Santa Pola Travel Guide

Just 20 km south of Alicante, Santa Pola is a charming coastal town on the Costa Blanca, perfect for a day trip filled with sea, sun, and adventure. Known for its historic salt flats, rich fishing heritage, and thrilling water sports, Santa Pola blends laid-back beach vibes with unforgettable experiences.

Getting to Santa Pola is quick and easy:

Bus: Several daily buses depart from Alicante’s central station. The journey takes around 35–40 minutes.
A short 25-minute drive via the N-332 coastal road offers scenic views and easy access.
Tip: Consider renting a car to explore the Costa Blanca at your own pace. Compare car rental options here (insert your car rental affiliate link)

Santa Pola is famous for:

Its salt flats and flamingos at the Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park.
The Tabarca Island marine reserve nearby – a diver’s paradise.
A bustling fishing port and seafood scene.
Outdoor sports like kitesurfing, hiking, and paragliding over the coast.

Top Things to See and Do in Santa Pola

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Visit the Castle-Fortress and Local Museums

At the heart of Santa Pola lies the 16th-century Castle-Fortress, a striking Renaissance military structure built to defend the coast against pirate attacks. Today, this historic landmark has been beautifully restored and transformed into a cultural hub. Inside, you’ll find two fascinating museums:

The Sea Museum (Museo del Mar) explores Santa Pola’s close relationship with the sea, from its traditional fishing industry to its marine biodiversity.
The Archaeological Museum reveals layers of history through Roman mosaics, Iberian artifacts, and exhibits from the Portus Ilicitanus, the ancient Roman harbor that once stood here.

Beyond its museum spaces, the Castle-Fortress also serves as a venue for concerts, art exhibitions, and community festivals, especially during the summer months. The central courtyard often becomes a lively setting for local fiestas celebrations, making it a must-see for both history lovers and those seeking cultural experiences.

📍Location: Right in the center of town, next to the Glorieta square.
🕒 Tip: Check ahead for opening hours and event listings to make the most of your visit.

Visit the Santa Pola Aquarium – A Free Marine Experience

The Santa Pola Aquarium is a small yet fascinating spot to explore the local marine life of the Mediterranean. Located at Plaza Francisco Fernández Ordóñez, it’s ideal for families or anyone curious about underwater ecosystems. Entry is currently free with opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday (10:00–13:00 & 18:00–21:00), Sundays (11:00–13:30). Mondays Closed.

The Santa Pola Aquarium is just a 2-minute walk from the Castle-Fortress and La Glorieta, making it an easy and educational stop—especially if you’re visiting with kids. As the oldest saltwater aquarium in the Valencian Community, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Mediterranean marine life

Visit Tabarca Island – A Scuba Diver’s Paradise 🐠

Just off the coast of Santa Pola lies Tabarca Island, Spain’s smallest inhabited island and the first declared marine reserve in the country. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and seagrass meadows, Tabarca is a haven for marine life — ideal for diving, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the natural beauty.If you’re into underwater adventures, you can join a 3-hour scuba diving experience directly from Santa Pola, with options for beginners and certified divers alike. It’s a fantastic way to explore the biodiversity of this protected area — from colorful fish and octopus to vibrant underwater landscapes.

A Family-Friendly Way to Explore the Waters of Tabarca 🐚
If you’re traveling with children or prefer to stay closer to the surface, a snorkeling trip to Tabarca Island is a fun and relaxed alternative. Departing from Santa Pola, this family-friendly boat tour takes you to the island’s calm, clear waters perfect for spotting fish, exploring seagrass meadows, and enjoying the Mediterranean sun. All equipment is provided, and expert guides are on hand, making it a great option for beginners and kids. You can book your snorkeling trip to Tabarca here and enjoy a memorable day out the whole family will love.

Explore the Salt Flats and Flamingo Trails

The Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park is one of the region’s most spectacular natural attractions—a mosaic of salt pans, wetlands, and lagoons that create a haven for wildlife and a peaceful escape for nature lovers.

The area has been used for traditional salt production for centuries, and you can still see large white salt mounds shimmering under the sun, often alongside informative panels explaining the history and ecological significance of the process.

But the true stars here are the wild flamingos, which can be seen especially during migration seasons. The park is home to over 2,000 species of birds, including avocets, stilts, and herons, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

The Flamingo Trail (Ruta de las Salinas), a flat, easy-to-walk path with scenic views and designated birdwatching towers.
Bring binoculars or a good zoom lens to catch sight of flamingos wading in the shallows.
Visit during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking reflections across the salt water.

📍How to Get There: Located just south of the town center, the Salinas are accessible by car, bike, or on foot.
🕒 Tip: There’s no entrance fee, and early morning visits offer cooler weather and better bird sightings.

Soar Above the Coast with a Paragliding Adventure in Santa Pola

Looking for a thrill with a view? Try an unforgettable paragliding adventure over Santa Pola’s stunning coastline. Take off from the cliffs and glide over turquoise waters, golden beaches, and salt flats with a certified instructor—no experience needed. The adventure includes pick-up in a van from Alicante, L’Alteat and Gran Alacant making it easy and stress-free for visitors staying nearby.

Feel the rush and enjoy aerial views of Costa Blanca’s natural beauty—book your Santa Pola paragliding experience here for a once-in-a-lifetime ride.

El Faro at Cabo de Santa Pola

El Faro at Cabo de Santa Pola is a striking spot where history meets coastal beauty. Built in 1858 atop the remnants of the 16th-century Atalayola coastal watchtower, the lighthouse still functions guiding ships along the coast. Though the lighthouse itself isn’t open for visitors, the skywalk platform delivers thrilling views across the Mediterranean. Ideal for sunset views, nature walks, and even a glimpse of paragliders dancing above the cliffs. With ongoing improvements to paths and access, it’s an increasingly welcoming vantage point for locals and travelers alike.

End Your Santa Pola Day Trip with a Sunset Sail and Gin Tasting

Wrap up your Santa Pola adventure in style with a relaxing sunset sailboat ride paired with a premium gin and tonic tasting. As you cruise along the coast, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the sea and sky while sampling refreshing gin blends. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Book your Santa Pola sunset sail and gin tasting experience here and enjoy a unique, scenic ending to your day.

Caldero from Tabarca & Santa Pola – A Must-Try Local Dish

Originally from the Tabarca Island area, Caldero is a hearty fishermen’s dish made with rockfish, garlic, ñora peppers, and rice cooked in the leftover broth. It’s usually served in two parts: the fish first, then the rice.

Some of the best versions are served in Santa Pola and Alicante’s El Barrio district.