Pink salt flats, laidback beaches and fishing boats that dot the harbour. Santa Pola has a quiet atmosphere that’s hard to fake. Set along Spain’s Costa Blanca, Santa Pola is all about simple pleasures. Morning light on the sea, flamingos in the salt lakes and a constant holiday mood that makes it easy to settle in. Discover the 16th-century fortress in the town centre, once built to guard against pirates. Visit the nearby salt flats, now a peaceful nature reserve, or take a short ferry ride to Tabarca Island for clear-water swims and seafood lunches. Food here is fresh and unfussy, with grilled prawns, tender octopus and rich rice dishes served by the sea. Walk the Salinas de Santa Pola These vast salt flats are home to flamingos, herons and other birdlife. Visit at sunset for a palette of pink and gold reflected across the water. The quiet paths are perfect for a slow stroll, with the gentle hum of nature replacing the rush of city noise. Take a boat to Tabarca Island Spain’s smallest inhabited island is quiet, clear and full of character. Swim, snorkel or explore before sitting down to a seafood meal with a view. Wander its cobbled lanes lined with whitewashed houses and feel like time has briefly paused. Explore the Santa Pola Fortress Right in the centre of town, this historic stronghold now hosts exhibitions and events. Its thick walls once protected the coast from pirates. Climb to the ramparts for a peaceful view over the rooftops, the port and the glittering sea beyond.