Once one of Costa Blanca's most prosperous fishing villages, Santa Pola is now a thriving tourist destination.
Miles of golden sandy beaches and a fantastic climate make it one of the region's biggest tourist magnets. And while many resorts become desolate in the winter months, the fact Santa Pola is a working town means it remains busy all year round.
The fully operational Santa Pola fishing port in the afternoon is an experience not to be missed when fresh fish straight from the arriving boats is auctioned off. This grand supply of fish is clearly evident in the local restaurants which offer dried fish called salazones, fresh shrimp or gambas, rice with squid, Angelfish, and a fish stew known as caldero santapolar.
Situated right in the centre of the city in the Rennaissance castle-fortress which was built to defend the fishermen against pirates in the 16th century. Not surprisingly then, Santa Pola has a number of watchtowers. The castle is still used today and is home to the fascinating Archaeological Museum where you can see Iberian and Roman artifacts, as well as the Fishing Museum, an aquarium and a small chapel Virgen de Loreto.
A great place to visit and take in the sights in the evening is the shaded plaza del la Glorieta, which is opposite the castle entrance, and where stalls serve Spanish treats, ice cream, drinks and sell gifts. Some say the visiting Santa Pola is like stepping back into Roman times as it's where the ruins of the Roman city Portus Iillicitanus were found. There's also the Roman house of Palmeral where the remains of the business quarter of the city can be found and the Roman factory for pickling and salting fish from the 4th century BC. Its first settlers apparently date back to the 3rd century BC.
There are six beaches on the west side of Santa Pola and two on the east - one of which is the Levante Beach which has held a Blue Flag since 1997. Each beach offers a variety of beach-based and watersports, as does the impressive Santa Pola marina. Paragliding and hang gliding are a available at the Santa Pola Cape. Having checked these out , it's worth taking a trip to the nearby Natural Park of Salinas, lagoons used to extract salt from sea water, if not only to catch a glimpse of a flamingo.
As mentioned earlier, Santa Pola is a hive of activity all year round, but it's not all work, there's lots of play.
A bumper calendar of fiestas begin in January and continues practically every other month with pilgrimages, processions, parades, parties and a tribute to Santa Pola's patron saint La Virgen del Carmen. The fiesta cycle ends on December 10th with the arrival of the Mother of God, by sea.
With Alicante airport just 20km away, Santa Pola is easily accessed and offers something for everyone.