Spain’s Most Isolated Village Life Near Costa Blanca – Hidden in the Mountains

Spain’s Most Isolated Village Life Near Costa Blanca – Hidden in the Mountains

Benimantel is located northwest of Benidorm, just 2 km from the popular tourist town of Guadalest. And that’s exactly why it often gets ignored – buses go straight to Guadalest, and Benimantel stays unnoticed. The village is small, around 400 residents. In the center, there’s the town hall, a church from the 18th century, and a single bar where locals gather. There are no souvenir shops, no hotels, and no pharmacies. What to see:
The old part of the village with narrow streets and typical 18th–19th century houses Views of the Serrella mountain range and various hiking trails.
A walking route to the Guadalest Reservoir – about 40 minutes on foot. History facts:
– The name “Benimantel” is of Arabic origin. The village was part of a Muslim territory until the 15th century. – In the 1950s, the population was over 700, but migration to cities (mostly Benidorm) reduced it by half. What to try:
During almond blossom season (February–March), locals prepare pastel de almendra – a homemade almond cake. In the village bar, you can also try olleta de blat – a mountain stew made with wheat, chickpeas, and meat. Why visit:
To see what a real Spanish mountain village looks like – not designed for tourists, not curated for photos. It’s ideal for a 30-minute stop on the way to Guadalest. Relleu is very different from the previous. It feels more alive. There are shops, bars, open windows, and people sitting outside. Some houses have signs in English saying “For Sale.” Population: around 1,250 people, with about 30% being foreigners – mostly Brits, Dutch, and French retirees. It’s located between Villajoyosa and Orxeta, at 429 meters elevation. The road here is good, asphalted, with curves but no trouble. What to see:
– The Pasarela de Relleu – a hanging glass walkway opened in 2022, over 212 meters long and suspended 60 meters above the canyon. – Remains of a Moorish castle (11th century) and a historical aqueduct. Modern life:
– Relleu has preserved local traditions but added comfort: grocery stores, pharmacy, medical center, post office, primary school, and a football field. – There’s even a municipal coworking space and a digital nomad program. What to try:
– At Casa Alta Vista restaurant, you can try a fusion of Valencian and British food. – Locals also bake coca amb mullador – a flatbread with vegetables and olive oil, typical of this region. Why visit:
It’s one of the rare villages that’s managed to stay authentic while becoming a little more open. It has comfort but no crowds. You’ll see both traditional village life and small signs of change. Benifato – The smallest and most mysterious village near Aitana Benifato has a population of about 120 people. It sits at 657 meters above sea level, at the foot of Sierra de Aitana – the highest mountain in the province of Alicante. It’s one of the main starting points for hiking routes, but the village itself is nearly invisible. What to see:
– A hiking trail to Font de Partegat – a natural spring located at over 1000 meters. – A panoramic view of the Guadalest Valley.
– The Molí de Xirles – an old water mill restored by local volunteers. From history:
– First mentioned in 1264, the village still keeps its Muslim layout – a central square and curved alleys. – Over half of the homes were abandoned in the 20th century, especially during the migration to Benidorm and France. Modern initiatives:
– In the past 3 years, Benifato has tried to attract domestic visitors with eco-tourism and seasonal fairs. – The village hosts the traditional San Miguel festival, during which all residents cook in the central square for guests. What to try:
If you visit in autumn, try Pericana – a local dish made from dried peppers, cod, olive oil, and garlic. In the only bar (El Fogó), they also serve arroz al horno – baked rice with chickpeas and pork ribs. Why there are so few tourists:
Because there’s literally no infrastructure. No hotels, no signs, not even updated Google Maps data. Most visitors are hikers, not tourists – and that’s why the place feels untouched. These villages don’t offer big landmarks, luxury hotels, or guided tours. They offer something else: the real pace of rural life in the mountains of Spain. You won’t find crowds, but you’ll find silence. You won’t find curated photo spots, but you’ll notice how people still say hello on the street. Benimantel, Benifato, and Relleu are not forgotten — they’re simply not performing for visitors. And maybe that’s their greatest value. If you want to understand Spain beyond the beaches, this is where it begins!

Have you ever wondered what life is like in Spain’s most isolated villages?
Just a short drive from Costa Blanca’s famous coast — from Benidorm, Alicante, Villajoyosa, and the popular Guadalest Valley — there’s another world: quiet, real, and untouched.
In this video, I take you to three hidden gems in the Costa Blanca mountains: Benimantel, Benifato, and Relleu.

Benimantel is a sleepy white village nestled in the valley behind Benidorm. Surrounded by almond trees and rugged hills, it feels like time stopped here — with narrow stone alleys, a tiny plaza, and only a few locals sitting in the shade.

Benifato, located near the base of Sierra de Aitana and close to the popular Guadalest valley, is even smaller — just a handful of houses clinging to the mountainside. You’ll find stunning views, colorful laundry on balconies, and the deep stillness of a place forgotten by the world.

▶️ Watch Benifato tour: https://youtu.be/NC3FvKwUelo?si=HKEiL6Alvyi8kmXg

Relleu, set in the hills between Alicante and Villajoyosa, is the liveliest of the three, yet still untouched. It has a medieval heart, a scenic walking trail along an old aqueduct, and breathtaking views from the cliffside. Life here moves slowly, gently, and honestly.

▶️ Watch Relleu tour: https://youtu.be/11UlMg0ra-c?si=CKBvAQ1-72ThIW44

If you’re tired of tourist crowds and want to see the real Spain — this is it. No shops, no noise, no rush. Just mountains, silence, and beauty.

Watch till the end and let me know which village you’d live in!

📍Location: Benimantel, Benifato, Relleu – Costa Blanca mountains, Spain
🗓️ Date recorded: July
☀️ Weather: 28–32°C
🎥 Filmed by Lena Magic

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▶️ Villajoyosa tour: https://youtu.be/hEW8izTWEmQ?si=YlQfGOfkFrukG2VJ
▶️ Guadalest tour: https://youtu.be/cbQ97tlku0w?si=912Og6L1tj771M8s

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