 Guardamar, a beautiful town by the sea, with a population of 14.000 inhabitants, although in the summer months this can rise to around 45.000 (July and August), a residential and holiday town.
The area around Guardamar del Segura has been populated since prehistoric times. A number of ruins in the area have proven this ancient occupation since Neolithic times and specifically in the river area between Rojales and Guardamar.
From this lengthy period called the Protoiberic time (VII to VI before Christ) the local population was influenced by the Phoenicians who introduced both Greek and Phoenician objects and manufacturing methods.
In fact in Guardamar, a Phoenician port existed, in the Fonteta area, dating back to VIII and VI before Christ.
It was a fortified town with imposing walls and because of its geographical position was connected to the Phoenician navigation routes and crossings to Ibiza, and other Phoenician towns on the Mediterranean peninsula.
These settlements were important as a precedent for the later splendour of the Iberian culture in our lands.
Torrevieja. A fishing and salt production based town, now dedicated to the tourism industry whilst maintaining its original activities, with a population of 80.000 inhabitants in the winter and around 300.000 in the summer.
This town is open to the many cultures of the world, where many of its residents are from other countries with a large number from the UK.
The town holds an international Habaneras singing competition which is of cultural importance.
It is located 8 km from Guardamar
Orihuela. It is the main historic town in the Segura area, with a population of 45.000 inhabitants; it has both countryside and commercial areas. Sites of historical interest include Santo Domingo college (XVI-XVIII), the Cathedral (XIV-XVI), Church of Santiago (XV), church of Santa Justa (XIV-XV).
The town is 24 km from Guardamar. www.ayuntamientoorihuela.es
 Elche.
Is one of the major towns in the Spanish levante area. The palm tree area was declared a UNESCO recognised site.
It is an industrial and tourist city, famous of its shoe making activities. Its population is around 275.000 and it is 28 km from Guardamar. Sites of historical interest: Huerta de Cura, Calahorra tower (XII-XIII), Basilica of Santa Maria and the Mysteries of Elche. www.turismedelx.com
Alicante. Is the provincial capital city in the south of the Valencian community, a centre for commerce and tourism with a population of around 300.000 inhabitants and with a port area, historic centre and beaches. It is 30 km from Guardamar.
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