All about Santa Pola, general & practical information

Borja Merino (Alderman of Tourism in Santa Pola): “We want visitors to find their ideal destination in Santa Pola, with an offer tailored exactly to their personal tastes. It’s about building an emotional connection; we want Santa Pola to be that ‘match’ that touches you and makes you want to return again and again.”

Getting to know Santa Pola and its history

Did you know.

• there is an island near Santa Pola, Tabarca? You can go there by boat and enjoy its tranquility and clear waters;

• Santa Pola used to be an important place for salt extraction? The salt lakes and pans are now a beautiful natural area;

• you can visit a 16th-century castle in Santa Pola? The Castillo Fortaleza offers great views of the city and the sea;

• there is a museum in Santa Pola about the sea and fishing? At the Museo del Mar you will learn all about the city’s history;

• Santa Pola has a whopping 13 kilometers of beaches? From small coves to long sandy beaches, there is something for everyone;

• you can spot flamingos in Santa Pola? The Las Salinas Natural Park is home to many unusual birds;

• you can find remains from Roman times in Santa Pola? The Romans were already farming fish in special basins here.

The history in brief

In Roman times, the place was known as Portus Illicitanus, the important port for the city of Elche. After a period of decline in the Middle Ages, the area became important again in the 16th century. To protect the coast from pirates, watchtowers and a castle were built, the remains of which can still be seen today.

The name “Santa Pola

The name “Santa Pola” is inextricably linked to the Apostle Paul (San Pablo in Spanish). According to legend, he landed on the nearby island of Tabarca (then known as Planesia). Because of this, the mainland port became associated with Sant Pau (the Catalan name for the saint). Over time, this name was popularly changed to Santa Pola.

The economy & tourism in Santa Pola

Local employment

Although Santa Pola’s economy is strongly tied to the coast, employment rests on more than just vacation visitors. The city is home to one of the Mediterranean’s most important fishing fleets, providing a stable chain of jobs in fish auction, maritime logistics and specialized ship maintenance.

In addition, the salt industry (the Bras del Port salt pans) is a unique industrial pillar that has provided year-round employment for decades and is the basis for various export products.

In addition, Santa Pola has developed into a regional hub for leisure and sports. The presence of major amusement parks such as Pola Park and the thriving water sports industry (especially kitesurfing and sailing) creates a constant demand for recreation and technical personnel.

The large community of international residents in neighborhoods such as Gran Alacant also creates a continued demand for services in construction, retail and business services, keeping the local economy resilient beyond the summer months.

The development of the tourism industry

Santa Pola’s policy consciously focuses on creating an emotional connection with visitors and sustainable growth that ensures livability for residents. Borja Merino, Alderman for Tourism, emphasizes the beach resort’s course for 2026:

“Our participation in international venues is all about innovation, tradition and heritage. We want to put Santa Pola on the map based on our identity: our salt flats, our sea and our gastronomy.”

The focus is currently on retaining the designation Smart Tourist Destination. Major investments are being made in gamification(discovering the city through apps in a playful way) and digital tools such as the intelligent travel planner Cicerone.

In addition, the municipality actively promotes cultural-historical tourism through the campaign SAL, con lo nuestro, focusing on the connection between maritime heritage and the modern visitor. This strategy should ensure that Santa Pola remains an attractive and vital destination for a wide audience even outside the high season.

The geography & neighborhoods in Santa Pola

The location of Santa Pola

Santa Pola is an authentic fishing town on the Costa Blanca that is part of the province of Alicante. Its Mediterranean location is directly south of the city of Alicante and a short distance from the international airport.

The area is characterized by a varied landscape with the Cape of Santa Pola and the vast Las Salinas Natural Park; a protected salt mining area that is home to many bird species such as flamingos.

The accessibility of Santa Pola

The resort provides a practical base for residents and tourists in this region. Its central location on coastal road N-332 provides a quick connection to surrounding towns and the airport. In addition, the protected marine reserve of Tabarca Island is easily accessible by boat from the town’s port.

Map Santa Pola Spain

The neighborhoods in Santa Pola

Santa Pola is a coastal town with several neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics:

• Centro: the heart of the city with the castle, main shopping streets, restaurants and amenities;

• Gran Playa: along the large, lively city beach. Here you will find the promenade with many restaurants and apartments;

• Playa Lisa & Tamarit: west of downtown. These neighborhoods are known for their calm, shallow waters, ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts;

• Varadero: the traditional fishing district near the port and the salt flats. An authentic area with a distinct maritime character;

• Santa Pola del Este: a quiet, upper residential area on the east side. It is characterized by villas, small coves(calas) and panoramic sea views.

The climate & nature in Santa Pola

A Mediterranean climate

Santa Pola has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The average summer temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius, while the average winter temperature is around 15 degrees Celsius.

Santa Pola has more than 300 sunny days a year. Sea breezes cool it in summer, and the mountains in the hinterland protect the city from cold north winds.

Weather, average temperatures

Below is a table of average temperatures in Santa Pola by month:

Nature around Santa Pola

Around Santa Pola you will find several natural areas. Besides the famous beaches, the landscape consists of salt lakes, a rocky promontory and hills with hiking trails.

• Parque Natural de las Salinas: the salt lakes of Santa Pola are famous for the many flamingos you can see here. The park has several hiking and biking trails to discover the different bird species;

• Cabo de Santa Pola: a unique cape composed of a fossil coral reef. It is a popular place for a walk, for example over the footbridge to the lighthouse, with beautiful views of the sea and the island of Tabarca;

• Sierra de Santa Pola: This hilly area north of the city is ideal for hikers and mountain bikers. The trails lead you past pine forests and offer sweeping views of the surroundings;

• Island of Tabarca: from the port of Santa Pola you can take a boat to this island, a protected marine reserve. It is the place to snorkel or dive thanks to its clear sea and rich underwater world.

