All about Santa Pola (Costa Blanca, Spain)

Santa Pola (in both Spanish and Valencian) on the Costa Blanca is part of the province of Alicante, which belongs to the region of Valencia. The place is located south of Alicante and north of Guardamar del Segura, and it is known for its beautiful beaches. It is a stretched place with a large area consisting of large salt lakes.

Santa Pola is 184 km from Valencia, 20 km from Alicante and 70 km from Benidorm. The place has an area of almost 60 km² and has about 31,500 inhabitants. Renting a vacation home on the Costa Blanca this summer? View a selection of vacation homes in Santa Pola.

Did you know.

• … there is an island near Santa Pola, Tabarca? You can go there by boat and enjoy its tranquility and clear waters;

• … Santa Pola used to be an important place for salt extraction? The salt lakes and pans are now a beautiful natural area;

• … you can visit a 16th-century castle in Santa Pola? The Castillo Fortaleza offers a beautiful view of the city and the sea;

• … there is a museum in Santa Pola about the sea and fishing? At the Museo del Mar you will learn all about the city’s history;

• … Santa Pola has a whopping 13 kilometers of beaches? From small coves to long sandy beaches, there is something for everyone;

• … you can spot flamingos in Santa Pola? The Las Salinas Natural Park is home to many unusual birds;

• … you can find remains from Roman times in Santa Pola? The Romans were already farming fish in special basins here.

The center of Santa Pola

The center of Santa Pola is located around Plaza de la Glorieta. From here you can see on the north side the imposing Castillo Fortaleza de Santa Pola, a 16th-century fortress that now serves as a museum, with the church tower next to it. On the west side stretches Calle Mayor, a shopping street with a variety of stores, from boutiques to supermarkets.

Heading east, you’ll see a mix of historic buildings and modern architecture, including the town hall. South of Plaza de la Glorieta, you can see the blue Mediterranean in the distance. The square itself is a popular meeting place with palm trees, benches and several cafes and restaurants with terraces, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere.

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.

The port of Santa Pola

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

The districts

Santa Pola is a coastal town with several neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics:

• Centro: the heart of the city with the castle, main shopping streets, restaurants and amenities;

• Gran Playa: along the large, lively city beach. Here you will find the promenade with many restaurants and apartments;

• Playa Lisa & Tamarit: west of downtown. These neighborhoods are known for their calm, shallow waters, ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts;

• Varadero: the traditional fishing district near the port and the salt flats. An authentic area with a distinct maritime character;

• Santa Pola del Este: a quiet, upper residential area on the east side. It is characterized by villas, small coves(calas) and panoramic sea views.

The history in brief

In Roman times, the place was known as Portus Illicitanus, the important port for the city of Elche. After a period of decline in the Middle Ages, the area became important again in the 16th century. To protect the coast from pirates, watchtowers and a castle were built, the remains of which can still be seen today.

The name “Santa Pola

The name “Santa Pola” is inextricably linked to the Apostle Paul (San Pablo in Spanish). According to legend, he landed on the nearby island of Tabarca (then known as Planesia). Because of this, the mainland port became associated with Sant Pau (the Catalan name for the saint). Over time, this name was popularly changed to Santa Pola.

Nature around Santa Pola

Around Santa Pola you will find several natural areas. Besides the famous beaches, the landscape consists of salt lakes, a rocky promontory and hills with hiking trails.

• Parque Natural de las Salinas: the salt lakes of Santa Pola are famous for the many flamingos you can see here. The park has several hiking and biking trails to discover the different bird species;

• Cabo de Santa Pola: a unique cape composed of a fossil coral reef. It is a popular place for a walk, for example over the footbridge to the lighthouse, with beautiful views of the sea and the island of Tabarca;

• Sierra de Santa Pola: This hilly area north of the city is ideal for hikers and mountain bikers. The trails lead you past pine forests and offer sweeping views of the surroundings;

• Island of Tabarca: from the port of Santa Pola you can take a boat to this island, a protected marine reserve. It is the place to snorkel or dive thanks to its clear sea and rich underwater world.

A Mediterranean climate

Santa Pola has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The average summer temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius, while the average winter temperature is around 15 degrees Celsius.

Santa Pola has more than 300 sunny days a year. Sea breezes cool it in summer, and the mountains in the hinterland protect the city from cold north winds.

Weather, average temperatures

Below is a table of average temperatures in Santa Pola by month:

2. Experiencing Santa Pola, what to see & do

To the beach in Santa Pola

Below is an overview of Santa Pola’s beaches. The beaches are named in order from East to West. unfortunately does not have Blue Flag beaches:

• 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.

