Santa Pola

Santa Pola is a coastal town in the province of Alicante, on the Costa Blanca, known for its fishing tradition and its still-active harbour where fish auctions take place. The 16th-century Castillo-Fortaleza stands at the heart of the town and now houses cultural spaces, including a museum dedicated to the sea. The town is fringed by sandy beaches such as Gran Playa and Playa de Levante, popular for their calm, shallow waters. Nearby, the Santa Pola Salt Marshes Natural Park is a protected wetland renowned for birdwatching, particularly flamingos and other migratory species. Boat services from the harbour connect to Tabarca Island, the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community, surrounded by clear waters well suited to diving and snorkelling. Local cuisine centres on seafood, with rice dishes and freshly caught fish among the specialities. The mild Mediterranean climate, pleasant throughout the year, encourages outdoor activities and makes Santa Pola a popular choice for family seaside holidays.