’s colour. The last hour before sunset is also excellent.
• Temperature: Even in summer, evenings at Guadalest can be cool. Bring a layer if you plan to stay until after sunset.
• Parking: The main car park fills up by mid-morning in July and August. Arrive early or take the bus from Benidorm.
• Water level: The reservoir level varies considerably between wet and dry years. In prolonged drought years, the water can drop significantly, which affects both the colour and the visual impact. Check recent visitor photos online before planning a specific photography trip.
• Combination itinerary: A perfect full day out from the Costa Blanca coast: morning at the Fonts de l’Algar for a swim, lunch in Guadalest, afternoon exploring the historic village and reservoir viewpoints, home before dark.

Few landscapes on the Costa Blanca inland routes offer as much pure visual drama as Guadalest. The reservoir is the kind of scene that makes you quietly reconsider everything you thought you knew about landlocked Spain.