TOP 10 must see

Santa Pola is a popular beach resort on Spain’s southern Costa Blanca, but in case you have enough of do nothing and relax, don’t worry, it offers much more than just beach and sun. The town has a rich history with its first settlers dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. Therefore, you can find here some interesting monuments, watchtowers, and other attractions.

FARO DE SANTA POLA
The lighthouse is one of the most important attractions in Santa Pola. It is situated at the east end of Cabo de Santa Pola. It offers the truly breathtaking view, since you can see both the bay of Santa Pola and the Isla de Tabarca. On very clear days, on the east site, you can even see Isla Grosa and the Penon de Ifach from Calpe.

CASTILLO-FORTALEZA
The Santa Pola Castle was built in 1557 to protect the coast from pirates’ attacks. Today, it is home to the Museo del Mar, Chapel of the Virgen de Loreto, Municipal Exhibition Hall and Assembly Hall “Baluarte del Duque de Arcos”.

PLAZA DE LA GLORIETA
Glorieta Square is the main square of Santa Pola, where the castle is located. It is a lively place during the evenings, with many bars, where tourists and locals come to enjoy evening drinks and entertainment.

PUERTO DE SANTA POLA
The port of Santa Pola is still very much a working port, each evening you can see the fishing boats return with their catches. The port also has a fine marina and the sailing club, which came into existence in response to the growing demand for quality and operative infrastructure. The number of moorings that are classified as being for public use is more than 400 and they are destined for small light-draught craft (maximum length 8 meters).

ISLA DE TABARCA
Tabarca Island is the largest island in the Valencian Community and the only inhabited one. It is located about 7 km away from Santa Pola, with many boat connections available. It is well known and recognized for its nice, little bays to swim in, as well as a beach offering different facilities.

LAS SALINAS DE SANTA POLA
The natural park is an excellent example of human industry and nature symbiosis. The salt producing activity has created an artificial wetland habitat that has become a mecca for birdwatchers during recent years. At the entrance to the lagoon is the Tamarit Tower which was built in 1552 within the framework of the coastal watchtowers system for the defense of Elche.

MUSEO DEL SAL
The Salt Museum is located inside the natural park. Here you can learn about the process of extracting salt, as well as about the history of the park. The salt extraction industry is still fundamental for Santa Pola’s economy.

CASA ROMANA EL PALMERAL
In the El Palmeral Park, you can locate the remains of a roman villa from the IV century. Its structure, with different rooms distributed around a patio decorated with mosaics, leads to believe that it was a Nobles’ residence.

SANTA POLA AQUARIUM
The Santa Pola Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in the Valencian Community. There are nine aquariums presenting part of the fauna and flora of the Mediterranean Sea. Although there are more impressive aquariums in Spain, this is a lovely place to visit on a family trip.

POLA PARK
It is another great place to visit on a family trip with the kids. This amusement park has 30 rides, minigolf, inflatables, a carousel, and a Ferris wheel. It is suitable for children of all ages.