Beach, Coastal
Santa Pola
Santa Pola
A working fishing town and beach resort on the Costa Blanca, with a busy harbour, long sandy beaches and ferries to the island of Tabarca.
Santa Pola sits on the coast about 20km south of Alicante, a fishing town that doubles as a relaxed beach resort. Its harbour is still a working port, with fishing boats landing their catch each evening, alongside a marina and the ferry to Tabarca island. Long sandy beaches, a 16th-century castle and protected salt flats round out the town.
What Santa Pola is known for
Santa Pola is best known for its harbour, its beaches and the island of Tabarca offshore. The port is a genuine working fishing harbour, and watching the boats return in the evening is part of the town's character. From the same port, boats cross in about 15 to 25 minutes to Tabarca, Spain's smallest inhabited island and its first marine reserve, popular for snorkelling and seafood. The town has a long line of south-facing sandy beaches and a 16th-century castle in the centre that now holds the sea and archaeology museums. Behind the town, the Santa Pola salt flats form a natural park where flamingos and many other birds gather.
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Experiences and things to do in Santa Pola
If you enjoy islands, take the morning boat from the harbour to Tabarca, where you can snorkel in the marine reserve and eat caldero, the local fish and rice dish, before the day-trip crowds build. If you like wildlife, the salt flats behind the town are an easy place to see flamingos and other birds. For a slower afternoon, walk the harbour as the fishing boats come in, then follow the promenade along the beaches.
Where to stay in Santa Pola
Food and drink in Santa Pola
Seafood is the heart of Santa Pola's food, landed at its own harbour. The local speciality is caldero, a fishermen's dish of rockfish and rice cooked in fish broth and served in two courses. The harbour restaurants are the place to try it.
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Best time to visit Santa Pola
Spring and autumn are ideal, with warm weather, calm seas for the Tabarca crossing and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and busy, especially with Spanish holidaymakers. Unlike many resorts, Santa Pola stays busy in winter too, thanks to its working harbour and resident population.
Getting to Santa Pola and around
Santa Pola is about 20km from Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car or taxi. Regular buses run from Alicante in about 35 to 40 minutes. The town is flat and walkable, and the Tabarca ferries leave directly from the harbour in the centre.
Nearest Airport to Santa Pola
Nearest Sea Port to Santa Pola
Travel tips for visiting Santa Pola
Boats to Tabarca run most often in summer; check return times and the weather before you set off. The fishing boats return to the harbour in the late afternoon, a good time to be on the quayside. The salt flats behind the town are best for flamingos in spring and autumn. Caldero is the dish to order, best eaten at the harbour. Out of season some Tabarca restaurants close, so plan meals ahead.
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