Guadalest

 23 km north east, high above the holiday resort of Benidorm lies the mountain top fortress of El Castells de Guadalest. A Muslim fortress from the 11th century. 

Setting off from our campsite on our next adventure. We drove along the coast for a while and then turned inland and began the long upward climb. Passing the coffee stop from our last trip we turned off the main carriageway onto a smaller winding road. The sun, high in the sky, with a slight haze all the while teasing us - keeping our destination just out of sight.

We swooped left and right, through tight hairpin bends, still climbing ever higher looking out over the craggy mountains and verdant valleys.

Speeding past remote fincas, the road became quiet of traffic and I rolled down the window to snap a few photos.  This may go some way toward explaining my dishevelled hair style! More and more orange groves, plus an alarming number of lycra clad cyclists whizzed past - fortunately most heading  downward as there precious few overtaking opportunities.

As we climbed ever higher Justin pointed out where we were heading and suddenly it emerged - looking like a distant stone spiked edifice atop a peak, off to our right. We were unable to make any great detail, but it looked foreboding and impressive. As we rounded a corner a layby appeared, so Justin pulled in and I sent Ian out to capture the shot… this was our destination ( I know it was the title shot too, but who wouldn’t want to see this view more than once?) That little craggy rock at the left of the picture is Guadalest.

Arriving we found a parking spot (for only 2 Euro!), and headed off on foot to investigate. As you arrive you find yourself in a small modern square replete with cafes and souvenir shops. In one corner a narrow walkway leads up towards the ancient village. 

Capitalising on the fortress history, the shops have some remarkable objects for sale. These are not the run of the mill tourist souvenirs. I can’t see them getting through security for those travelling by air, and hand luggage only travellers have no chance!! Despite the fact we are traveling by land, Ian wasn’t keen to purchase a sword, although some small purchases were made, Don Quixote and the impressive bladed collections remained in Guadalest for some other traveller to acquire.

Leaving the shops you find yourself on a small plateau overlooking the valley towards the sea. A few steps later and you circle round to the natural stone entrance to the fortified castle area. Sorry Jamie, it isn’t the most flattering photo, but it is the only one I got!

Popping out of the tunnel you find the 18th century parish church of Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción to the right and several museums leading you even further up the mountain.

Before you know it, you find yourself a small square on an even higher plateau. Guided by Justin and Jamie we made our way to the wall on the right of the square. And there it was, the rich turquoise waters of the reservoir that supplies water to the La Marina Baixa region. The years of drought have taken their toll, the levels are low, but it remains absolutely stunning.

Clambering up onto the rocks you can see an almost 360 view of the valley. Terraces, homes, the reservoir, and the only remaining tower from the 11th century La Alcozaina castle.

It turns out we took the scenic route (which we were very thankful for);and there is also a much larger and faster route up, so if anyone wants to visit in their van, you can, as you can see! Surprisingly about 190 people live up here -I suppose a decent road helps them out a lot.

We didn’t visit the museums, several weren't open as it is early in the season, but we did have the most wonderful time wandering around taking in the view and I managed to squeeze in a delicious ice cream - inexplicably nobody else wanted one!

As we departed, leaving through the stone archway again I felt a calm serenity, the air was fresh, clean and cool, the sun shone brightly, Guadalest had left its mark. Thank you Justin and Jamie for the most magical of days.

The full experience…

It was on 1 February 2007 the first episode of Benidorm, that the TV show aired; running for ten series with the final episode airing on 2 May 2018. I don’t know about you, but we really enjoyed it. Yes, it was cheesy and cringy, but it was very funny and sometimes sad. The witty writing of series creator and writer Derren Litten, and the fabulous cast brought to life a rather vibrant side of Benidorm we ourselves rarely see when we visit.

Set in the Solana hotel, an all inclusive resort it follows the crazy staff led by Managers Janey York (Chrissy Rock)  in series 1-4 followed by Joyce Temple Savage (Sherrie Hewson) series 5-10, and their bonkers guests as they return year after year. If you are not a fan of the series, this probably isn’t the blog for you. If you are.. You are in for a ride down memory lane.

We’ve stumbled upon a few of the filming locations in the past, but this year we have taken it to a whole other level! And one afternoon Jamie and Justin were dragged along with us to the slightly jaw dropping (for all the wrong reasons!) Mateo’s bar. If you have lasted  this far, you will know Mateo, played by Jake Canuso, is the barman at the Solana and is the only cast member to have appeared in every episode. 

This is Mateo's bar. A tiny dark and somewhat dingy bar, tucked away in a side street a little way off the strip which is owned by Derren Litten. As you arrive you find yourself in a plastic covered ‘green’ space with a few  very uncomfortable looking cheap plastic chairs. Heading inside things do not improve, and the entire place has a definite odour of tackiness about it. Here are served beers, soft drinks and strange luminous liquids masquerading as overpriced cocktails (no photo - they looked toxic!). Various scenes from the show are playing on several large screens, and among the deafening roar from the speakers people stare open mouthed and  transfixed. It is worrying how easily Derren has managed to replicate the Solana in current day Benidorm, including the clientele. It is inspired in its own ‘special’ way!

 

Momentarily we also found ourselves slightly mesmerised as I tried to quickly snap some photos and take in the sheer awfulness of it all. Ian and Justin couldn’t quite believe where I had taken us. And Jamie; well she just went along with her mad friend, effortlessly supporting my desire to capture as much as I could without upsetting the punters.

Derren has gathered together props and memorabilia for the sets to deck out his bar and it is a sight to behold. I felt anxious as I headed to the Manageress's office, but no need to worry, behind her office door you find the loos, with genders tastefully indicated by photos of Les/Leslie (Tim Healy).

Here, you will also find the fabulous Mr Woo from the Chinese buffet sharing one of his catchphrases, and a few scripts. A trip to the loo has never been so entertaining! I may have taken slightly longer than I should; as I started reading and got carried away. 

Exiting the loo you can’t help but check out Madge’s scooter - yes! It’s the genuine item; and I can tell you, it looks well used!

You may well remember a few of these props, but I’m fairly sure the leopard print budgie smugglers wouldn't be out of place here around a pool today. Please excuse the dodgy angle! They were high up on the wall - possibly they were too attractive to potential fans to leave at an accessible height. 

As you can imagine, no trip to the Solana would be complete without a  visit to Blow and Go. 

The good news is, if you need to call home, you can do so on the Solana phone, and if you are a ultra dedicated fan, purchase a few tasteful (?) souvenirs - we did not, but we did see a purchase taking place.

Our short, alcohol free visit was more than enough for us, but as you can see, poor Justin and Ian looked totally bemused, confused by the whole tacky but fabulous experience. If you come to Benidorm and enjoyed  watching the programme, you absolutely should visit (perhaps not for very long though!).

It’s certainly a unique experience!