Discover Santa Pola: A Coastal Gem on the Costa Blanca
Santa Pola is a lovely coastal town located approxiately 20km south of Alicante, famous for its salt flats and flamingos. We love to visit Santa Pola for a walk along the marina and beach, stopping for some lunch or tapas along the way.
In the summer the beaches are busy, but you can always find a spot to sit because the sand stretches for miles. In the winter months, the bars and restaurants at the marina stay open so you can sit in the sun with a drink and enjoy the quieter atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a new Costa Blanca beach town to explore, read on for some reasons to visit Santa Pola, plus what to do and where to stay.
How To Get to Santa Pola
Santa Pola is just 14 km (about 15 minutes) from Alicante–Elche Airport, and there are several easy ways to get there:
- Driving – If you’re hiring a car, take the N-332 south from the airport. It’s a straightforward drive and a great option if you plan to explore the Costa Blanca.
- Taxi / Uber – Costs around €27–€35 and takes about 15 minutes. Uber and Cabify are also available from the airport.
- Bus – The cheapest option. Direct buses run a few times a day from the airport to Santa Pola. Tickets cost around €2–€3, and the trip takes about 40 minutes.
- Shuttle or Private Transfer – Great for stress-free travel. Shared shuttles start from €10–€20, while private transfers cost around €35–€75, depending on the service.
Top Things to Do in Santa Pola
There are plenty of things to do in Santa Pola for all ages and interests…
Explore the Salinas de Santa Pola Nature Reserve
Santa Pola is most famous for its salt flats and diverse birdlife, including flamingos. If you’ve driven through on your way from the airport towards Guardamar or Torrevieja, you’ll no doubt have seen hundreds of flamingos on the lakes.
You can’t get too close to the salt flats but you can climb up onto one of the look out towers, so make sure you take some binoculors to get a better look at the flamingos as well as the surrounding area.
If you love photography and have a decent zoom lense on your camera, this is the perfect spot to get some fantastic photos!
Walk Along the Promenade
The sea front promenade, Paseo Adolfo Suárez, stretches for around 7km from the marina taking you past sandy beaches, play parks, bars and restaurants, and the fish market.
This flat promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, jog, or bike ride, but maybe not in the hottest months of the year! It’s perfect for a walk with children as they can scoot or cycle, and stop at one of the parks along the way.
The promenade here is one of our favourite walks in the cooler months as you can walk for miles with some amazing sea views.
Visit the Castle-Fortress of Santa Pola
In the centre of town you can find a castle and fortress. Built in the 16th century, this historical monument now houses the free Museo del Mar, where you can learn more about the town’s maritime history.
The castle is the location of various fiestas throughout the year, including the Moors and Christians as well as a great Medieval Market once a year selling food and handcrafts.
There are lots of bars surrounding the square where the castle is located, so you can sit and have a drink while taking in the history and watching the world go by.
Relax on Playa de Levante and Playa de Tamarit
Santa Pola has some great Blue Flag beaches, with golden sand and clear waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
You can rent a pedalo or paddle board, play volleyball on the beach, walk for miles along the promenade, kids can play in the parks on the sand, and you can grab some lunch in a beachside bar or restaurant.
Explore Santa Pola Marina
The marina is a must stop when visiting the town. As well as the harbour with lots of very nice boats, you have a long, flat walk way flanked by palms trees and boats on one side, and restaurants on the other.
It’s a lovely place for a wander, as well as to get a meal or just a drink, tapas or ice cream. Often you’ll find live music playing in one of the bars, with chill out music in others – something for everyone!
In the marina there is also a diving school and jetski rental if you’re feeling adventurous!
Take a Boat Trip to Tabarca Island
Spain’s smallest inhabited island, Tabarca, is just a short ferry ride from Santa Pola – in fact you can see the island from the beach. Tabarca Island ideal for snorkeling and exploring pretty streets.
Head to the end of the marina and you will find a number of huts selling tickets for boat trips over to Tabarca Island, including glass bottom boats and speed boats. In the summer months you might prefer to book tickets online to avoid queuing! Book tickets to Tabarca Island for €9 here.
The trip from Santa Pola to Tabarca takes around 20 minutes, plenty of time to relax, and enjoy the sea breeze as well as the costal views.
