Attractions in Santa Pola
- Proverb: How beautiful it is do nothing, and then rest afterwards.
- Travel tip: Although less common these days, siestas are a serious business. The best way to enjoy one is after a long lunch with friends, in a place where you cannot be disturbed.
Beach Bonanza – one for every day of the week
Santa Pola’s biggest allure has got to the soft sand and sparkling Mediterranean Sea of its 15k of beaches; many of which have been awarded the blue flag.
You certainly won’t get bored because there’s more beaches than there are days in the week, so you’ll always find one that’s perfect for everyone in your group, from young kids to disabled adults.
If it’s not just about the beach for you, then visit the natural paradise of Las Salinas salt flats, home to thousands of Flamingoes. It’s ideal for hiking and seeing these striking birds in their natural habitat.
In town, there are outstanding historical sites; Santa Pola has been an important port since Roman times. At one stage it was home to the biggest fishing fleet in the Mediterranean.
Sun-baked grand buildings also make an attractive place to stroll around, shop or take in the atmosphere from a pavement café.
Here’s a guide to key attractions:
Privacy and natural beauty – beaches for sunbathing in peace
If you’re looking for a tranquil swim and to sunbathe under the rustle of palms, try Tamarit and Calas Del Cabo beaches.
As they are close the Las Salinas nature reserve, they are under conservation orders, which means that facilities aren’t as developed as the town beaches but the beaches are so much quieter for it.
The sheltered coves of El Pinet and La Gola beaches have made these popular with naturists.
Safe havens - cracking beaches for kids
Fantastic facilities, shallow water and a flat seabed make Santa Pola’s central beaches a haven for kids. They can swim in safety and make new friends playing in the sand on Gran Playa, Varadero, Brac del Port and Lisa beach.
Fast lane - beaches for water sports
No matter what your age, you can enjoy the water sports around Santa Pola; you can windsurf, Jet Ski or sail. Ideal beaches for sports include Gran Playa and Levante.
For scuba divers, there’s excellent diving at La Gola. Le Pinet also has an artificial reef populated by different species of sea creatures.
Full access - beaches for the disabled
Beaches were one attraction that disabled people used to miss out on, not on the Costa Blanca. Santa Pola is just one of many Valencian resorts where the beaches have been adapted for the needs of people with reduced mobility.
Parts of the central Levante beach and Gran Playa are set aside for wheelchair access, with a wooden ramp leading to a platform with sunbathing and changing facilities.
The water tends to be shallow and calm at these beaches too and the level seabed means you can revive yourself with a dip regardless of your mobility.
Las Salinas
100,000 tons of salt were once extracted from here every year; now Las Salinas is a nature reserve and home to thousands of migratory birds, including flocks of flamingoes – their vibrant pink feathers make a stunning sight, especially at sunset.
The reserve is ideal for a hike, or more accurately, a ramble, as the ground is so level that it need not tax you whatever your fitness level. You can bird watch and catch sight of rare species from the information centre or arrange a guided tour.
Museu Del Mar - Museum of the Sea
The sea has been critical throughout Santa Pola’s important and fascinating history; this museum reveals why, from its role in the 4th Century BC right up to the present day.
Aquarium
You don’t have to be young to enjoy the nine large aquariums that make up the Municipal Aquarium. It takes a particular focus on the flora, fauna and sea life of the Med, including Turtles and Morays.
Roman ruins
Evidence of Santa Pola’s past can be seen throughout the town, from the ruins of a Roman Villa, to a 4th Century fish factory and the impressive 16th century castle fortress and watchtowers, built to protect the town from pirate attacks.
Boat tours
Catch a boat from the harbour to the nearby Isle de Tarbarca where you can explore the island and view Santa Pola from afar.
Tourist Offices
When you arrive in town, take some time to visit the Tourist Offices, which will have details of all upcoming and seasonal events.
There are actually two offices; one at the entrance to the town by El Palmeral Park and the other near the port on Calle Astilleros.
The laid back Spanish lifestyle has long been a draw for expats; find out how easy it is move here.
