Santa Pola, located in the province of Alicante, is a coastal municipality on the Costa Blanca. Covering an area of approximately 58 km², it combines a busy fishing port and a popular tourist destination with a territory surrounded by protected natural areas, most notably the Salinas Natural Park, which spans around 2,470 hectares and is home to a rich variety of birdlife, including a significant number of flamingos.

The urban coastline offers nearly 13 km of beaches, ranging from urban to more natural ones. The main beaches include Playa Lisa, Tamarit, Gran Playa, and Levante, many of which are Blue Flag beaches with accessible facilities. To the east of the port, you’ll find quieter, rockier coves such as Santiago Bernabéu and El Varadero. At the far end lies the Cape of Santa Pola, with its lighthouse (built on the former Atalayola watchtower), marking the rugged coastline and offering views toward Tabarca Island.

The town's historic center is centered around the Renaissance castle-fortress, built in 1557 and declared a Site of Cultural Interest. Inside, it houses the Museum of the Sea and Fishing, which traces the town's history from prehistoric times to its maritime traditions, including a dedicated exhibit on the impact of the salt flats on the local economy and culture.

For nature lovers, Santa Pola features several coastal watchtowers, such as the Tamarit Tower, restored in 2008 and once used for pirate defense. There are also hiking routes like the GR-232 or PR‑CV 061 through the Santa Pola mountain range, allowing visitors to explore the landscape from the coast up to the 143-meter-high promontory near the lighthouse.

The Municipal Aquarium, opened in 1983, showcases native Mediterranean marine life in tanks supplied with fresh seawater, and includes documentaries and educational exhibits on marine conservation.

Santa Pola also hosts popular local festivals, such as those in honor of Our Lady of Loreto, the town’s patron saint, and the traditional Moors and Christians celebrations. Its character blends tradition and modernity: it remains a working fishing town while also being a well-established tourist hub, with nearby residential areas like Gran Alacant, home to many foreign residents.

In summary, Santa Pola stands out for its fusion of historical heritage (castle and maritime legacy), extensive beaches, protected natural areas (salt flats and birdlife), structured tourism, and steady population growth, positioning it as a well-rounded coastal destination in southern Alicante.

✈️ Airport

Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport:
✅ 12 km (approx. 15 minutes by car via N-332 or N-338)

🏙️ Main Nearby Cities

Alicante (provincial capital):
✅ 20 km (approx. 20–25 minutes by car via N-332 or A-70)

Elche:
✅ 17 km (approx. 20 minutes by car via CV-865 or N-338)

Torrevieja:
✅ 35 km (approx. 30–35 minutes by car via N-332)

Murcia (regional capital):
✅ 75 km (approx. 55–60 minutes by car via A-7)

Benidorm:
✅ 70 km (approx. 55–60 minutes by car via AP-7 or N-332)

Valencia:
✅ 170 km (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes by car via AP-7 or A-7)