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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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