Brief History of Guardamar Del Segura

Guardamar del Segura boasts one of the longest histories on the Costa Blanca, with evidence of Phoenician settlement dating back to the 8th century BC. The town's strategic position at the mouth of the Segura River made it a vital trading post for successive civilizations including Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors.

The town's name reflects its medieval role as a guardian fortress ("guardamar" means "guard the sea") protecting the river entrance. Following the Christian Reconquest in the 13th century, Guardamar remained an important defensive and fishing settlement. In 1829, a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the old town, forcing reconstruction on the current site closer to the coast.

A remarkable transformation came in the early 20th century when extensive pine forests were planted on the dunes to prevent sand encroachment that had buried parts of the town. Today, these forests are Guardamar's green treasure, complementing 11 kilometers of pristine beaches. The town balances its rich archaeological heritage, including the excavated Phoenician site of La Fonteta, with modern tourism while maintaining its authentic fishing port and Spanish character.