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Guadalest Strengthens Smart Tourism Ambitions with Invat·tur Partnership

 

El Castell de Guadalest / 29 July 2026

 

One of the Costa Blanca's most iconic inland destinations is taking another step towards the future after El Castell de Guadalest reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a Smart Tourist Destination (STD) through closer collaboration with the Valencian Institute of Tourism Technologies (Invat·tur).

 

Officials from Invat·tur met with Guadalest Town Hall to review current projects, identify future priorities and explore new ways of using digital technology and data to enhance the visitor experience while protecting the village's unique heritage.

 

The initiative forms part of the Valencian Community's wider strategy to help tourism destinations become more innovative, sustainable and competitive, ensuring they are better equipped to meet the changing expectations of modern travellers.

 

Innovation Without Losing Its Identity

Discussions focused on several key areas, including digital transformation, tourism intelligence, data management and the continued development of the Smart Tourist Destination model.

 

The programme aims to improve how destinations are managed, making them more efficient, accessible and environmentally sustainable, while enhancing services for both visitors and local residents.

 

Mayor Joan Gadea Pons said working alongside Invat·tur was essential for the municipality's long-term future.

 

"For Guadalest, working hand in hand with Invat·tur gives us the knowledge, advice and tools we need to continue improving our tourism model. We want to strengthen our position as a Smart Tourist Destination without losing the character and heritage that make Guadalest so special."

 

He added that investing in innovation, sustainability and digitalisation is an investment in the future of the village and in providing an even better experience for both tourists and residents.

 

Supporting Sustainable Tourism

Invat·tur said regular meetings with tourism municipalities allow the organisation to better understand local challenges and tailor technical support to each destination's needs.

 

The Smart Tourist Destination model promotes sustainable growth through innovation, improved accessibility, environmental responsibility and the intelligent use of technology to improve visitor services.

 

A Jewel of the Costa Blanca

Perched high above the Guadalest Valley, El Castell de Guadalest is one of the most visited inland destinations in the Valencian Community, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

 

Famous for its medieval castle, spectacular mountain scenery, museums and historic streets, the village has become a must-visit attraction for holidaymakers staying across Benidorm and the Costa Blanca.

 

Local officials believe embracing smart tourism principles will help preserve Guadalest's unique character while ensuring it remains one of Spain's leading heritage destinations for years to come.

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X Climb to Castell de Guadalest Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Record Entry List

 

El Castell de Guadalest / 1 June 2026

 

More than 40 drivers from across Spain are set to compete in the 10th Castell de Guadalest Hill Climb – Ricardo Fracés Trophy, one of the most prestigious motorsport events in the Valencian Community, taking place on 5–6 June 2026.

 

Organised by the Costa Blanca Marina Baixa Automobile Club, the event marks a major milestone as it celebrates a decade of competition on one of the region’s most challenging and scenic mountain courses.

 

The annual hill climb has grown steadily since its launch and now attracts leading drivers, teams and motorsport enthusiasts from across the country, generating significant tourism and economic benefits for the Marina Baixa region.

 

A Landmark Motorsport Event

The race route begins near the Guadalest River bridge and climbs towards the historic hilltop village of El Castell de Guadalest, one of Spain’s most visited inland tourist destinations.

 

Drivers will tackle a demanding 5.5-kilometre course featuring 55 corners and a 229-metre elevation gain, making it one of the most technical hill climb events on the regional calendar.

 

Race Director Paco Aznar described the tenth edition as a proud achievement for organisers and volunteers who have helped transform the event into a recognised fixture of Spanish mountain motorsport.

 

Economic and Tourism Impact

Local officials highlighted the importance of the competition in promoting Guadalest and the wider Costa Blanca as a destination for both tourism and sporting events.

 

Mayor Joan Gadea Pons praised the commitment of volunteers, emergency services, sponsors and local organisations, noting that thousands of spectators are expected to attend across the weekend.

 

The event also honours Ricardo Fracés, whose contribution to the development of the race has been recognised through the naming of the annual trophy.

 

Event Schedule

Friday 5 June

• Administrative and technical scrutineering
• Vehicle exhibition in the Wild West public car park
• Public viewing from 4:00pm to 9:00pm

 

Saturday 6 June

• Road closure from 6:30am
• Practice runs begin at 8:30am
• Official timed runs throughout the day
• Expected finish between 2:30pm and 3:00pm
• Prize-giving ceremony from 4:00pm

 

Safety First

Organisers have urged spectators to follow all safety instructions and remain within designated viewing areas throughout the event.

