Santa Pola is a beautiful and touristic town in the south of the province of Alicante. Bathed by the waters of the Mediterranean, it is certain that the sea is an indissoluble part of the character, essence and history of Santa Pola. Already in Roman times, the town stood out as one of the most important ports of Hispania: the Portus Ilicitanus, the natural exit to the sea of the colony of Ilici -the current Elche-, founded by the emperor Augustus.
In this article I propose fantastic plans in Santa Pola, which you can enjoy whether you come to spend a weekend, as if you are a resident on the Costa Blanca. As it could not be otherwise, the Mediterranean essence of Santa Pola will be palpable in all of them. So… Will you join me to know these 5 essential plans? Stay until the end so you don’t miss any of them!
Index of contents
1. Sailing in Santa Pola
In a town so linked to the sea could not miss this plan. Sailing in Santa Pola is something you have to do YES or YES. The offer of nautical tourism in Santa Pola is wide and varied. My advice is to rent a boat (with or without skipper) and dedicate a whole day to this plan. You can visit nearby coves such as Cabo de Santa Pola or sail to other towns on the Costa Blanca such as Torrevieja, Alicante or the beautiful Altea.
Although, to tell the truth, if we talk about sailing in Santa Pola, there is a destination that shines with its own light above the others. Would you like to meet him? Continue with plan no. 2 to find out…
2. Visit Tabarca Island
Santa Pola has the privilege of having off its coast the only inhabited island of the Valencian Community: the island of Nueva Tabarca. Although this small island, nicknamed “the flat island”, is located within the municipality of Alicante capital, Santa Pola is the best port from which to set sail to get to know Tabarca: only 4 nautical miles separate the mainland from what was once a refuge for pirates and evildoers.
There are several ferry and speedboat companies that connect Tabarca with Santa Pola and Alicante, although if you want to live a much more personal and authentic experience, renting a sailboat for you and your loved ones will allow you, among other things, to enjoy nautical activities such as snorkeling or paddle surfing on the Tabarca Marine Nature Reserve. Declared in 1986, it was the first of its kind in Spain.
Don’t miss my article on what to see and do in Tabarca to learn more.
3. Birdwatching in the Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park.
The seafaring tradition of Santa Pola gave rise to an important salted fish industry, which was possible thanks to the salt mines of Santa Pola. Today, the salt exploitation of the locality has international prestige and is compatible with the natural aspect of these protected wetlands of international relevance. An ecosystem of high environmental value where countless species of birds have their permanent residence, such as flamingos, or rest here during the winters or their long migrations.
There are several signposted routes that you can follow in the Natural Park of the Salinas de Santa Pola, in addition to visiting the Salt Museum or the old barge next to the pier of the Playa de la Gola. Remember to take your insect repellent for mosquitoes!
4. Enjoy the views from the Santa Pola lighthouse.
5. To know its rich cultural heritage
From prehistoric times to the Medieval period, passing through the Iberians and the Romans, the history of this beautiful town of seafaring tradition is rich and varied. The Museum of the Sea of Santa Pola, headquartered in the Castle-Fortress, is the ideal starting point to learn about the valuable cultural heritage treasured by the town.
My advice is to book one of the guided tours that are regularly organized to learn about the different elements of the cultural heritage of Santa Pola.
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