What to do in Santa Pola? 23 Tips & Activities

Tips for a day out and fun things to do in Santa Pola

What to do in Santa Pola? Santa Pola seems to be a lesser-known place on the Costa Blanca, despite that it is a place where nature and tourism come together. Santa Pola is located between Alicante and Torrevieja.

In this blog you will read more about the main activities and attractions in Santa Pola:

  • What to do in Santa Pola (Activities).
  • What to do in the Santa Pola area?
  • What to see in Santa Pola (Sightseeing).

What to do in Santa Pola? Activities, things to do

1. To the beach in Santa Pola

The beaches are named in order from East to West. unfortunately does not have beaches with a blue flag:

  • Playa de (Los Astilleros) Varadero: a beach about 350 meters long, it is the 6th bay from the east side of the port;
  • Playa de Santa Pola / Llevant Beach: the beach, with a length of 400 meters, directly on the east side of the port. Due to the artificial piers, the water is calm;
  • Playa de Gran Playa: Located on the west side of the port, this beach is a long sandy beach with clear waters. It is suitable for various water sports activities and has a lively atmosphere;
  • Playa de Lisa: Lisa Beach is a quieter beach on the north side of town, often less crowded than other beaches. It offers a relaxing environment and is ideal for those looking for a little more seclusion.

2. Delicious dining out in Santa Pola

See a list of restaurants in Santa Pola.

3. Visit the salt mines in Santa Pola

Parque Natural de las Salinas de Santa Pola, these salt mines form a natural park known for its salt pans and lagoons. It is an important wetland area and home to a variety of bird species.

4. Visit the Aquarium in Santa Pola

Acuario Municipal de Santa Pola is a public (Municiphal) aquarium that offers visitors the chance to explore the region’s marine flora and fauna. It is educational and fun for both adults and children.

5. To the Santa Pola lighthouse

Faro de Santa Pola itself is not really a special attraction. If you hike up to this lighthouse, however, it is worth going a little further to Mirador del Faro de Santa Pola walk. Here they have built a special walkway. From here you have a beautiful panoramic view.

6. View historic military site in Santa Pola

The Antiaeri, Bunker i Bateries de Costa and Vèrtex Geodèsic Far de Santa Pola is the official name for a historic military site on the Cape of Santa Pola, right next to the lighthouse.

This complex of bunkers, anti-aircraft guns and coastal batteries was built during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) to protect the port of Alicante from sea and air attacks. Today, the restored site is a popular, free-access attraction that serves as a spectacular vantage point.

7. Visit the Museum in Santa Pola

Museo del Mar, this maritime museum offers insight into the city’s rich history as a fishing port. It features exhibits on fishing traditions, shipping and Santa Pola’s maritime heritage.

8. To the market in Santa Pola:

  • On Saturdays, the market consists of stalls selling fresh vegetables, fruits and other food items. This market is open from 09:00 to 14:00;
  • On Mondays & Saturdays at the same location you will find the Mercadillo ambulante de Santa Pola, a real “flea market” with clothes, shoes and household items. This market is open from 08:00 to 14:00.

Tip: view an overview of all weekly markets on the Costa Blanca

What to do in the Santa Pola area?

9. Visit Las Salinas de Torrevieja and La Mata

Besides the beautiful Parque Natural de las Salinas de Santa Pola, the salt lakes in nearby Torrevieja are also well worth a visit. These pink and green lakes are not only striking in color but also important natural areas rich in biodiversity and a popular area for hiking and nature observation.

10. Visit the palm groves of Elche

The impressive Palm Gardens of Elche(Palmeral de Elche) is a vast palm grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is unique in Europe and offers beautiful hiking trails through the thousands of palm trees, a serene and special experience.

11. Visit the castle of Santa Bárbara in Alicante

Another fun outing in the area is this impressive castle, located at the top of Benacantil Mountain, offers not only a fascinating glimpse into history, but also a spectacular panoramic view of the city of Alicante, the port and the surrounding coastline.

12. A day out in the Santa Pola area

  • Altea: (about 1 hour away) is actually not to be missed. It is located near Albir, making it easy to take a walk or bike ride along the waterfront. Altea is beautiful with its white streets, the iconic blue dome of the church that towers over the town, and its many art galleries. Stroll through the old town and enjoy the view from the Plaza de la Iglesia;

  • Villajoyosa: (about 40 minutes drive) Villajoyosa is the chocolate town to discover with its recognizable colorful coastline. Don’t forget to visit the historical sites such as the Torre de Sant Josep and the archaeological site La Malladeta;

  • El Castell de Guadalest: (about 1 hour and 15 minutes drive) is a village perched atop a mountain, offering spectacular views of an azure blue reservoir and a green, hilly landscape. Guadalest ‘s castle is a highlight, as are its ancient streets and the various museums you’ll find here;

  • Calpe: (about 1 hour drive) with the famous Peñón de Ifach, the rock that towers high above Calpe and is a symbol of the Costa Blanca. Climb the rock for breathtaking views, explore the historic town center and enjoy the delicious seafood restaurants in the harbor.

