Guardamar del Segura, Costa Blanca

Situated near Elche and south of Alicante, Guardamar is a quaint little resort. Its ten miles of coastline and sand dunes, which provide quiet spots and fascinating treks, are its main attractions.

Another notable feature of Guardamar is its expansive forest, which is home to palm, cypress, eucalyptus, and pine trees. In order to protect the settlement from sandstorms, the forest was first planted. It is currently a protected area and has drawn numerous wildlife species. Two charming saltwater lakes in the town offer additional refuge to wildlife, especially birds.

Many resorts in the Alicante region are known for their extensive stretches of sandy beaches, which contrasts interestingly with the verdant forest and dunes. At Guardamar, the River Segura empties into the ocean, offering visitors even another peaceful retreat.

Families and couples seeking a laid-back vacation with a Spanish flair frequently choose Guardamar as their destination. The resort's overall vibe is one of low-key nightlife and lack of commercialisation.

Although tourism is Guardamar's primary sector, the town still depends on farming and fishing for its economy. Here, a pepper variety known as "nora" or "bola" is grown and represents Guardamar. The Valencian and Alicante cuisines make extensive use of this spherical, sweet pepper. Another long-standing custom in the area is fishing for eels and crustaceans. The nora pepper and the local shellfish are featured prominently in the recipes at Guardamar's annual Semana Gastronòmica de la Nyora i el Llagostí, a culinary feast.

There are a number of four-star hotels and hostels in Guardamar that cater to tourists. In addition to Mediterranean, English, Chinese, and other international cuisines, many restaurants serve local fare, especially seafood.

Castle of Guardamar
The Arabs constructed the Guardamar Castle to protect the territory. Even though a much of it has been destroyed, the castle is still worth seeing for the beautiful vistas and photo ops.

Cultural Points of Interest
The Guardamar Museum - A permanent collection of items discovered during excavations in and around Guardamar is housed in the museum located in the Old Town.The sixth-century sculpture from Dama de Guardamar was the most important discovery.

ATHLETES
Popular water sports include windsurfing, waterskiing, fishing, scuba diving, swimming, and sunbathing. The crystal-clear seas make for an ideal environment. Additionally, there are golf courses, tennis courts, and a swimming pool close by.