The gastronomy of Santa Pola

Culinary venues

Most eateries in Santa Pola are located in central areas of the city:

• The port and promenade (Avenida de Granada): restaurants overlooking the fishing boats and marina;

• The center (around Castillo-Fortaleza): atmospheric squares with tapas bars and local eateries;

• The beaches of Gran Alacant: modern beach bars with an international offer on the northern side of the municipality.

Flavor profiles and specialties

The menu in Santa Pola is determined by the daily catch and local salt production:

• Peix de Santa Pola: a seal of quality for fresh fish that comes directly from the local fish auction;

• Arroz a Banda: a traditional rice dish prepared in a potent broth of local fish;

• Gazpacho de Mero: a hearty dish with sea bass and specific herbs from the region;

• Artisanal ice cream and sweets: a wide selection of local delicacies due to the influence of the nearby town of Jijona.

Restaurants in Santa Pola

Good food can be had in many different places in Santa Pola. Despite being a small long-stretched town, it has relatively many restaurants. Most are located on the boulevard and near the harbor.

The facilities in Santa Pola

Supermarkets in Santa Pola

For a wide range of food items, visit the following locations in town:

• Mercadona and Carrefour: these well-known Spanish chains have several branches scattered throughout the center and suburbs;

• Lidl and ALDI: These supermarkets offer a combination of local products and internationally known private brands;

• Polamax: This commercial center houses a large supermarket with a wide range of non-food items;

• Dialprix and Masymas: these smaller supermarkets are often located in the middle of residential areas and are easily accessible on foot.

Parking in Santa Pola

Parking in Santa Pola can sometimes be a challenge, especially during the summer months and on weekends when it is busy. But there are several options, both paid and free:

Paid Parking:

• Parking del Castillo: This multi-story parking garage is located near the castle and is a good option if you want to be in the center. It is a municipal parking lot with season tickets for residents, but tourists can also use it;

• Parking del Port: This parking lot is close to the port and is convenient if you plan to take a boat tour or visit the fish market;

• Blue zones: some downtown streets have blue zones where you can pay to park. Watch the signs for the rates and maximum parking duration.

Free parking:

• Street parking: outside the center and blue zones, there is often free street parking. It can take some searching for a spot, especially near the beach;

• Large parking lots: on the outskirts of the city there are a few large parking lots where you can park for free. From there you can walk or take public transportation to the center;

• Aparcamiento Gratuito: this is a free parking lot close to the center. However, it can be crowded here, especially during market days (Mondays and Saturdays).

Tourist office in Santa Pola

Santa Pola has 2 tourist offices.

An information point can be found near the palm garden:

• Google Maps location
• Telephone number: +34 966 692 276
• Website: turismosantapola.com
• Opening hours:
  • Monday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m;
  • Sunday: closed.

An information point near the Santa Pola Castle:

• Google Maps location
• Telephone number: +34 966 696 052
• Website: turismosantapola.com
• Opening hours:
  • Monday through Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m;
  • Thursday & Friday: 7 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. – 7 p.m;
  • Saturday & Sunday: closed.

Transportation & your stay in Santa Pola

By plane to Santa Pola

Would you like to go on vacation to Santa Pola? Then the nearest airport is Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC). The airport is exceptionally close; from the airport it is only 15 kilometers to Santa Pola. This amounts to a car ride of about 15 to 20 minutes.

From the Netherlands and Belgium, companies such as Transavia, KLM, Vueling, Ryanair and TUI fly directly to Alicante, making the destination excellent and very quick to reach.

On vacation to Santa Pola

Santa Pola is a lively and authentic fishing town known primarily for its beaches, nature and water sports opportunities. It offers an ideal mix for various types of vacations:

• Sun, sea and beach vacations: with miles of wide sandy beaches such as Gran Playa and quieter urban beaches, Santa Pola is a perfect destination for beach lovers and families with children;

• Active and nature vacations: the famous salt lakes(Salinas) are a unique natural park for hikers and bird watchers. In addition, the coast is an international hotspot for kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing;

• Family vacations: thanks to its safe beaches, the presence of an amusement park(Pola Park) and the short distance from the airport, Santa Pola is perfect for family vacations;

• Winterizing: the mild climate and the presence of all amenities in a lively Spanish city make Santa Pola a popular and comfortable destination for winterizing.

You can opt for a package tour from a tour operator or arrange your flight and accommodation separately.

Vacation accommodation in Santa Pola

• Hotels: in Santa Pola you will find mostly comfortable hotels focusing on beach and family vacations, mostly located along the coastline or in close proximity to the center and port;

• Apartments: this is the most popular and widespread option in Santa Pola. There is a very wide range of apartments, from modern complexes with pools on the beach to practical homes in the lively center;

• Vacation homes and bungalows: especially in the eastern district of Santa Pola del Este and in nearby Gran Alacant, there are many vacation homes, bungalows and semi-detached houses, often in urbanizations with communal pools.

Many accommodations are within walking distance of the city’s beaches, promenade and many restaurants.

All the tips for your visit to Santa Pola

Additional information about Santa Pola

Question & answer (FAQ)

Handy links

• Visit Santa Pola (Tourist information)
• Santa Pola Wikipedia (General information)
• Spain.info Santa Pola (Tourist information)

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