Polop
Polop (Polop de la Marina) is a picture-perfect mountain village with 221 water fountains and the Ponoig mountain ("the sleeping lion") watching over it, just 15 minutes from the beaches of Altea and Benidorm. New modern villas with sea views start from €300,000, while charming village houses are offered at lower prices, attracting artists, nature lovers and buyers seeking genuine character close to the coast.
Quick facts Polop
Population
5 000
2024
Source: INE
Foreign residents
40%
Source: Local Registry
Estimated Swedes
150
Liten grupp, de flesta via Alfaz del Pi och Albir-nätverket
Distance to airport
50 min
Alicante (ALC)
Price per m²
1 650 €
Source: Idealista
Sunshine hours per year
2900
Average temperature
17.5°C
Average temperature
Lifestyle in Polop
Quiet, close to nature and aesthetically appealing. The old town's labyrinth of flower-adorned lanes inspires artists and hikers. The new villa areas outside offer modern luxury with views. Suited to nature lovers, retirees and creative buyers who prioritise beauty and peace.
Why Swedes love Polop
- ✓Les Fonts de l'Algar: Just 3 km away, these famous waterfalls and natural pools make a perfect day trip and a unique attraction that makes Polop special.
- ✓The mountain setting: Sierra de Aitana provides dramatic nature with hiking trails, fresh air and cooler summers (3-4 degrees lower) than down by the coast.
- ✓Authentic Spain at low prices: Polop has preserved its genuine mountain village character with castle ruins, fountains and local fiestas — at significantly lower prices than the coast.
- ✓Close to everything despite seclusion: Albir beach is 15 minutes away, Benidorm's amenities 20 minutes — yet at home in Polop there is complete mountain tranquillity.
🤔Who is it NOT suitable for?
- •Beach lovers who want to walk to the sea (Polop is an inland village — the nearest beach in Albir/Altea is 15 minutes away by car).
- •Those who need flat terrain (the village is extremely hilly with steep streets, stairs and slopes — challenging for those with mobility issues).
- •Nightlife enthusiasts seeking buzz (Polop is quiet in the evenings — for nightlife head to Benidorm, 20 minutes away).
Districts in Polop
Polop Pueblo
Historic Mountain Village Core
Pros
- +Charming historic centre with castle ruins and viewpoints
- +Walking distance to restaurants, bars and small market
- +The famous 221 fountains give unique character
Cons
- −Very steep streets and stairs — challenging for those with mobility issues
- −Older buildings that may need renovation
- −Limited parking in narrow lanes
Urbanizaciones (Hillside)
Villas with Mountain Views
Pros
- +Fantastic panoramic views of Sierra de Aitana and the valley
- +Large plots with private pools and tropical gardens
- +Quiet residential area with international character
Cons
- −Car absolutely necessary — hilly and far from services
- −Can be isolated in winter
- −Narrow mountain roads require experienced drivers
La Nucia-gränsen
Modern Infrastructure
Pros
- +Close to La Nucia sports facilities and Sunday market (Rastro)
- +More modern buildings with better infrastructure
- +Combines mountain setting with access to services
Cons
- −Less character than Polop Pueblo
- −Still car dependent for most errands
Climate in Polop vs Stockholm
2800
Sunshine hours/year
50
Rainy days/year
28°C
July avg
25°C
Sea temp July
| Month | Polop | Stockholm | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11°C | -2°C | +13°C |
| Apr | 17°C | 5°C | +12°C |
| Jul | 29°C | 18°C | +11°C |
| Okt | 20°C | 8°C | +12°C |
Property market in Polop
Price trend (5 years)
+8%
Steadily increasing trend since 2020
Estimated Rental Yield
4.5%
Gross yield for long-term rental
Tourist license
Possible
Generally possible to obtain a short-term rental license.
What does a property cost?
Average price ranges for standard properties in good condition.
* Prices are estimated averages and may vary depending on location, condition and view.
Attractions & experiences in Polop
Plaza de los Chorros (221 water fountains), Castell de Polop (panoramic views), Ponoig mountain (climbing and hiking), close to Guadalest (one of Spain's most visited villages) and Altea's historic centre.
Transport & getting around in Polop
Alicante Airport is around 50 minutes by car. A car is essential. The beaches of Altea or Benidorm are 15 minutes away. Bus service to Benidorm and Calpe is available.
The best of Polop
Fontäner
221 källor
Ponoig
Sovande lejonet
Panorama
Hav och berg
Charm
Inspirerande miljö
Practical for Swedes
Travel from Sweden
SAS, Norwegian
Dagligen (ALC)
Ryanair, Norwegian
Flera i veckan
SAS, Norwegian
Dagligen
Transfer to the area:
Taxi approx. 50 min (~€70). Beniconnect bus to Benidorm, then taxi/local bus. Car hire strongly recommended.
Healthcare & Health
Small health centre in Polop. Marina Baixa hospital in Villajoyosa (25 min). Private clinics with interpreters in Benidorm (20 min).
NIE number & Legal
Apply at the Policía Nacional in Benidorm or Villajoyosa.
Swedish services on-site
Compare with nearby areas
💡Tips for buying in Polop
The view is a large part of the value; south- and west-facing positions give the best light and sea views. Modern urbanisations around the village offer high standards and accessibility. Check accessibility carefully if you have mobility issues: the old town is hilly.
Watch out for
"Beach lovers who want to walk to the sea (Polop is an inland village — the nearest beach in Albir/Altea is 15 minutes away by car)., Those who need flat terrain (the village is extremely hilly with steep streets, stairs and slopes — challenging for those with mobility issues)., Nightlife enthusiasts seeking buzz (Polop is quiet in the evenings — for nightlife head to Benidorm, 20 minutes away)."
Common questions about Polop
Les Fonts de l'Algar is a nature area with waterfalls and natural pools located just 3 km from Polop, near the neighbouring village of Callosa d'En Sarrià. The area has hiking trails along the river with several swimming spots in crystal-clear mountain water. It is one of the Costa Blanca's most visited natural attractions.
Yes, a car is essentially necessary. In Polop Pueblo you can shop and eat locally on foot, but for the beach, hospital, supermarket shopping and most activities a car is required. Public transport is very limited.
Polop sits on a steep hillside at the foot of the Sierra de Aitana. The village streets are very hilly with stairs and steep slopes. This provides fantastic views but can be challenging for those with mobility issues. The urbanisations around the village are also hilly but have driveable roads.
The average price in Polop is about €1,650/m² (2025). Villas with mountain views in the urbanisations cost up to €1,900/m² while older properties in Polop Pueblo can be found below €1,400/m². Prices have risen about 8% per year over the last five years (Source Idealista 2025).
Polop has 2,900 sunshine hours per year, similar to the coast, but is 3-4 degrees cooler in summer thanks to its elevated position by the Sierra de Aitana. July average is about 29 degrees (versus 32-33 down at the beach) and January about 11 degrees. Fresher summers and more rain in winter (Source AEMET).
Alicante-Elche (ALC) is the nearest airport, about 55 km and 50 minutes drive. SAS and Norwegian fly daily from Stockholm and Copenhagen. Ryanair has routes from Gothenburg and Malmö. Rental car at the airport is strongly recommended as public transport to Polop is very limited.
Properties in Polop
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