Guardamar del Segura is famous for its 12 kilometres of fine sandy beaches. It lies approximately 15 kilometres north of Torrevieja and has a population of just over 11,000. As it is located at the mouth of the river Segura, it is believed that it was given this name, meaning the Guardian of the river Segura.

It is surrounded by two large and stunning natural salt water lakes which form the “Salinas de Guardamar” and an official Spanish Nature Reserve. These lakes also invite a large variety of bird life.

Guardamar is a developing tourist centre and one of the most significant on the Mediterranean coast. Yet, it is not as heavily commercialised as the Costa Blanca resorts located to the north of Alicante. It still has that Spanish charm to it with relaxed surroundings.

The town also has a long high street packed with all types of shops and a busy market every Wednesday morning. A tourist office can be found here where you can book your seat on the tourist train or for museums and a big sports centre with indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

The inland part of Guardamar is known as the Campo de Guardamar and includes the urbanisation of El Raso and Moncayo. El Raso consists of a commercial centre and a very famous and busy market which is known locally as “The Lemon Tree Market.” It is open every Sunday morning and boasts of more than 500 stalls including some amazing food from various countries.

Away from the town is the marina which is the beginning of the Corridor Verde walking and cycling route alongside the Rio Segura.

Situated between Torrevieja & Santa Pola, Guardamar del Segura is about 45 minute drive from Alicante’s international airport.

CLIMATE

Guardamar enjoys in excess of 320 days of annual sunshine and an average daily temperature of 17°C. In the months of July and August, temperature is typically 30°C. A large number of people prefer the months of April, May, June, September, October and November when the weather is nearly perfect.

The warm temperature and concentration of salt give the town what is called the healthy micro-climate. Due to this reason, it has been recommended by doctors for different ailments including rheumatism, asthma and skin problems. Bathing in the salt lagoons is also getting popular for medical purposes.

In 1986, the World Health Organisation declared the area’s climate as one of the healthiest in the world since it is neither too hot in the summer not too cold in the winter. This makes the place an ideal all year round holiday destination.

BEACHES AND PARKS

Guardamar del Segura offers more than 12 kilometres of natural shoreline with long golden sandy beaches covered with pine, eucalyptus and palm trees.

Some of the wonderful beaches are Guardamar Playa del Campomar, Moncayo Beach (Playa del Moncaio), Roqueta Beach (Playa la Roqueta), Centro Beach (Playa Centro), Playa de la Babilonia, Vivers Beach (Playa del Vivers) and Playa Los Tusales (the nudist beach) which you will find going out of Guardamar.

The wonderful sight where the natural dunes form from sand deposited both by the river Segura and the sea and are then blown inland by the Easterly winds, makes Guardamar del Segura very fascinating. There also other lovely places here where you can watch the local flora and fauna and numerous bird species that nest in this ecological community.

It also has two excellent parks, the Alfonso and the Reina Sofia. The sand dunes and pine trees of the Alfonso Park link the town to the marina and offer a flat walking and cycling route. The Reina Sofia Park on the other hand has shady trees, rolling grass hills, man-made ponds and a number of resident squirrels, terrapins, peacocks and ducks which makes it very ideal for nature lovers.
This hidden gem is a lovely place to spend a few hours or a whole day, having fun with the family out of the sun.

This amazing park has a large canopy of trees with plenty of walkways running around the ponds and waterfalls and throughout the park. Swimming in the ponds are goldfish, Koi and lots of terrapins, who can often be found basking in the sun on the rocks.

With a large number of ducks, swans, geese, peacocks/peahens and red squirrels you can watch nature, enjoy a picnic or just relax. Although the birds, terrapins and fish are well looked after and have food available, they still enjoy some hand fed snacks.

There is an extremely large play area with playhouses, slides, swings, a zip-line and climbing frames for the kids, an area for boules and large open spaces for all the family to enjoy. If you want to take a picnic with you then there are picnic benches and tables available or just take a rug and claim your spot.

RECREATION & LEISURE

There are many things to keep you entertained in Guardamar such as fishing, a visit to the Molino de San Antonio (San Antonio Windmill) and camel rides.

It gives you all the water sport you can think of including windsurfing, scuba diving, sailing, water-skiing, canoeing, underwater diving and jet skiing. Here you will find the Marina de las Dunas at the mouth of the river which can accommodate almost 500 moorings.

