Santa Pola is a beautiful city located on the Costa Blanca, a true paradise for sea lovers. According to 2018 data, 31 745 people live in Santa Pola. However, the population increases during the summer due to the large influx of tourists. In this article, we will tell you what places are essential to visit in Santa Pola. In addition, we will tell you about the history of this city, its attractions, beaches, climate and nature.
History of Santa Pola
The history of Santa Pola is closely connected to the sea. The first settlement in the Santa Pola area was founded by the Iberians around the 4th century BC. The Romans settled later and built the legendary port of Portus Illicitanus, one of the most important maritime trade centres of the Mediterranean Sea. A fortress was built in the 16th century in order to protect the local population from pirate attacks. Finally, a town arose in the 18th century, which was named Santa Pola.
Climate in Santa Pola
Santa Pola is one of the Costa Blanca cities where you can enjoy a warm and sunny climate almost all year round. This city has a beautiful Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. You can swim in the sea from June to October, and even in November, although some people bathe during most of the year. Water sports such as windsurfing, kite surfing, diving and snorkelling can also be practiced here throughout the year.
Things to see in Santa Pola
The Molino de la Calera windmill
It is a traditional windmill built in 1771. It is a beautiful place that will appeal to lovers of history and antiques.
Location here.
Santa Pola Castle
There is a castle-fortress in the centre of Santa Pola, specifically in the Plaza de la Glorieta, that is Alicante’s cultural heritage. The castle was built in the 16th century and it is an example of Renaissance-style military architecture. The fort was designed to protect local residents from pirate attacks. Currently, the castle houses a cultural centre, as well as the Museo del Mar (Sea Museum), created in 1982. You can access the castle through the main door that leads to the Patio de Armas (Parade Ground). If your plans do not include visiting the castle, please yourself admiring its incredible views from the outside, having lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants or bars in Plaza de la Glorieta.
Santa Pola Castle on the map:
Santa Pola lighthouse
The Santa Pola lighthouse is located in the northwest of the city, specifically on a cape with beautiful views of the sea and the island of Tabarca. There is an impressive viewpoint from the skywalk built on a section of the footbridge. Visiting this place is a great plan for the whole family in order to spend a weekend in nature. In fact, you will find many routes for hiking and cycling in the vicinity of the lighthouse.
Santa Pola lighthouse on the map.
The watchtowers of Santa Pola
If you want to experience history first-hand, visit the old watchtowers in Santa Pola, built in 1552 during the reign of Philip II of Spain. These towers were used to alert the population when the pirates were approaching the shore. The warning signals were transmitted using a smoke signal during the day, and a fire signal at night. These are the Tamarit Tower (also called Albufera Tower or Salinas Tower) and the Escaletes Tower (Del Pep Tower). Another old observation point (the Atalayola Tower), was located in the place where the lighthouse is currently located.
Plaza del Calvario
El Calvario is the legendary Santa Pola neighbourhood, located in the highest part of the city. The families who lived in the fortress moved to this area in 1967. The name of the neighbourhood is due to the fact that there is a path that symbolizes the Biblical Golgotha - Calvary, where according to the Gospels, Jesus was crucified. After crossing 14 spots, corresponding to the fourteen Stations of the Cross, you will arrive at the Chapel of the Virgin of Mercy.
Plaza del Calvario on the map:
Top things to do in Santa Pola: nature and outdoor activities
Salt lakes of Santa Pola
The famous salty lagoons are in the west part of Santa Pola city. It is a nature reserve where many endangered species of live, including the magnificent pink flamingos. The salt lakes have an area of 2496 hectares. Its development began at the end of the 19th century and it continues to this day. You can see the huge mountains of salt here, which, in combination with the pink water of the lakes, create an unique landscape.
The Santa Pola Salt Museum is next to the nature reserve. The Salt lakes of Santa Pola are an excellent place in order to spend the day outdoors with the whole family. Don’t forget to bring your camera – the landscapes are amazing, especially at sunset.
- For further information about the Salt lakes of Santa Pola, check the park’s official website.
- Location here.
Scenic viewpoints of Santa Pola
You will find in Santa Pola and its surroundings several scenic viewpoints with impressive panoramic sea views. Previously, we have already mentioned one of them, which is located next to the lighthouse. You will find below a complete list of all the Santa Pola scenic viewpoints:
Santa Pola sightseeing: Museums
Museo del Mar
The Maritime Museum is located inside the castle. You will find here exhibitions that will allow you to get acquainted with the history and culture of the city.
Opening Hours:
Winter (from September 9 to June 24)
- From Tuesday to Saturday: from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Sundays: from 11 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
- Closed: Monday, December 24, 25, 31 and January 1 and 6.
Summer (from July 1 to August 31)
- Monday to Saturday: from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday: from 11.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
- Closed − Monday.
