Santa Pola
Santa Pola is a genuinely Spanish fishing-town choice for those wanting to live 15 minutes from Alicante airport while paying lower prices than in Alicante itself. An active fishing harbour, salt flats with flamingos and kilometres of beaches combine with flats from €100,000.
Quick facts Santa Pola
Population
37 816
2023
Source: INE
Foreign residents
28%
Source: Local Registry
Estimated Swedes
1 800
Stark närvaro i Gran Alacant
Distance to airport
15 min
Alicante (ALC)
Price per m²
2 150 €
Source: Idealista
Sunshine hours per year
3050
Average temperature
18.5°C
Average temperature
Lifestyle in Santa Pola
Santa Pola is more Spanish than Scandinavian, perfect for those who want to integrate into local life. Fish auctions at the harbour, tapas in the square and a relaxed pace dominate. The international community is growing but the town retains its genuine character.
Why Swedes love Santa Pola
- ✓Unbeatable logistics: Be home on the sofa 15 minutes after landing at the airport.
- ✓Authentic Spanish feel: A living fishing town that is not just a tourist façade.
- ✓Tabarca Island: The chance to take a boat trip to Spain's only inhabited island for snorkelling and lunch.
- ✓Value for money: You get significantly more living space for your money here than in northern Costa Blanca.
🤔Who is it NOT suitable for?
- •Those seeking a "Little England" bubble (Spanish life dominates here).
- •Party-goers wanting nightclubs like in Benidorm.
- •People who want lush tropical greenery (the landscape is dry and Mediterranean).
Districts in Santa Pola
Santa Pola del Este
Premium & Quiet
Pros
- +Fantastic views
- +Exclusive atmosphere
- +Beautiful coves
Cons
- −Higher price range
- −A little further from the centre
Gran Alacant
Modern & International
Pros
- +Incredible sea views
- +Close to the airport
- +Large shopping centre nearby
Cons
- −Requires a car (hilly)
- −More "resort" than Spanish town
Centro / Puerto
Buzz & Maritime
Pros
- +Walking distance to everything
- +Lively year-round
- +Spain's best fish restaurants
Cons
- −Parking challenges
- −Busy in summer
Gran Playa / Playa Lisa
Beach & Family
Pros
- +Flat terrain
- +Shallow beaches
- +Affordable
Cons
- −Quiet in winter
- −Can be humid near the salt flats
Climate in Santa Pola vs Stockholm
2800
Sunshine hours/year
50
Rainy days/year
28°C
July avg
25°C
Sea temp July
| Month | Santa Pola | Stockholm | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | -2°C | +14°C | |
| Apr | 19°C | 5°C | +14°C | |
| Jul | 27°C | 18°C | +9°C | 26°C |
| Okt | 22°C | 8°C | +14°C |
Property market in Santa Pola
Price trend (5 years)
+28%
Steadily increasing trend since 2020
Estimated Rental Yield
5.5%
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 Santa Pola
The salt lagoons with flamingos (El Parque Natural de las Salinas), Isla de Tabarca (Spain's only inhabited Mediterranean island), diving, sailing and the daily fish auction.
Transport & getting around in Santa Pola
Alicante airport just 15 min away. Buses to Alicante city centre. A car is helpful but not essential.
The best of Santa Pola
Nära flygplats
15 min till Alicante
Fiskehamn
Daglig fiskauktion
Flamingor
Naturreservat
Tabarca
Unik ö-utflykt
Practical for Swedes
Travel from Sweden
SAS, Norwegian, Ryanair
Dagligen
Ryanair, Norwegian
Flera i veckan
SAS, Norwegian
Dagligen
Transfer to the area:
Taxi approx. 15 min (~€25). Bus (C-6) runs regularly.
Healthcare & Health
Large health centre (Centro de Salud) in the centre. Hospital in Elche (20 min).
NIE number & Legal
Apply at the Policia Nacional in Elche or Alicante. Local gestorias can help.
Swedish services on-site
Compare with nearby areas
💡Tips for buying in Santa Pola
The Gran Playa area is best for beach access, the town centre for convenience. Avoid areas close to the salt works if you are sensitive to smells. Tabarca is charming but impractical for permanent living.
Watch out for
"Those seeking a "Little England" bubble (Spanish life dominates here)., Party-goers wanting nightclubs like in Benidorm., People who want lush tropical greenery (the landscape is dry and Mediterranean)."
Common questions about Santa Pola
Despite its proximity, Santa Pola is not in the flight corridor, so it is surprisingly quiet. Gran Alacant may hear more traffic depending on the wind.
Absolutely! Gran Playa and Playa Lisa are extremely shallow and safe. Pola Park is a great favourite with children.
Gran Alacant is a modern "urba" on the hillside (needs a car, international). Santa Pola city is flat, genuinely Spanish and walkable.
No, but Alicante train station is just 20 minutes away by bus or taxi.
Properties in Santa Pola
No properties available in this area right now.
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