Guardamar del Segura has a big land based sports facility. It is a fantastic place for sports enthusiasts since it consists of the “Las Rabosas” Sports Centre and the grand Municipal Sports Centre with its Olympic size swimming pool, football pitches, basketball courts, three football fields, tennis courts, pelota courts and a covered sports hall.

GOLF

Within an hour’s drive of Guardamar del Segura is a large choice of golf courses. The town of Rojales has the La Marquesa Golf Course. Other good golf courses are La Finca and Villamartin.

RESTAURANTS

The local restaurants offer good quality seafood and shellfish and exceptional rice dishes which is the pride of Guardamar cuisine.

Listed below are some of the restaurants worth a try:
Agra Indian Restaurant, Jacinto Benavente, La Tabernita de Guardamar (situated in Plaza Porticada and specializes in home-made Spanish food and tapas plus with excellent service and affordable prices), Chocolateria La Churreria, Restaurante Akropolis, Nostra Pizza, Restaurante Jaime, La Terrazza, El Padrino, Cafeteria Galicia, El Rincon de Carmen and Restaurante La Saranda.

There are also are nine Chinese restaurants to be found namely: Restaurante Gran China – C/Cartagena at the corner of Crevillent, Restaurante Chino Internacional, Restaurante Chino Zhong Hua, Restaurante China Town, Restaurante Chino Wang Cheng, Restaurante Chino Nankin, , Restaurante Chino Pato Laqueado , Restaurante Chino Hong Kong (consists of two parts the restaurant and a Buffet) and the Restaurante Asiatico.

Situated in a privileged surrounding is the “El Jardin” Restaurant. With its terrace made of glass, you will be able to look at the sea while being surrounded by a lovely ambiance and enjoying a succulent Mediterranean meal. In addition to this, the restaurant provides a professional and friendly service plus an exclusive cellar which gives “El Jardin” the advantage of being one of the most recommended restaurants in the majority of the national guides (Michelin, Gourmetour, Repsol (formerly Campsa). Their beach wedding service began in 2011.

El Jardin’s address: Av. de la Libertad, 64, 03140 Guardamar del Segura, Alicante, Spain
Phone:+34 965 72 83 40

MARINA DE LAS DUNAS

A stunning addition to the tourism of Guardamar del Segura is the municipal’s Marina de las Dunas. It is situated at the mouth of the Segura River in natural surroundings.

It consists of almost 500 moorings and has all the services and facilities of an outstanding marina. It also has two kilometres of new river course for small boats which is a risk-free area for sea sports.

You can enjoy a pleasant walk around the marina as well as admiring the boats and the local fishermen unloading their catch.

Address: Av. Del Puerto, 219 Guardamar del Segura
Phone: +34 639687157
Email: info@marinadelasdunas.com
Web: www.marinadunas.es

CASTLE
Built by the Arabs to guard the land is Guardamar Castle. Most of it has been damaged but it is still worth a trip for the spectacular views and photo opportunities.
Address: Plaza del Rosario, 4, 03140 Guardamar del Segura, Alicante, Spain
Phone:+34 965 72 44 88

MUSEUM
Located in the Old Town is Guardamar’s Museum. It exhibits a permanent collection of artifacts discovered in excavations in and around Guardamar. The most important one unearthed was the Dama de Guardamar sculpture dating from the sixth century.

FIESTAS
Guardamar is popular in Spain for its fiestas. It is a vital part of life of this town. The vivacity and eagerness of the locals will persuade you to participate rather than be a mere bystander. In February, there is a carnival in town with costumes and outdoor parties.
During Holy Week (March/April), processions and scenes from the Passion are held. On the 2nd fortnight of July, Moors and Christians honour Saint James with parades, a procession of mock warriors, sieges of the castle, outdoor parties, fireworks and the re-enactment of the legend of Encanta. In addition, there is also the feast in honour of the Virgin of the Rosary. It is good to remember that dates of the town fiestas may vary every year so it is best to check it beforehand.

GUARDAMAR TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE (Oficina de Turismo)
Tourist Information Office Guardamar del Segura
Address: Plaza de la Constitución 7, 03140 Guardamar del Segura.
Telephone: +34 965724488
Email: guardamar@touristinfo.net
Website: http://www.guardamarturisme.com
Opening Hours:
Winter (from 01/10 to 31/05): Monday-Saturday 10:00 to 15:15 h. and 17:00 to 19:00 h.
Summer (from 01/07 to 30/09): Monday from 10:00 to 14:30 h. and 16:00 to 20:30 h. Saturdays from 10:30 to 14:00 h. and 17:00 to 20:00 h.