Guadalest! Days 21-23

Our neighbor Denise was insistent that we visit Guadalest, and she was so right. We looked it up online and decided that since it's such a popular destination for day-trippers, we'd get a room to enjoy the town when all was quiet. When we saw Cases Noves we decided to make it two days. What a great move!

The inn is lovely, each room has breath-taking views. The breakfasts and dinners are first rate. Owners, Tony and Sophia, are warm and easygoing and have created an inviting home.

Guadalest is a tiny town, 200 people, up in the mountains, away from the crush of the beach-goers. A stunningly scenic old castle, built in the 11th century by the Moors looks out from above, over the valley to the sea. The town's economy is based on this, with restaurants, souvenir shops, and many 'museums'. (At least one for every 20 inhabitants!) What hasn't been destroyed by war and earthquake is  a picturesque village, the lower part of which is reached by walking up, up, up a stone path, through the castle walls. This is the easy part to reach, so we did it right after arriving, and the views were terrific.
 Next day, after one of Sophia's delicious and fortifying breakfasts, we headed  to the top of the castle. Access is through the Museum Casa Orduna, the former home of a very wealthy family.

Many of the furnishings and much of the decor is intact. Their library was enormous!The museum itself was a destination, but we, like many others , were on a mission. 

 Soon we found ourselves out on the steps leading up to the castle. What a hike, and what amazing views at the top! I can officially say that my knee surgery was a success. This hike could not have been done on the old knee!