Things to do & to see

There is plenty to see and do in Santa Pola, from culture and nature to relaxation. So you can explore the historic heart of the city, head into the surrounding nature to spot flamingos at the unique salt flats, or enjoy the miles of coastline with wide sandy beaches and a lively promenade.

Sports opportunities

Santa Pola is known as a true paradise for lovers of water sports, but also offers plenty of opportunities on land for an active lifestyle. The combination of its sheltered bay, favorable wind conditions and proximity to natural areas makes the town a versatile sports destination on the Costa Blanca.

A characteristic of the sports culture in Santa Pola is its strong connection to the sea. The coastline and climate invite year-round activities on and in the water. In addition, the surrounding nature, especially the Salt Flats Natural Park, plays an important role for land athletes.

Water sports:

• Wind and Kitesurfing: Santa Pola is internationally known as one of the best locations for wind and kitesurfing, thanks to its constant and favorable winds. Several schools and rental companies can be found along the beaches.

• Sailing: the sheltered bay and the presence of a modern marina (Club Náutico) make it an ideal place for sailing. Lessons and courses are offered for different levels;

• Diving and Snorkeling: the crystal clear waters and proximity to the marine reserve around the island of Tabarca offer excellent opportunities to explore the underwater world. There are several diving schools that organize excursions;

• Other water sports: in addition, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, supping, jet skiing and paddle yoga.

Sports on land:

• Cycling and Mountain Biking: the region is popular with cyclists because of its favorable climate and varied routes. Both the flat roads along the coast and the hilly trails in the hinterland offer challenges for all levels;

• Running and Hiking: the boulevards, the trails to the lighthouse and the routes through the Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park are favorites of runners and hikers. Here one can enjoy beautiful views and the unique flora and fauna;

• Other Sports: the municipality has modern sports facilities, including padel and tennis courts, fitness centers and public sports parks for calisthenics, for example;

Sporting events: one of the most prominent sporting events is the Santa Pola International Half Marathon , which attracts thousands of runners every January.

Restaurants & bars in Santa Pola

Good food can be had in many different places in Santa Pola. Despite being a small long-stretched town, it has relatively many restaurants. Most are located on the boulevard and near the harbor.

To the market on Saturdays and Mondays

You can go to the market in Santa Pola on Saturdays and Mondays. On Saturdays, the market consists of stalls selling fresh vegetables, fruits and other food.

• Frequency: weekly on Saturdays and Mondays;
• Time: from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Mondays at the same location you will find the Mercadillo ambulante de Santa Pola, a real“flea market” with clothes, shoes and household items.

• Frequency: weekly on Saturdays and Mondays;
• Time slot: from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shops & supermarkets

Santa Pola has a diverse range of stores, from small boutiques to larger supermarkets. While there are no stores that are internationally known, there are a few that are worth mentioning because of their local popularity or unique offerings:

Specialty stores:

• Salvador Artesano: this store specializes in handmade leather goods, such as shoes, bags and belts. Elche, the town near Santa Pola, is known for its shoe industry, and Salvador Artesano is a good example of the quality you can find there;

• Ultramarinos La Marina: this deli offers a wide range of local products such as olive oil, wine, cheese and ham. Perfect for discovering authentic Spanish delicacies to take home;

• Panadería Paco: This bakery is loved by locals for its delicious bread and pastries. Be sure to try the “coca boba,” a typical Spanish cake.

Shopping centers:

• Polamax: This shopping center has a good mix of stores, including clothing stores, electronics stores and a supermarket.

Parking

Parking in Santa Pola can sometimes be a challenge, especially during the summer months and on weekends when it is busy. But there are several options, both paid and free:

Paid Parking:

• Parking del Castillo: This multi-story parking garage is located near the castle and is a good option if you want to be in the center. It is a municipal parking lot with season tickets for residents, but tourists can also use it;

• Parking del Port: This parking lot is close to the port and is convenient if you plan to take a boat tour or visit the fish market;

• Blue zones: some downtown streets have blue zones where you can pay to park. Watch the signs for the rates and maximum parking duration.

Free parking:

• Street parking: outside the center and blue zones, there is often free street parking. It can take some searching for a spot, especially near the beach;

• Large parking lots: on the outskirts of the city there are a few large parking lots where you can park for free. From there you can walk or take public transportation to the center;

• Aparcamiento Gratuito: this is a free parking lot close to the center. However, it can be crowded here, especially during market days (Mondays and Saturdays).

Art & culture

The art and culture in Santa Pola consist of a mix of history and contemporary traditions. Early art, for example, can be seen at the Roman villa Casa Romana del Palmeral, where you’ll find detailed mosaics. Another central place for culture is the 16th-century castle(Castillo Fortaleza). This fort is now a cultural center containing the Maritime Museum, which exhibits the history of the local fishing culture with unique objects.

