While summer has given way to cooler temperatures and longer shadows, there is a new type of beauty to be found right outside our door. The Costa Blanca is well-known for its breathtaking coastline, but the true magic of autumn can be found inland, in the charming villages. This is an excellent time to trade the beach for a mountain road trip and explore our region’s quieter, more authentic side.
Here are some of my favourite island villages to visit this season.
Guadalest: The Iconic Castle in the Sky
Guadalest, perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, is reminiscent of a fairytale. The drive up is an adventure in and of itself, winding through the Sierra de Aitana mountains until you catch a breathtaking first glimpse of the castle.
To reach the historic village centre, walk through the San Jose tunnel, which has been carved into the rock face. The views from the top are breathtaking, providing a panoramic view of the valley and the famous turquoise reservoir below. The cooler, clearer air in autumn enhances the beauty of the scenery. After that, spend some time exploring the unique artisan shops and small museums.
Polop: The Village of Fountains
Polop, located just inland from La Nucia, is a tranquil and creative town. It is known as the “village of the writers,” a place where Gabriel Miro and other artists sought inspiration.
The town is a pleasure to explore on foot. Wander through its quiet streets to find the famous Fuentes de Polop, a network of 221 fountains where you can fill up your water bottle with fresh spring water. A short climb leads to the ruins of the mediaeval castle, which provide stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Mediterranean coast in the distance. The peace and quiet here are a welcome contrast to the bustling coastal towns.
A Scenic Drive Through the Guadalest Valley
For a truly immersive experience, continue past Guadalest and discover the rustic villages nestled in the valley below. Benimantell, Abdet, and Confrides provide insight into traditional Spanish mountain life.
This is an excellent location for an autumn walk. The trails are much more enjoyable without the summer heat, and you can truly appreciate the area’s natural beauty, including ancient olive and almond groves. While exploring, keep an eye out for small, family-run restaurants known as ventas or mesones. Warm up with a bowl of traditional olla de trigo stew or a platter of sizzling wood-fired grilled meats. It’s the ideal way to end a fall day.
So, the next time the weather begins to cool, leave the beach and head inland. You will discover a different type of beauty, a slower pace of life, and the true heart of the Costa Blanca.
Author: Melissa Williams
Hi, I’m Melissa, a creative writer and ESL teacher with a passion for storytelling. I started writing fiction when I was young, and I eventually discovered that I loved performing, working all over the Costa Blanca as a semi-professional singer. I now write articles that I hope will inspire and engage readers by using my creativity. Whether I'm sharing personal insights or delving into local culture, I try to produce content that is relatable and meaningful. working as a creator of events and features.
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