 

With over 40 competitors confirmed and large crowds expected, the 2026 edition is set to be one of the biggest in the race’s history, reinforcing Guadalest’s reputation as a leading destination for motorsport and outdoor tourism on the Costa Blanca.

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Sant Gregori 2026 brings music, tradition and family celebrations to Guadalest

Castell de Guadalest / 9 May 2026

 

The historic mountain village of Castell de Guadalest is continuing its annual Sant Gregori celebrations today, Saturday 9 May 2026, with a full programme of traditional festivities, live music, cultural activities and family entertainment as part of the wider Sant Gregori Festivities 2026.

 

Widely recognised as one of the most atmospheric local festivals in the Marina Baixa region, this year’s celebration is drawing strong attendance from both residents and visitors, with Saturday forming the central day of public activity.

 

Saturday programme highlights

Festivities today focus on a full day of community events designed for all ages:

The morning begins with a lively street parade led by the Xaranga Bataclán de Xaló brass band, filling the historic streets of Guadalest with music and colour. This is followed by children’s entertainment, including inflatable attractions and games in the town centre parking area.

 

In the afternoon, the programme continues with family activities, including a children’s snack gathering and community karaoke sessions for adults, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as a shared social celebration across generations.

 

The evening programme forms the emotional centrepiece of the day. At 7:30pm, a solemn mass in honour of Sant Gregori takes place, accompanied by traditional live music from Rondalla La Muntanya. This is followed by a religious procession through the village streets and the symbolic blessing of Sant Gregori water, a long-standing ritual deeply rooted in local identity.

 

As night falls, celebrations shift into a more festive atmosphere with live performances from “Carne de Cañón”, followed by a late-night open-air music session and DJ entertainment extending into the early hours.

 

Tradition and community at the heart of Guadalest

Local authorities in Castell de Guadalest have emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage through events such as Sant Gregori, which combine religious tradition with modern community celebration.

 

Organisers highlight that the 2026 edition continues to strengthen the town’s reputation as one of the most visited inland heritage destinations in the region, blending historical identity with accessible tourism experiences.

 

The celebrations are expected to continue attracting strong visitor numbers throughout the day and evening, with Saturday regarded as the key highlight of this year’s programme.

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Hundreds Join Charity Walk in Guadalest Valley to Support Autism Awareness

 

Guadalest Valley / 25 March 2026

 

More than 200 people have taken part in a solidarity walk around the Guadalest reservoir in Spain’s Costa Blanca, raising awareness and support for individuals with autism affected by recent severe weather events.

 

The initiative, organised by the Mirada Blava, brought together 210 participants for a 12-kilometre circular route through the municipalities of Beniardà, Benimantell, and Castell de Guadalest.

 

Community support after storm impact

The event aimed to support families affected by the recent DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) storm, which caused disruption and damage across parts of eastern Spain. Organisers said the walk highlighted the challenges faced by people with autism, particularly during emergency situations where routine and stability are disrupted.

 

Inclusive and family-focused event

Participants of all ages were encouraged to walk or run the route at their own pace, creating a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. Families, local residents and visitors travelled from across Alicante and Valencia provinces to take part.

 

Organisers emphasised that the event was non-competitive, focusing instead on community engagement, awareness and solidarity.

 

Iconic setting on the Costa Blanca

The walk took place around the scenic Guadalest Reservoir, one of the most recognisable landscapes in the region, overlooked by the historic Guadalest Castle.

 

The setting not only provided a striking backdrop but also promoted the area as a hub for outdoor activity, hiking and sustainable tourism.

 

Raising awareness and inclusion

The Mirada Blava association said events like this are vital in raising awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and promoting inclusion, particularly in the wake of disruptive events such as extreme weather.

 

The strong turnout was described as a clear sign of community solidarity, with organisers thanking volunteers, participants and local authorities for supporting the initiative.

 

Growing trend of social sporting events

The event reflects a wider trend across Spain, where community-based sporting activities are increasingly used to highlight social causes and bring people together in a positive and accessible way.

 

Organisers hope the success of this year’s walk will encourage further events supporting autism awareness and other community initiatives in the region.