Guadalest River

The Guadalest River is a modest mountain stream in Alicante province, threading through the dry Mediterranean interior of the Costa Blanca before filling the Guadalest reservoir. The surrounding Serranía de Aitana shapes the landscape with terraced almond and olive groves set against scrubby hillsides typical of the Spanish Levante. The river runs low in summer but its banks trace quiet walking and cycling paths that offer a genuine alternative to the coastal crowds. Travellers heading up to the hilltop village of Guadalest pass along its course, with open views across the valley that reward an unhurried pace.