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Due to its rich history Guadalest is one of the most
visited tourist spots in Spain, there are two parts
to the town one being the fortress itself, which is
set high on the mountain, this was were the population
of the town lived within the boundary walls with the
only entrance and exit being via the gate of St José.
The second part of the town being the moors houses,
extending from the gate of St José. Once in the
town you will find plenty of little streets and squares
which give the towns its special appeal. To spend a
day in Guadalest is truly a delightful experience with
plenty to see and do.
As Guadalest is such popular town for visitors and tourists
you will find a large selection of gift shops to buy
souvenirs and local produce, museums, bars and restaurants.
The local residents have devoted them selves to tourism,
being the main source of income for the town.
At the foot of the town is the dam which was completed
in 1964, measuring 73 feet high and 270 meters long,
this dam supplies water to a number of the surrounding
towns and villages including Benidorm. The view of the
dam from the fortress is breathtaking, the waters are
turquoise in colour with the contrasting backdrop of
mountain scenery.
Guadalest dates back to
715 when the moors settled here and gave Guadalest its
name. It was Jaime I that conquered the town in 1238
but its wasn’t until 1245 after he had defeated
all the counter attacks from the moors living in the
neighbouring areas of Vall de Gallinera, Alcala, Confrides
and Pego was the town then occupied. In 1246 the moors
attacked and were once again defeated and expelled from
the kingdom. It 1275 King Jaime I passed law that any
Moor wishing to change his abode must obtain permission
from the Christians.
Why not combine a trip to the town of Guadalest with
a visit to a unique animal park located just on the
outskirts.The Ark was opened in 1998 as a sanctuary
for wild animals and to date as rescued in the region
on 300 wild animals.
Ex circus animals such
as lions and tigers, exotic abandoned pets and mistreated
animals that have been discovered all over Spain, out
of work primates or laboratory ‘guinea pigs’
from all over Europe have fortunately found there way
to El Arca (The Ark). Its not really a zoo but a wild
life rescue centre solely dedicated to the animal welfare
and is open to the public to help raise awareness to
animal cruelty and to raise funds to support this wonderful
centre.
With some 55 different species, the park is home to
around 250 animals including adult lions and cubs, tigers,
cheetahs, snow leopards, panthers, jaguars and other
large wild cats, rescued snakes, pythins, boas and a
cobra, large fully grown iguanas, Alligators, prairie
dogs, pole cats, racoons, porcupines, arctic foxes,
wolves, dingoes, ostriches, emus, deer, anteaters skunks
and a blind pony. |
