The circular route of the Guadalest Reservoir is a simple route suitable for the whole family that allows you to enjoy an idyllic setting in one of the most charming valleys of the province of Alicante.
This is an excursion of about 10 kilometers -7 km if you do the one way trip- that starts in the town of Beniardà and runs mostly on asphalt, between pine forests and crops, overlooking the reservoir and the surrounding mountains.
Read on to learn all the details about this route and the unique environment in which you will be able to walk.
Index of contents
Route Summary
We left the car in the parking lot at the entrance of Beniardà, as the streets of the village are very narrow and it is better not to enter by car.
From the parking lot, we walk through the beautiful village and down towards the reservoir.
Once at the tail of the reservoir, the first stretch, up to the dam, is on a dirt road with very little slope.
The return can be done by the same path, or go around the entire reservoir by the paved road, with a little more ascent.
We return to Beniardà, where I recommend eating in one of the bars in the village, concluding a fantastic day of nature.
In summary: a simple excursion , ideal to enjoy a pleasant walk, perfect to introduce children to hiking, or for people of a certain age who are looking for accessible routes according to their physical condition.
To complete the day, we recommend a visit to one of the towns in the valley. The Castell de Guadalest is the most touristic and well-known, but all of them contain aspects of interest that are worth discovering.
Local products , such as excellent olive oil, honey, almonds… without a doubt, should be part of our souvenirs for today, thus helping to maintain the delicate local economy and fight against the depopulation of these valleys of inside.
What makes the Guadalest Valley special?
Sheltered by some of the most emblematic mountain ranges in the province of Alicante, such as the
Serra d’Aitana
La Serrella or La Xortà, the Vall de Guadalest is undoubtedly one of the most charming redoubts of the geography of Alicante, a great example of the marked landscape contrasts of the Terreta.
small and beautiful townsThe “beni” prefix is one of them. They mark the slopes of this attractive inland paradise, covered with a multicolored green of pines, almond and olive trees, which combines perfectly with the turquoise waters of its reservoir, the “Beni”. emerald heart of the Marina Baixa region.
We enter a valley where nature, culture and traditions have been preserved over the centuries, to the delight and pride of locals and visitors alike. In this privileged environment, we will enjoy a hiking route suitable for all audiences , ideal to combine with a visit to its picturesque villages and savor its delicious cuisine and local products .
Route File
- Difficulty: Easy, all audiences
- Circle Route
- Distance: 10.5km
- Slope: +400 m. approx.
- Estimated time: 3-4 hours (relaxed)
- Start: Beniardà
- Trails: PR-CV 18 (partially)
Recommended Accommodation
Llar de Beniardà
Our advice is to spend at least one night in the Vall de Guadalest, to live a more complete, leisurely and relaxed experience, soaking up the special atmosphere that permeates this valley. I recommend this rural accommodation in Beniardà, sustainable and respectful with the environment. It is an old village house that has been stylishly restored. It has different rooms and common spaces.
Gastronomy
As the route can be completed easily in about 3-4 hours (at a leisurely pace), I recommend getting up a little early and doing it in the morning, to complete the day with a visit to one of the towns in the valley, and thus enjoy the excellent gastronomy of the Alicante mountain. I recommend you watch the video at the end of the article.
Recommended Restaurants
- Meson Ca Rafel . Specialists in Valencian cuisine, rice dishes and stews. In Benimantell.
- The Sale of Benifato . Typical dishes of the traditional cuisine of the Alicante mountains.
- Bar l’Era , in the quiet and pleasant Plaza Modesto Juan, Beniardà.
- Mari Pico Restaurant , in l’Abdet. Terrace with fantastic views.
Route Description
The Guadalest Dam began operating in 1963, and has a maximum capacity of 13 Hm3, or what is the same, thirteen billion liters! It seems like a lot, but it is vital to make sustainable use of this large water reserve, which, as we know, is a very scarce resource in our province.
The threat of the Xylella
Along the way, in addition to dense pine forests, we find terraces of olive and almond trees. This traditional crop has suffered a significant decline as a result of the plague caused by the Xylella Fastidiosa bacterium.
A serious problem that has already caused hundreds of almond trees to be uprooted throughout the valley and thousands in the province. If you want to know more, I recommend you watch the following video:
Bonus: Video
To end this article, I want to share with you this nice video about Beniardà, one of the beautiful villages that mark the Guadalest Valley, the closest to the turquoise water reservoir.
And so far, today’s pleasant walk. I hope you have enjoyed it, and thank you for collaborating in the protection of our natural spaces!
See you next time!
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