21 November – El Castell de Guadalest

As we had been on the coast rather a lot, we were looking forward to a trip inland and upwards to El Castell de Guadalest.  This is a hill town based around a castle built by the Moors on a rocky crag.  It is an impressive sight as you approach.

We were directed to the lower car park and advised that we could stay overnight.  The princely sum of €4 was exchanged for 24 hrs parking.

We walked up to the village square and had a look in some of the rather touristy shops.  The highlight of the day was lunch at the terrace cafe overlooking the valley.

Next day, after a very peaceful night with some friendly German neighbours to chat to next door, we went back to see the castle.

The castle had been beautifully lit up in the evening but we were unable to take any really effective photos.  However, we were glad to be staying close enough to enjoy the spectacle.

It was a good, healthy climb all the way up.  The entrance to The castle is through the family house Casa Orduna.  Also an interesting place (family home for many centuries),but overshadowed by the chapel next door.  As we approached, we heard singing and so, in we went.  There was a group of 4 men taking advantage of the acoustics for the sheer pleasure.  It was an amazing sound and all the better for being impromptu.

The climb up to the castle afforded ever changing persectives on the view.  The clock tower was a good measure of how far we had climbed.

After another visit to the terrace cafe for coffee, we couldnt resist the view, we headed off to our next destination.