The view of Benidorm from Mundomar.
Image: the view of Benidorm from Mundomar.

What to see in Santa Pola? Sightseeing, things to see

13. Taking a picture with the letter monument of Santa Pola

The Santa Pola letter monument stands on Paseo Adolfo Suárez, the promenade in the port, right where the ferries to the island of Tabarca dock and you can see the fishing and sailing boats.

14. Explore downtown Santa Pola

Plaza de la Glorieta is the central and lively heart of Santa Pola. A popular meeting place with palm trees and cozy terraces, this square is surrounded by the main attractions. On the north side stands the imposing 16th-century castle fortress(Castillo Fortaleza), while on the west side begins the Calle Mayor shopping street. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this is the perfect place to soak up the city’s atmosphere.

15. Stroll along the promenade of Santa Pola

Along the port of Santa Pola runs the Paseo Marina Miramar, an elongated and wide boulevard on the P.º Adolfo Suárez. You will find a small park and a number of restaurants with views of the port here and there.

16. Visit the marina in Santa Pola

It is one of the Costa Blanca’s most beautiful harbor: Port de Santa Pola, also called Marina Miramar Puerto Deportivo. One offers 234 moorings. The port is secured 24/7. There are also 194 parking spaces available.

17. Visit the church of Santa Pola

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is the city’s main church, located in the absolute center. You will find the church right next to the Castillo Fortaleza, in the central plaza Plaza de la Glorieta. The church is unique because it is partially built into the walls of the 16th-century castle. The church tower is a recognizable part of the cityscape and, together with the castle, forms the historic heart of Santa Pola.

18. Visit the chapel of Santa Pola

Ermita del Calvario, this charming chapel is located a little higher up in the city, in the old, atmospheric fishing quarter. The chapel is immediately recognizable by its striking blue-tiled dome. It is a much-photographed building from the 18th century, dedicated to the Virgen de la Piedad (Virgin of Piety). It is a quiet place worth taking a walk to.

19. Visit the castle of Santa Pola

Castillo-Fortaleza de Santa Pola was built in the 16th century, the fortress is a historic fortress with a strategic location on the coast. Here you will enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea;

  • Also see the bastion: Baluarte del Duque de Arcos is a bastion that was part of the ancient defenses of Santa Pola, located within the Castillo-Fortaleza.

20. Visit Casa Romana del Palmeral

Although located slightly outside the immediate center of Santa Pola, is a park full of palm trees that houses a restored Roman villa. These archaeologically interesting remains attest to the Roman presence in the region. The villa’s rooms look immaculate and several mosaics have been restored and look beautiful.

21. Visit the palm gardens in Santa Pola

Parc del Palmerar is the largest city park and the “green lung” of Santa Pola itself. As the name suggests, it is full of palm trees. It is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a picnic or to go with children, thanks to its spacious layout and the playgrounds present.

22. Visit Pola Park

Pola Park is an amusement park in Santa Pola designed specifically for families with children. The park features more than 25 rides, including a roller coaster, a white water rafting ride, bumper cars and miniature golf, making it a popular destination for a family day and for families with children.

23. Enjoy the view on the “Skywalk.

Mirador del Faro de Santa Pola is the name for the spectacular viewpoint located at the highest point of the Cape of Santa Pola, right next to the lighthouse. It is, in fact, the same location as the restored military site.

The most famous part of the mirador is the pasarela, a metal walkway (also called “skywalk”) that protrudes over the cliff. From this point you have a beautiful panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea, the bay of Alicante and the island of Tabarca.

More tips for your visit to Santa Pola

Publication date:
20 December 2023

Publication date: 20 December 2023

Updated on:
5 January 2026

Updated on: 5 January 2026

Comments on this article:

Rick CostaBlanca.nl

Your signpost on the Costa Blanca

Hi! My name is Rick, initiator of CostaBlanca.nl and the free App. Since 2015 I can be found on the Costa Blanca on a monthly basis.

With this online platform I make as much as possible relevant information and tips about places on the Costa Blanca insightful and clear. The texts are exclusively written by myself. The photos and videos are made by me.

Learn more about collaborative opportunities.

Newsletter

Subscribe and stay up to date with the latest information and tips: