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Discover places to see and, things to do
Today in our Blog Series “A day in…” we visit one of the most touristic municipalities of the Costa Blanca, Santa Pola. Not only does it have many kilometers of beaches and beautiful coves. It also is a place to enjoy one of the many options it offers. Such as the natural environment of great beauty, a theme park and many opportunities to practise water sports …
How do you reach Santa Pola?
When you use your car, take the N-332 from Alicante to Murcia. Santa Pola is just 17kilometres south of Alicante. If you decide to use public transport, there are two options. The bus that goes directly from Alicante bus station to Santa Pola, or you can use the train from Alicante.
Things to do in Santa Pola
Beaches
Levante Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches of Santa Pola. Perfect to relax and enjoy the summer days. The Varadero beach, in the most urbanized part of Santa Pola, is a great place to spend a day with family.
If you prefer a quiet and secluded beach, there is plenty to choose from. For example, Ermita Beach, Gola Beach, or the capes of Cuartel and L’Aljub are some of them. Other fantastic beaches of Santa Pola are the Gran Playa, Playa Lisa, Tamarit Beach, Pinet Beach.
These last beaches are ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. They even organize windsurfing world championships in Santa Pola. If you want to rent equipment or sign up for classes you can visit the different specialized clubs that you will find on any of these beaches. Sailing, paddle surfing, kayaking, diving, and snorkeling are some of the other water sports you can practice here.
Las Salinas
Las Salinas de Santa Pola is a Natural Reserve and a Special Protection Area for the Conservation of Wild Birds. Today, they extract and commercialize salt from the plains. There is a Salt Museum in the Reserve, where you can learn more about the process of extracting salt and its history. The huge salt hills that look like icebergs are a reminder of the economy of Santa Pola.
The salt fields are a great place to spend a day in nature. There are several hiking trails to discover the park and explore the varied flora and fauna. The elegant pink flamingos definitely stand out.
Plaza del Calvario
El Calvario is an emblematic neighborhood of Santa Pola, located in one of the highest areas of the town. This area stands out for the presence of its Hermitage of Arab inspiration.
The Castle Fortress
This castle fortress stands In the center of Santa Pola and is an Asset of Cultural Interest in the province of Alicante. The main objective of the castle was to protect local sailors from frequent attacks by pirates. Nowadays it is a cultural center and a museum dedicated to the sea. A lot of cultural and religious events are celebrated in this center.
Amusement park – Pola Park
Santa Pola has its own amusement park with 30 attractions. Among them are slides, flying chairs, a roller coaster, a pirate ship, karts, mini-golf, and much more. Pola Park is the perfect place for a day of family fun.
Municipal Aquarium of Santa Pola
This aquarium is the best way to enjoy an educational and fun activity with your family. It is the largest saltwater aquarium in the entire Valencian Community. The purpose of the aquarium is to make the local marine life known, as well as to recover protected species. It is formed by 9 large aquariums, full of special species and natural elements.
Tabarca
Santa Pola is the closest town to the island of Tabarca at only 9 kilometers away. You find more information about this beautiful island in our previous Blog.
Santa Pola Lighthouse
The lighthouse stands at the eastern end of Santa Pola Cape, constructed on top of an old lookout tower from the 16th century. This coastal area is perfect for those who love to walk, hike and explore. A special walking route reaches the lighthouse and offers impressive panoramic views of the bay of Santa Pola, Alicante, and the Island of Tabarca. During very clear days it may even be possible to see the south of Cabo Cervera and the island Grosa or the Peñón de Ifach.
Roman House of the Palm Grove
It is a luxurious Roman villa built in the 4th century AD.
Mill of the Calera
A windmill built in 1771, to supply Santa Pola. In its vicinity, there is a Calera (to which it owes its name) that was used for the production of lime.
Torres Vigía
The Vigía Towers were built in 1552, under the reign of Felipe II. They are strategically located to spot the enemy before they could reach the shore. They are the Tamarit tower in Las Salinas, Escaletes in the Sierra, and the Atalayola that currently is the lighthouse.
The Aljibes del Massapá
They were built in the eighteenth century, to supply water to the municipality of Santa Pola.
The Port
It is the heir to the ancient Portus Illicitanus (Port of Elche) from Roman times. And currently, it is one of the most important fishing ports in the Spanish Mediterranean. Fishing, the shipment of salt, and the construction of sport boats are the main activities nowadays.
The Cape
It is a unique specimen in Europe, of fossil coral reef, formed mainly by remains of corals. At its base, there is a unique building from the beginning of the 19th century, known as the Torre d’en Mig. They use this building as the Marine Research Center (CIMAR).
Routes and hiking
Routes through the Natural Park of Las Salinas
The Natural Park of Las Salinas captivates everyone who uses the signposted routes to spot the beauty of the flora and fauna of this Natural Park.
Hiking Trail through the Sierra
This route of 13 kilometers is a pretty good way to exercise. In addition, there is a big chance you will spot an animal that belongs to the fauna of the area, such as rabbits and foxes. At the height of the lighthouse, you have an unparalleled view of Tabarca.
Bicycle Route through the Sierra
This route of 20 kilometers is of impressive beauty. It does not require a great physical condition, but it does require physical fitness to travel the Sierra and its ravines.
What to eat in Santa Pola?
The local dishes in Santa Pola are based mainly on the typical products of the bay, such as the gilthead bream or the sea bass, Furthermore shrimps and scampi stand out. Many of its fish and shellfish have a Denomination of Origin. Lots of these plates are prepared with rice, another much-used product in local food.
As for the desserts we highlight the sweet puff pastries, coca boba, and all kinds of ice cream.
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