The Spirit of Santa Pola
February 15th, 2011
When travelling south on the N332 from the airport at El Altet, most people bypass Santa Pola completely as they swing past the bay where this important fishing port is situated, but those who have left the main road and made their way down through the old town to the sea will find it a delightful spot well worth going out of their way to explore.
Between Alicante and Guardamar, with natural beaches, salt flats and scrub pine countryside stretching for miles on either side along the coast, Santa Pola has much more to offer than many seaside towns.
For sun-lovers, the soft, flat sands seem to go on as far as the eye can see, with ample cafés and restaurants wherever you want to stop for refreshments, and walkers can follow the edge of the crystal waters all the way into Alicante without restriction, under the magnificent cliffs of Gran Alacant, perhaps visiting the tiny little church (La Hermita) which pops up intriguingly out of the sand as if planted way back in the past in hopes that it might grow….
The fishing boats in the harbour bring in the fresh catch for immediate sale, and just along the seafront the glass-hulled boats bob peacefully as they take on visitors for the cruise to the beautiful island of Tabarca, which rises romantically out of the horizon a few miles off the coast.
At the other end of the town stand the magnificent mountains of salt collected from the nearby lakes, where hundreds of pink flamingos stand in shallow water in the shadow of an old watchtower, once a ruin but now restored to perfection.
An ancient castle dominates the old town itself, built in the sixteenth century to protect the town from pirate attacks. Its simple clock tower echoes the peal of the bells as it chimes the hours and its sections, and if time and mood allows, a coffee in the square is the perfect way to contemplate the warmth of the mellow stone which makes up the massive walls. Public events are held within the castle courtyard, and there is a chapel, fishing and archaeological museums to be enjoyed as well, with opening hours clearly marked to avoid disappointment.
The Kings’ Parade, Moors and Christians and Papa Noel all end their journeys in this square where the kids can enjoy themselves safely long into the night while parents enjoy a glass of wine and a chat with friends – and the odd passing stranger – in a relaxed yet upbeat atmosphere. Further up into the oldest part of the town is another square – Plaza del Calvario – which gives breathtaking views over the bay.
Fun, independent shops line the streets around the castle with larger supermarkets towards the outskirts of the town, so all tastes are catered for within walking distance, and there is a wealth of places to eat out whatever your fancy, from pizza to a fresh prawn platter, a lunchtime menú or a dazzling evening dinner with views over the sparkling sea.
There is a thriving sailing community, with a magnificent marina and a new Club Nautico for everyone to enjoy, and any number of regular local and international sporting events including windsurfing, paragliding, kiting, hot air ballooning, football, swimming and many others, not forgetting the world-famous half-marathon held every winter and attended by thousands.
The Parque Palmeral is a fascinating open-air theatre which attracts world-class entertainment; even the young Bolshoi company have performed there in recent years. There is also a radio-control boating club, a group of dedicated slope-soarer gliders and believe it or not an exhibition of dollhouses and miniatures right in the centre of the town!
Santa Pola is a gem in a world of urbanisation; it has managed to retain the essence of its Spanish roots and is still home to one of the most important of Spain’s Mediterranean fishing fleets, yet its people are warm and generous of spirit, welcoming people of all nations with open hearts and minds.
The streets are clean and safe, the schools modern and well-attended and the medical facilities second to none, because Santa Pola is still a growing town with a big heart, and the traveller looking for a town that has everything but snow need look no further!
With thanks to Janette of Mayor Hobbies – A hobby shop for radio control models and Dollshouses in Santa Pola