Santa Pola’s culture is also alive and well in everyday life. You can see this, for example, at the fish auction in the harbor, a daily tradition that says a lot about the city’s character. You also experience the local culture at the market, where artisanal products and gastronomy come together. You can literally taste the culture here in the local dishes, which have often been prepared for generations.

Special holidays

• March/April: Semana Santa (Holy Week), the holy week before Easter is characterized by solemn and impressive processions. The various brotherhoods(cofradías) carry religious images through the streets of the center, making for a very atmospheric experience;

• July: on July 16, the festivities in honor of Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen, take place. This is a deeply rooted tradition in Santa Pola, with the emotional highlight being the maritime procession, in which the statue of the saint is carried out to sea on a decorated fishing boat, accompanied by many other boats;

• September: In early September, the city’s biggest festival erupts with Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians). This multi-day festival honors the patron saint, the Virgen de Loreto, with spectacular parades, the reenacted landing of the Moors on the beach(desembarco), music and fireworks;

• October: October 9 marks the Day of the ValencianRegion (Día de la Comunidad Valenciana), an official holiday with various cultural and institutional activities in the city.

Events

• January: the Media Maratón Santa Pola, an internationally renowned half marathon that attracts thousands of runners from all over the world every year. The course is famous for its beautiful and fast route along the coastline and through the Salt Flats Natural Park;

• May/June: the Mercado Medieval (Medieval Market), an atmospheric event that transforms the center around the castle into a medieval scene. For days you will find stalls selling artisan products, gastronomy and street entertainment.

3. Santa Pola visit, flight & accommodation

By plane to Santa Pola

Would you like to go on vacation to Santa Pola? Then the nearest airport is Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC). The airport is exceptionally close; from the airport it is only 15 kilometers to Santa Pola. This amounts to a car ride of about 15 to 20 minutes.

From the Netherlands and Belgium, companies such as Transavia, KLM, Vueling, Ryanair and TUI fly directly to Alicante, making the destination excellent and very quick to reach.

On vacation to Santa Pola

Santa Pola is a lively and authentic fishing town known primarily for its beaches, nature and water sports opportunities. It offers an ideal mix for various types of vacations:

• Sun, sea and beach vacations: with miles of wide, sandy beaches such as Gran Playa and quieter urban beaches, Santa Pola is a perfect destination for beach lovers and families with children;

• Active and nature vacations: the famous salt lakes(Salinas) are a unique natural park for hikers and bird watchers. In addition, the coast is an international hotspot for kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing;

• Family vacations: thanks to its safe beaches, the presence of an amusement park (Pola Park) and the short distance from the airport, Santa Pola is perfect for family vacations;

• Winterizing: the mild climate and the presence of all amenities in a lively Spanish city make Santa Pola a popular and comfortable destination for winterizing.

You can opt for a package tour from a tour operator or arrange your flight and accommodation separately.

Vacation accommodation in Santa Pola

• Hotels: in Santa Pola you will find mostly comfortable hotels focusing on beach and family vacations, mostly located along the coastline or in close proximity to the center and port;

• Apartments: this is the most popular and widespread option in Santa Pola. There is a very wide range of apartments, from modern complexes with pools on the beach to practical homes in the lively center;

• Vacation homes and bungalows: especially in the eastern district of Santa Pola del Este and in nearby Gran Alacant, there are many vacation homes, bungalows and semi-detached houses, often in urbanizations with communal pools.

Many accommodations are within walking distance of the city’s beaches, promenade and many restaurants.

Everything at hand with the free Santa Pola app

Do you want to be sure that you don’t miss anything from your favorite place on the Costa Blanca? Then download the free app and turn your phone into the ultimate travel guide for the entire region:

• All ‘website’ content is available: all travel guides, blogs and other tips for restaurants, activities and sights, but also accommodations;

• Simple navigation: all available information is clearly presented (per location) and you can easily navigate back and forth;

• Interactive map: explore the Costa Blanca and easily plan your routes to the most beautiful places;

• Smart location recognition: when you approach a place on the Costa Blanca, you automatically receive a notification that allows you to directly open the travel guide for that place;

• Your favorites: you can save your favorite locations, such as restaurants, and easily find them again;

The CostaBlanca.nl app is completely free to download and use. Start planning your perfect trip today!

Question & answer (FAQ)

Handy links

• Visit Santa Pola (Tourist information)
• Santa Pola Wikipedia (General information)
• Spain.info Santa Pola (Tourist information)

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