Torre de Guaita

The Torre de Guaita stands beside the mouth of the river Vaca, in the municipality of Xeraco, in the La Safor county. It's a 16th-century cylindrical watchtower that the Duke of Gandía had built to spot the Barbary pirates who once raided this coast. It's a Site of Cultural Interest, well preserved, and free to visit.

History

Through the 16th century, the Valencian coast lived under constant threat from Barbary corsair raids. To counter the danger, local lords ordered watchtowers built along the shoreline. The Torre de Guaita served that defensive purpose: from its lookout, the sea horizon was watched and the alarm raised whenever enemy sails approached.

What to see

The tower keeps its cylindrical plan, typical of defensive structures of this kind. Its position, beside the riverbed and facing the sea, makes clear what it was built for and how far it could see.

• Its solitary outline stands against the mouth of the river Vaca.
• The surroundings are pleasant, close to the La Safor marshland.
• Pair the visit with a walk along the nearby beach of Xeraco.

Tips for your visit

• Access is free and open; the tower is best seen from the outside.
• Wear comfortable shoes, since the surroundings are natural terrain.
• Go early in the day to avoid the summer heat.