Santa Pola
Santa Pola is an authentic fishing village that has retained its charm despite tourism. Enjoy fresh fish straight from the boat, beautiful beaches and a historic fortress built in 1557.
Santa Pola is one of the most important fishing ports on the Costa Blanca. Every afternoon (Monday-Friday, 4:00-7:00 PM) the fishing boats come in and you can watch the daily catch being auctioned from the public viewing balcony - free admission. Restaurants by the harbour serve the freshest fish you'll ever taste, including the traditional 'caldero' rice dish.
Santa Pola's beaches are known for their calm waters, ideal for families. Gran Playa (1,425m long with Blue Flag status) and Playa Lisa have all facilities including wheelchair-accessible swimming areas. Looking for something more secluded? The natural Calas de l'Aljub near Cabo de Santa Pola offer beautiful coves perfect for snorkeling.
Don't miss the 16th-century fortress (Castillo-Fortaleza, built 1557 for 23,000 ducats) in the town center. Inside you'll find the Sea Museum with exhibits about the region's fishing history and protection against Barbary pirates. Ferry service to Tabarca Island costs €9-10 return (15 minutes by speedboat, 25 minutes by catamaran).
Highlights
- Authentic fishing village atmosphere
- Daily fish auction Mon-Fri 4:00-7:00 PM (free viewing)
- Fresh seafood restaurants at the harbour
- Family-friendly Blue Flag beaches (Gran Playa 1,425m)
- Historic 16th-century fortress (built 1557)
- Ferry to Tabarca island (€9-10 return, 15-25 min)
- Free Salt Museum at Parque Natural de las Salinas
Tips
- 1.Visit the fish auction Mon-Fri between 4pm-7pm (free)
- 2.Try 'caldero' - traditional rice dish with fresh fish
- 3.Take the ferry to Tabarca for a day trip (€9-10 return)
- 4.Explore the natural Calas de l'Aljub coves for snorkeling
- 5.Visit the Salt Museum (free admission, 9am-2pm daily)
- 6.Gran Playa has accessible swimming areas