SANTA POLA TOWN

Santa Pola functions successfully both as the home of a huge Mediterranean fishing fleet and as a lively resort, with good sporting facilities, some attractive buildings and a vibrant street market. South of the town stretch miles of smooth, clean sandy beaches backed by pines and eucalyptus. Behind these beaches the salt flats are a designated natural park, where you can spot flamingoes and a wide variety of birds of passage, as well as a range of coastal flora. The town's fortress and two rather dilapidated watchtowers date from the mid-16th century, when fear of Berber pirate raids was high; the fortress now houses the town's cultural centre and the Museo del Mar, with displays on the coast and sea.

The other attraction is the Acuaria Municipal (aquarium), its tanks holding a variety of fish and sea creatures. An audio-visual theatre features presentations on conservation which is fast becoming a priority along the coast. Well worth a visit for the daily afternoon fish market and for Its agreeable summer street life, Santa Pola offers pavement cafes and a good range of excellent fish restaurants.