Eleven kilometres of fine, golden sand give Guardamar a distinctive coastal character. There are also dunes and pine forests, paths along the Segura and archaeological remains from different periods. This lets you shape your stay around your own interests, balancing beaches, landscapes, history and local traditions.
Beaches, Dunes and Nature
Guardamar’s beaches stretch for 11 kilometres and are made up of fine, golden sand. The dunes and pine forests along the Mediterranean coast cover a combined area of 800 hectares. The Parc de les Nyores has a different, clearly defined scale: this protected natural urban park lies in the south of Guardamar, 200 metres from the sea, and covers four hectares of original sand dunes. These figures describe different areas—the extensive coastal landscape and a single park.
Routes Along the River and Coast
The “Dunes and River Segura’s Mouth” route runs from the Guardamar Tourist Office to the breakwater at the mouth of the Segura. The round trip is listed as 3.2 kilometres. The Port Route follows a different set of landmarks: it runs along the right bank of the lower Segura to the northern edge of the town and passes through pine forests to the Marina de les Dunes Yachting Club and the fishing port.
Along the Port Route, there is a stretch of river where the fresh and salt waters of the Segura mix and many species of waterbirds can be observed; sightings may vary. The information provides different points of comparison for the two routes: the length of the round trip for the first, and the route and named stops for the Port Route. The route catalogue also describes eight excursions on foot or by bicycle and provides a downloadable map to help plan outings. Check the latest route information before setting out.
Archaeological Remains from Different Periods
In Alfonso XIII Park, the Islamic Caliphate ribat is next to La Fonteta and near the mouth of the Segura. This almost completely preserved Islamic monastic monument dates from the Umayyad-Andalusian period of the 10th to 11th centuries AD. Its complex includes 23 prayer cells and a mihrab. La Fonteta, in turn, is a Phoenician colonial settlement designated a Site of Cultural Interest, dating from the 8th to 6th centuries BC. Its recorded features include a monumental wall with bastions, fortified dwellings and evidence of metallurgical activity. The neighbouring sites therefore represent distinctly different historical periods.
For a broader view of the area’s history, the settlement of the hill of Guardamar Castle spans the 8th century BC to the 19th century. It passed through Phoenician, Iberian, Roman, Islamic-Caliphate and Christian periods. The history of the municipal Museo Arqueológico, Etnológico y Paleontológico is also documented: it opened on 13 July 1990 and was recognised as a museum by the Conselleria de Cultura of the Generalitat Valenciana in December 1993.
Traditions and Cuisine
Several events on the calendar have their own character. The Guardamar Themed Historical Tapas Route has been held annually since 2012 over a two-week period in October and November; more than 20 establishments take part. The festivities for Our Lady of the Rosary include a floral offering and traditional Valencian dances in regional costume. The Auroros sing religious songs in the streets on 7 October and on every Sunday in October before dawn.
The Gastronomy Week has also been held since 2005. Its tasting menus must include one dish featuring the small, sweet, dried red pepper and another featuring Guardamar’s giant prawn. Peix de Guardamar brings together local catches such as squid, prawns and the renowned giant prawn, alongside the traditional fishing fleet and the fishing port at the river mouth. The fish market at the port by the mouth of the Segura is open to retail customers; auctions take place Monday to Friday at 10 a.m. Check the latest market information before visiting.
Getting Around
Guardamar’s bus station is a four-minute walk from the town centre. It has a taxi rank and a regular stop for the local city bus service. If you plan to use these connections, check the latest transport information before travelling.
Discover more destinations: La Vall De Laguar, El Tosalet, Margarida, La Torre de les Maçanes, La Carroja, Albatera, Villena, Benijófar.
For the broader travel overview: Alicante.
