Have you ever been to Santa Pola Spain?
This town is a small fishing port famed for its having a variety of landscapes.
Picturesque views of mountains.
Wild looking sand dunes.
The sea.
The Isla of Tabarca.
You will love Santa Pola 
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Where is Santa Pola?
The town of Santa Pola Spain is located along the coast line of Spain’s Costa Blanca.
Santa Pola is around twenty minutes driving time from the international airport at Alicante
The smaller international airport of Murcia located close to the resort of San Javier is around fifty minutes away from Santa Pola.
(Santa Pola Spain – Google Maps)
The AP-7 autoroute (or motorway), means the town has some excellent connections to several other regions, such as Murcia.
The larger city of Elche is just 15km from here.
The historical town of Orihuela is around 40 minutes away from Santa Pola Spain.
What is the History of Santa Pola?
The history of Santa Pola Spain extends way back with the first traces of human civilisation dated to around 3000 years BC.
Later history included pirates living on nearby Tabarca Island and a castle built in the year 1557.
The extraction of salt from the nearby salt flats began at the end of the 14th century with huge icebergs of salt being a unique reminder of the areas historic past.
General Information about Santa Pola
The resort of this former fishing village, as Guardamar.
Santa Pola Spain is attractive to overseas residents looking to settle here due to its close proximity to the airport at Alicante and the miles of sandy beaches along the coast.
Driving up north along the coast, you will find the well-know towns: Javea, Altea and Calpe.
Santa Pola is also a working town that remains busy in winter, unlike some resorts that become largely deserted out of season.
Although located close to the larger resort of Torrevieja, there is a more Spanish feeling compared to other coaster areas.
The major industries apart from tourism are the major salt works and fishing.
The port is home to the largest number of working fishing boats on the Mediterranean Sea.
The city of Benidorm is only 45 minutes away from Santa Pola Spain.
Pola Park has more than 30 attractions, including slides, flying chairs, roller-coasters, mini golf, and much more.
It is suitable for all ages and close to the town of Santa Pola Spain.
UK citizens have to apply for a visa to live in Spain long-term (more than 90 days), you may want to explore the non-lucrative visa Spain.
What is the Weather like in Santa Pola?
The best, or most comfortable climatic conditions can be found during the months of April, May, October and November when the weather is typically between 20-25C.
Unlike inland towns as Alcoy, where the temperature can drop below zero in the winter, the coldest month can have average temperatures of around 16C.
The hottest months are July, August and September when the temperature can rise up to 40C, particularly during the month of August.
The driest months of the year are January, July and August.
October is the wettest month of the year.
What Architecture can be seen in Santa Pola?
The styles of architecture found in Santa Pola include the Roman ruins of Portus Illicitanus, the Roman House of the Palmeral, where pickling and salting fish began from the 4th century BC.
Later historical reminders of the past include the 16th century castle-fortress built in a Renaissance style and used to deter pirates from attacking the area.
The castle/fortress of Santa Pola Spain is located in the centre of the town on Plaza de la Glorieta.
This landmark of great cultural interest was built in the 16th century and is an excellent example of military renaissance architecture, while its main purpose once constructed was to protect the local population from the frequent attacks by pirates.
Today the castle is used as a cultural centre including religious events and I also houses the Maritime Museum.
The towns archaeological museum has relics from the Iberian and Roman eras, along with a fishing museum that shows the areas maritime history.
Gastronomy
Lovers of good quality food will enjoy the options in Santa Pola Spain.
There is an abundance of local dishes specialising in crayfish, red prawns, paella, fish stews, sweet pastries and home made ice cream.
You can watch the daily catch of fish being brought ashore and then auctioned at the port every afternoon.
The sign of quality fish bears the mark of Peix de Santa Pola.
How much does it cost to rent or buy property in Santa Pola?
Buying a property in Santa Pola is generally cheaper than many of the larger resorts in this area of the Costa Blanca.
Generally properties in the town are cheap to maintain.
There are options between being close to the beach (very busy in summer, quiet in the winter) or close to the town centre but further away from the beach during the busy summer months.
Two bedroomed apartments cost anything from 60,000 to 120,000 Euros while detached villas cost in excess of 200,000 Euros.
Two bedroomed apartments cost from 500-750 Euros per month for long term rentals, while two or three bedroomed bungalows cost from 450 Euros per month.
The long term rental of a villa is generally in excess of 1000 Euros per month.
What are the most Interesting Attractions I should visit in Santa Pola?
Isla de Tabarca
Being the closest town to the island of Isla Tabarca, the short boat trip of 9 km is a convenient way to visit the smallest island in Spain that is inhabited all year.
Only around 80 people live on the island, although it has numerous visitors particularly during the summer months.
The island was once home to a group of pirates shipwrecked here in 1760.
The pirates took refuge on the island together with a group of Spanish soldiers until the island was fortified during the rule of King Charles III, some of those fortifications are still visible today.
The island has a desert like vegetation, with part of the island designated as a marine reserve, while the more adventurous can try snorkelling in and around some of the picturesque coves located around the island.
Beaches
Santa Pola is a paradise when it comes to the quality of its beaches, with a combination of long sandy beaches and intimate, yet picturesque coves.
Most of the beaches are close to the centre of the town so are within easy walking distance for most people.
The best beaches include Playa Levante, a Blue Flag beach with plenty of amenities, as is Playa de Varadero in the more urbanised eastern area of the town.
In addition to the beaches, Santa Pola is also highly recommended for the high quality water-sports on offer.
These include windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, paddle boarding, scuba diving and snorkelling.
Santa Pola Salt Flats
The Salinas de Santa Pola are located to the west of the town and are a designated nature reserve and special preservation area for the conservation of several species of wild birds.
The extraction of salt first began in the 14th century and still continues today.
It is a great place to take your kids and unwind by taking one of the walking routes to discover the flora and fauna of the park including flamingoes.
Municipal Aquarium
Santa Pola’s aquarium is the largest saltwater aquarium to be found in the Valencian Community.
Its main purpose is educational in addition to protecting local marine life.
There are a total of 9 large pools filled with an array of interesting marine creatures.
It is a great place to entertain and educate your children.
Faro de Santa Pola
Located to the north-east of Santa Pola Spain, this lighthouse is set in a stunning natural environment with some breathtaking views across the Mediterranean Sea and across to the Island of Tabarca.
Activities here include hiking, cycling or even hang-gliding.
Should you feel hungry, bring your own picnic with you as there are no restaurants located close to here.
Yours Free
Spain 101 is a free ebook full of unique tips that will save you thousands of Euros when moving to / living in Spain.
Would you like to get your copy now?
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