From September 1 to September 7: from 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.
September 8 − closed.
Prices
- Standard ticket: € 3.
- Children under 3 years old − free.
- Children from 4 to 16 years old, pensioners, students, and groups of 15 people − € 1.5.
- Combined ticket to visit the aquarium, the Maritime Museum and the Boat Museum Esteban González (€ 7 − standard price; € 3.5 – reduced price) or the aquarium and the Maritime Museum (€ 5 − standard price; 2.5 € − reduced price).
Museo del Mar on the map:
Boat Museum Esteban González
The Boat Museum Esteban González will immerse you in the life of the fishermen of Santa Pola.
You can book tickets by calling 965 416 916 or sending an email to: [email protected]
Winter opening times (from September 9)
- Guided tours: Friday at 12 noon and 5.30 pm, Saturday at 11 am, 12 noon, 5.30 pm.
Spring opening times (from May 1)
- Guided tours: Friday at 12 noon and 5.30 pm, Saturday at 11 am, 12 noon, 5.30 pm.
Summer opening times (from July 1)
- Guided tours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (every hour, last visit at 8:00 p.m.).
- From August 31 to September 8 − closed.
Prices
- Standard ticket: € 3.
- Children under 3 years old − free.
- Children from 4 to 16 years old, pensioners, students, and groups of 15 people − € 1.5.
- You can buy a combined ticket to visit the aquarium, the Maritime Museum and the Boat Museum (€ 7 − standard price; € 3.5 – reduced price) or a ticket to the aquarium and the Maritime Museum (€ 5 − standard price; € 2.5 – reduced price).
The Santa Pola Municipal Aquarium, sometimes also called the Santa Pola oceanarium, is a wonderful place to visit with children, especially with the little ones. The purpose of the aquarium is not only to familiarize visitors with life from the deep sea, but also to help restore the population of some endangered species. Most of the inhabitants of the aquariums were transferred here by the sailors and fishermen of Santa Pola.
Opening Hours:
Winter (from September 9 to June 24)
- From Tuesday to Saturday: from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Sundays: from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Closed: Mondays, December 24, 25, 31 and January 1 and 6.
Summer (from July 1 to August 31)
- Monday to Saturday: from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- From September 1 to September 7: from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- September 8 – closed.
Prices
- Standard price: € 3.
- Children under 3 years old − free.
- Children from 4 to 16 years old, pensioners, students, and groups of 15 people − € 1.5.
- You can buy a combined ticket to visit the aquarium, the Maritime Museum, and the Boat Museum (€ 7 − standard price; € 3.5 – reduced price).
Santa Pola Aquarium on the map:
The Salt Museum
This unusual museum, dedicated to the salt extraction history of Santa Pola, is located in the same area where the old salt factory used to be, in the salt lakes of Santa Pola. You will learn here everything about the salt extraction process, an activity that is not only one of the most important components of the Santa Pola economy, but also helps to preserve the unique ecosystem of the area.
Opening Hours:
- Every day, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Free admission.
The Salt Museum on the map:
The Research Marine Centre (CIMAR)
The Research Marine Centre (CIMAR) is an agreement between the town of Santa Pola and the University of Alicante. The centre was opened in 2005, and currently anyone can visit it.
Opening Hours:
Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Guided tours:
- From October to March, on Wednesdays, at 11:30 and 16:30.
- from April to September, on Wednesdays, at 10.00, 11.30 and 14.45.
CIMAR on the map:
What else to see in Santa Pola?
Pola Park
What could be more interesting for children than an amusement park? You will discover the Pola Park in Santa Pola, a wonderful place for family leisure. The theme park covers an area of 24 000 square meters, in which there are 30 rides for all tastes and ages (including rides for the little ones).
Also, you will find many cafes and restaurants in the park.
- Check the park’s official website here.
- You can download the calendas and schedules here and see the park prices here.
Pola Park on the map:
Santa Pola Port
The modern port of Santa Pola is the heir to the legendary Roman port Portus Illicitanus. Nowadays, it is one of the most important fishing ports of the Mediterranean. However, fishing is not the only activity that takes place here. construction of sports boats and salt transport are also carried out in the port of Santa Pola.
From Monday to Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., you can visit the fish auction at the Santa Pola fish market. At the end of the auction, you can buy freshly caught fish and shellfish at the Peixatería de la Cofradía, located at the beginning of the port.
La Peixatería opening hours:
- Winter: Monday to Saturday: from 9.15 to 13.30 and from 17.00 to 21.30.
- Summer: from Monday to Saturday: from 9.15 to 13.30 and from 17.30 to 22.00.
