1 · Ancient Roots: Portus Ilicitanus (1st c. AD)
Santa Pola’s story begins when it served as the maritime outlet of the Roman colony Ilici Augusta (today’s Elche). Archaeologists have uncovered warehouses, mosaics and amphorae workshops that prove Portus Ilicitanus was one of the busiest harbours on the Iberian coast [¹]. You can still stroll the excavations at the Museo del Mar and follow a new 2025 audio‑guide trail that overlays the ruins with AR reconstructions.
2 · Castles, Salt & Sail: The Middle Ages to the 20th Century
- 16th century: King Philip II orders the monumental Castle‑Fortress (1558) to repel Barbary pirates.
- 18th–19th centuries: The natural salt flats (Salinas de Bras del Port) turn Santa Pola into a European salt‑export powerhouse.
- Early 20th century: Fishing cooperatives and a new lighthouse make the port boom; steam‑powered trawlers supply Madrid’s fish markets overnight.
3 · The Birth of Gran Alacant
Perched on the cliffs 5 km north of the old town, Gran Alacant was zoned in the late 1990s as a low‑density, family‑oriented development. What started as a handful of holiday homes is now a thriving 12,500‑resident township in 2025, complete with:
- Two shopping centres, weekly farmer’s market, bars and restaurants and a multiplex gym.
- A brand‑new primary care clinic & emergency wing (opening late‑2025) .
- 15 km of cycle lanes and a coastal boardwalk linking Carabassí Blue‑Flag beach to the Clot de Galvany nature reserve.
4 · Why Live in Santa Pola & Gran Alacant in 2025
For Families 👨👩👧👦
- Safe streets & small‑town vibe – violent‑crime rate is 35 % below the Spanish average.
- Education: Multiple bilingual public primaries, the private British School of Alicante (15 min) and new subsidised day‑care in Gran Alacant.
- Outdoor play: paddle (PADEL?) clubs, sailing courses, the Rio Safari wildlife park and family‑friendly beaches with seasonal lifeguards and amphibious chairs.
For Digital Nomads 💻
- Lightning‑fast fibre (1 Gbps) in most urbanisations; 5G covers the entire cliff‑top plateau.
- Co-work & community: Gran Alacant Co-work Loft (24/7) plus weekly meet‑ups spawned by the 2025
- Coworking spaces are also available in Santa Pola, along with a wide variety of cafes and restaurants that offer free Wi-Fi and great coffee
- The municipality has 3 libraries, access to free internet and various community events and workshops weekly.
- Airport in 12 min: Alicante‑Elche (ALC) offers €9 bus rides and direct flights to 120 European cities
- Eligible for Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa – flat 24 % tax for five years (income ≥ €2,760/m).
For Retirees 🌅
- Mediterranean climate: 320 sunny days, winter highs around 18 °C.
- Healthcare: Alicante’s health district scores 9.2/10 on EU performance metrics; low‑cost supplemental insurance from €60/mo.
- Accessible living: plentiful ground‑floor bungalows, step‑free promenades, English‑speaking support groups and new accessible bus fleet. Many homes have step free access all the way to the front door of your new home.
- Affordable property: two‑bed sea‑view apartments from €175 k; annual IBI tax typically under €450.
5 · Practical Snapshot (2025)
Santa Pola Town & Gran Alacant Permanent Population 24,800 & 12,500
Distance to Alicante city22 km / 25 min17 km / 20 min
Blue‑Flag Beaches 31 (Carabassí) – 31 what?
Average Rent (2‑bed)€750 – €850/m (new build) Fibre Coverage 93 – 99 %
6 · Culture & Community
- Romería de la Virgen del Carmen (16 July) – maritime procession and fireworks.
- Salt Museum & Birding Centre – flamingo spotting tours in autumn.
- Evening craft markets on the Explanada Cervantes (Easter & Summer).
- Daily community events
- Weekday Fresh seafood market – from the boat to your plate! Many local bars and restaurants will only serve fresh caught seafood for the day!
7 · How Easy Relocation Spain Can Help
We handle:
- Visa strategy (Digital Nomad, Non‑Lucrative, Golden Visa sunset alternatives).
- House‑hunting (virtual tours, legal checks, NIE, Padron & Notary services).
- School placements & State (Public) healthcare / Convenio registration & Private medical Insurance
- Integration – language tutors, social clubs, volunteering.
Ready to Make the Leap?
Book a free consultation – let us show you how easy it is to move to sun-kissed Santa Pola and Gran Alacant, Spain today
