Costa Blanca Journey

Costa Blanca Journey

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SANTA POLA

THINGS TO DO
RESTAURANTS

Discover Santa Pola:

Tradition, Nature, and Sea Life on the Costa Blanca

Santa Pola is one of the Costa Blanca’s most authentic seaside towns — a place where fishing heritage, natural parks, and golden beaches come together beautifully. Located just 20 minutes south of Alicante, Santa Pola is much more than a beach destination — it’s a living, breathing Spanish coastal town full of history, charm, and local flavor. With a working marina, sprawling salt flats, and peaceful beaches, Santa Pola is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a more laid-back, traditional Costa Blanca experience.

 

The Heart of Santa Pola: Fishing Port and Town Center

Life in Santa Pola revolves around the working fishing port — one of the busiest in the Mediterranean. Every morning, local fishermen bring in their fresh catch, and by afternoon the Lonja de Pescado (fish auction house) buzzes with activity. The town center is lively and welcoming, filled with cozy cafés, traditional restaurants, and vibrant weekly markets. Stroll along the Paseo Marítimo, watch the boats, and soak in the feeling of a town that lives by the sea. Historic landmarks like the Castillo Fortaleza (a 16th-century fortress) add to the character, offering insight into Santa Pola’s strategic past.

 

Beaches and Natural Beauty

Santa Pola’s coastline is a mix of sandy beaches and rocky coves:

  • Playa de Levante is a wide, family-friendly beach with calm waters and beach bars nearby.

  • Playa de Gran Playa offers a long stretch of sand, ideal for relaxing, walking, or playing sports.

  • Playa del Tamarit is more natural and less crowded — perfect if you want a peaceful day by the sea.

Nature lovers will adore the nearby Salinas de Santa Pola — vast salt flats that are home to flamingos and countless bird species.
You can explore the natural park by foot or bike and enjoy incredible sunsets over the shimmering pink waters.

 

Flavors of Santa Pola

Thanks to its thriving fishing port, seafood is king in Santa Pola. Local restaurants serve up incredible paella marinera, grilled sardines, caldero (fish stew), and tapas made with the freshest ingredients. For a truly authentic experience, head to one of the seafood restaurants near the marina — you’ll be dining just meters from where the fish was caught. Don’t miss trying the local ice cream parlors too, perfect for cooling off after a beach day.

 

Why People Love Santa Pola

Santa Pola isn’t flashy or crowded — and that’s exactly why people fall in love with it. It offers a more genuine Costa Blanca experience, where Spanish families vacation, fishermen work the waters, and nature is always just a short walk away. It’s ideal for families, nature lovers, retirees, and anyone who dreams of sunny days, good food, and a slower, happier pace of life. Whether you visit for a weekend or plan to stay longer, Santa Pola welcomes you with open arms — and the sound of the sea never leaves you.

 

Local Tips for Enjoying Santa Pola Like a True Insider

  • Visit the fish market – Head to the Lonja in the late afternoon to see the local fish auctions.
  • Explore Tabarca Island – Take a short ferry ride to this small island for snorkeling, seafood, and a real Mediterranean adventure.
  • Walk through the Salinas – The salt flats are beautiful for sunset walks, especially between October and April when flamingos gather.
  • Enjoy a seaside paella – Try a seafood paella in a marina-front restaurant for a truly local meal.
  • Bike along the coast – Rent a bike and cycle the path from Santa Pola toward Gran Alacant for gorgeous sea views.
  • Climb to the lighthouse – Visit the Santa Pola Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline and Tabarca Island.
  • Celebrate at local festivals – If you’re visiting in September, don’t miss the Virgen de Loreto festival, full of parades, fireworks, and concerts.