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Santa Pola

Spain
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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 [Destination] 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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Things to do in [Destination]

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 [Destination] (City)

Food and drink in [Destination]

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 [Destination]

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 [Destination] 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 [Destination]

Alicante–Elche Airport

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Nearest Sea Port to [Destination]

Port of Santa Pola

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Travel tips for visiting [Destination]

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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Alicante

City, Beach, Coastal

A sunny Costa Blanca port city, with a hilltop castle, a palm-lined seafront promenade and golden beaches right beside the lively old town.

Elche

City, Historic

An inland city in Alicante province with the largest palm grove in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a long history of dates and shoemaking.

La Marina

Beach, Coastal

A quiet beach community on the Costa Blanca south of Santa Pola, known for long dune-backed sands, pine forest and a large weekly market.

Torrevieja

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A lively resort town on the Costa Blanca, famous for its bright pink salt lake, long sandy beaches and a large international community.

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Santa Pola
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