Trip to Tabarca from Santa Pola
Boats and water taxis depart every day from Santa Pola to Tabarca (the true jewel of the Costa Blanca). Take a day to make this trip: the small Tabarca hides numerous surprises ready to be discovered. In addition, if you are a lover of diving or snorkelling, you cannot miss visiting this island. The entire seabed is part of a nature reserve and it is home to many species of plants and animals.
Check the timetables and prices of the boat to Tabarca here.
Read more about Tabarca in our article.
Festivities in Santa Pola
- March. Mig Any is a festivity that takes place six months before the Moors and Christians festival. People joyfully celebrate the fact that there are only six months left until the arrival of their favourite party. They celebrate this event walking in processions, dancing, shooting fireworks, etc.
- March and April. Semana Santa Holy Week. The Holy Week processions take place in Santa Pola at this time. In addition, there is a medieval market in the parade ground of the castle.
- June. Romeria del Cap. This religious pilgrimage in honour to our Rosary Lady. This commemoration takes place on the closest Sunday to June 24.
- July. Fiesta Virgen del Carmen − patroness saint of sailors and fishermen. It is celebrated on July 16.
- September. One of the months with the most festivities. From August 31 to September 8 the Moors and Christians festival is celebrated, as well as the festivities in honour of the Virgin of Loreto, the patroness saint of the city. These events are held on a large scale: walks, performances, a staging of the landing of pirates and the subsequent conquest of the city, fireworks, children’s, and sports events, etc.
- December. On December 10, a religious festival is celebrated in honour of the Virgin of Loreto. From December 21 to January 5, events dedicated to Christmas and New Year take place.
Santa Pola beaches
An overview of the city
Of Santa Pola would not be complete without mentioning its beaches, many of which have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag (due to the quality of its waters and sand, its highly developed infrastructure and the high level of services). The beaches of Santa Pola are ideal for relaxing with the whole family, especially for younger children and the elderly. Besides, there are even dog-friendly beaches (here). Likewise, many Santa Pola beaches are also excellent for water sports. You will find below a list of the best beaches in Santa Pola.
Tamarit beach
A Blue Flag sandy beach, 665 meters long. It is ideal for families.
Lisa beach
It is an urban sandy beach, ideal for relaxing with children and practicing water sports, especially windsurfing.
Gran beach
It is an urban sandy beach, just over a kilometre long, perfect for windsurfing.
Levante beach
This Blue Flag urban sandy beach is ideal for families.
Santiago Bernabeu coves
A Blue Flag sandy beach, approximately one kilometre long. This beach was named after the former president of the Real Madrid Club de Fútbol.
Santiago Bernabeu coves on the map.
Varadero beach
It is a Blue Flag urban sandy beach, approximately half a kilometre long. A beautiful place to practice water sports.
Santa Pola del Este coves
A Blue Flag sandy beach with a length of 1287 m. Ideal beach to run or walk near the sea.
Santa Pola del Este coves on the map.
You can read a detailed article about the best beaches of the Costa Blanca, here.
Santa Pola is the best place of the Costa Blanca to practice water sports
Santa Pola is the perfect holiday destination for water sports lovers. The beaches here are excellent for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It is not surprising that the city of Santa Pola was chosen to organize the Windsurfing World Championships. In fact, this sport has many followers in Santa Pola and its surroundings, so it will be easy for you to make friends who share the same passion. The best windsurfing beaches of Santa Pola are: Gran beach, Lisa beach, Tamarit beach and La Gola beach. In addition, near these beaches are the different surf clubhouses and schools, where you can rent equipment or enrol in a course for amateur surfers. However, surfing is not the only water sport practiced in Santa Pola, there are also sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, and others.
You will find on the official website of Santa Pola, the contact details of clubs and schools dedicated to the practice of various sports:
- Windsurf: here.
- Kayaking: here.
- Kitesurf: here.
- Jet skis: here.
- Diving: here.
- Parasailing: here.
- Sailing: here.
Housing in Santa Pola
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Santa Pola is an excellent place not only to spend the holidays, but also to live. Its great advantage − low housing prices (€ 1911 per m2 on average). These prices are really good, especially considering all the advantages that this wonderful city offers: the proximity of the sea, the charming Blue Flag beaches, its highly developed infrastructure, the wide leisure offering (even for sports lovers), its exquisite gastronomy, the pure marine air (which is enriched with minerals from the salty lakes), the proximity of the Alicante city and the international airport, and much more.
A house in Santa Pola can be purchased from € 100 000. The city has a wide supply of apartments, bungalows, and semi-detached houses (even near the sea). Likewise, Santa Pola has an excellent supply of new build properties, mainly located in the city centre and in the Santiago Bernabeu coves. The most expensive area of Santa Pola is Santa Pola Este coves, located on the beachfront (€ 2.841 per m2), and the cheapest area − Centre (€ 1.502 per m2).
You can check our Santa Pola housing catalogue here.