Enjoy Family Fun at Pola Park
For visitors with young children, Santa Pola has its own amusement park called Pola Park. This small amusement park has over 30 attractions, including rides, mini-golf, bouncy castles, and water zones, catering to all ages.
You can buy tickets on the gate, but if you prefer to buy in advance you can avoid the queues.
Opening Hours: Pola Park is open weekends from mid-March to the end of October, and daily in July and August, with evening hours extending into the summer.
Visit the Lighthouse & Skywalk at Cabo de Santa Pola
Just outside of the town but well worth a visit, is the Faro de Santa Pola. You can drive from Santa Pola along the N332, or take a shady walk through the pine trees from Gran Alacant. If visiting in the summer we definitely recommend driving!
The lighthouse sits about 144m above sea level and is located next to a 100m skywalk with amazing panoramic views streteching from Tabarca Island to Alicante – on a clear day you can even see as far as Calpe.
If you walk away from the lighthouse and skywalk, you’ll come across several bunkers and artillery batteries from the Civil War which were part of a larger coastal defense system in Alicante. You can go inside some of them, and there are boards with more information.
🌍 Planning Your Visit to Santa Pola?
If you’re ready to start booking your Santa Pola holiday, these links may help…
- ✈️ Book cheap flights and hotels on Expedia
- 🚖 Prebook airport transfers with HolidayTaxis
- 🏨 Check Santa Pola hotel reviews on TripAdvisor
- 🎟️ Reserve Santa Pola tours on GetYourGuide
Where to Eat in Santa Pola
If you’re hungry then you will be spoilt for choice with bars, restaurants and cafés in Santa Pola. Some of our favourites are…
La Moruna
Right on the marina, La Moruna boasts waterfront dining and spectacular sunset views ober the beach. They play chill out music and have a fantastic Menu del Día, a lovely place to stop for a meal and drinks.
La Barca
A wonderful Mediterranean restaurant in the marina, La Barca is well known for fresh seafood but also have a huge menu with lots of options to suit everyone. We’ve had several good meals here with great food, friendly staff, and great views over the marina.
Valor Chocolatería
Situated at Av. Fernando Pérez Ojeda 8, Valor is famous for its thick hot chocolate and churros. They also do great cakes, ice cream sundaes and sandwiches if you’re not in the mood for churros.
Other Great Options
- Los Curros – Loved by locals, this bar-restaurant near the fish market serves up fresh, simple seafood at affordable prices .
- La Matera Asador – Perfect for meat lovers. This Argentinian grill specialises in steaks and parrillada (mixed grill platters), served with lovely beach views .
Tips for Dining Out
- Reserve ahead – especially for El Barco and La Moruna, which fill up at sunset.
- Try local seafood – Santa Pola is known for fresh pescado and arroz dishes.
- Churros lovers, go early at Valor to avoid crowds and enjoy the freshest batch.
Where to Stay in Santa Pola
If you want to stay in Santa Pola, there are various options depending on your needs and budget.
Hotel AJ Gran Alacant
A 4-star hotel offering modern amenities, an outdoor pool, and proximity to Carabassí Beach.
Hotel Narcea Santa Pola
Known for its exceptional service and comfortable rooms, it’s a favorite among travelers.
Find out more and book
Hotel Polamar
Located near the beach, this hotel offers stunning sea views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Hostal Quatre Llunes
A charming guesthouse in the town center, providing a cozy stay with personalised service.
Alojamientos Santa Pola
Ideal for longer stays, these accommodations offer self-catering options and are close to local attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions – Santa Pola
A: Santa Pola is approximately 20 km south of Alicante. You can reach it by car via the N-332 road or by bus services that run regularly between the two locations.
The ideal time is between May and September when the weather is warm and perfect for beach activities.
Yes, Santa Pola hosts several festivals, including the Virgen del Carmen in July, celebrating the patron saint of fishermen, featuring parades and maritime processions.
Absolutely! With its beaches, amusement parks, and family-friendly accommodations, it’s a great destination for families.
Ferries to Tabarca operate throughout the year, but schedules may vary seasonally. It’s advisable to check the latest timings before planning your trip.
We hope this blog post has given you lots of great ideas of things to do in Santa Pola and some inspiration for your next visit!
