Guardamar del Segura is a town that through the course of its history has been able to take advantage of the natural adversities that have befallen it. Sited at the mouth of the Segura River, the town has always held a key position as a guardian of the river. The area, known by the Greeks as Alone, was inhabited by the Iberians as witnessed by the discovery of the Dama de Guardamar at the Cabezo Lucero site, and Moorish remains are visible in a RA?bita (religious/fortified outpost delimiting the border with the Christians) that can be found in the area of the townA?s dunes.
This historical heritage is explained in the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum and the Municipal Arts Centre. The 1829 earthquake completely destroyed the original walled city and the castle that was at its centre, though remains of these can still be seen. This forced the inhabitants to move to GuardamarA?s present location closer to the coast, and to design the town so that it could withstand earthquakes.
At the end of the 19th century the town experienced serious problems as a result of the advancing sands. Planting rows of pine trees, which now give Guardamar del Segura its uniquely striking combination of woodlands and beach, have halted the advance. Today the area is a 840 hectare Forest Park called the A?Dunas de GuardamarA?, and has been declared an Area of Natural Interest. The Reina SofA�a Park is a good place to walk and admire the scenery within a magnificent setting of native flora and fauna. The park, with its lakes, waterfalls and trails, is beautifully designed. GuardamarA?s 14-kilometre coastline has fine sandy beaches. The Centro and Roqueta beaches are the most frequented, whilst others like the Moncayo and Los Tusales, located next to the mouth of the Segura River, are less crowded. All beaches are perfectly adapted for public use.
Gastronomy:
GuardamarA?s langostinos (giant prawns) are the best in the Costa Blanca. Typical dishes are Caldero (fish stew), Cocido con pelotas (stew with minced meat wrapped in cabbage leaves) and Elvers with garlic. There are many restaurants offering both local dishes and international cuisine.
Art:
Iron and leatherwork.
Monuments: Remains of 10th-century Moorish mosques, ruins of a 12th-18th-century castle.
Cultural Attractions: Archaeology, Ethnology and Palaeontology Museum, located in the Casa de Cultura (Municipal Arts Centre).60 calle ColA?n
Festivals and Events:
Patron saint feast day celebrations are held on the 7th of October in honour of the Madonna of the Rosary. Moors and Christians pageants are held during the second half of July. On the 25th of July an important feast day celebration is held in honour of St James. A pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin of FA?tima is organized on the 13th of May. A?HoguerasA? in honour of Saint John, and Carnival and Holy Week celebrations are some of the other festivals.
Situation:
Located at the mouth of the Segura River. The N-332 passes through the town, and via Rojales and Crevillente there is a good road which links up with the Murcia motorway. 35 km from Alicante and 77 km from Benidorm. 25 km from the Altet Airport.
Tour of the town:
The dunes. The salt lakes at La Mata and Campo de Guardamar, with trails and irrigation channels.
Sports:
There is a marina situated at the mouth of the Segura River where you can take sailing or fishing lessons. There is also a diving club (96.572.99.84). A mini-golf course and golf course are located in the nearby city of Rojales. There is a court where you can practice Valencian Pelota.
Information source: costablanca.org
