The Lighthouse To Santa Pola.

This is a delightful walk on a fine day! However, walking shoes/trainers should be worn as some parts are stony! It takes an hour to get to Santa Pola, from where you have several options…

From Brisas Del Faro, turn left and head for the lighthouse and the 4km straight, tarred road that connects the lighthouse to the N332 main road to Santa Pola. From the lighthouse, walk down the road and take the 1st track on the left, signposted Bunker 1 (see photo). This will lead you to the remains of a Spanish Civil War bunker which is worth a look. Then veer right and follow the path. Otherwise you can take the 2nd track on the left down from the lighthouse.

Initially, you are enclosed by pine trees but they will disappear as, dotted at regular intervals, are the aromatic eucalyptus trees planted by long gone farmers! The openness and the silence is worth the walk so far but soon, the view opens out as the town of Santa Pola presents itself.

Ahead, the Torre D’Escaletes/Torre Del Pep awaits and as you descend towards it, take in the view that encompasses the coastline beginning with the island of Tarbaca on your left.

From the tower, make your way down the flights of steps to the road. Turn right, walk along a short distance and you will see steps to take you down on to the next road. Torre Del Pep!

On turning right again and walking along, you will see two bus stops – cross the road to catch the bus to the town centre. (It follows a one-way route as you will see on the poster.)

NOTE – If you’d rather avoid taking the steps down then there is an alternate route. From the tower, follow the road to the right which will lead you to walk down the tarred road and round to where you can catch the bus. (It’s over an hour’s walk to the town centre. You can, of course, walk back to GA.)

Catching The Bus To The Town Centre. Again, you have options:

  • Ask for a ticket to the bus station (estacion) where you can catch another bus back to Gran Alacant.
  • Ask for a ticket to the castle (castello) where you can enjoy a drink and snack at a café on the plaza before exploring the area and then making you way along the street to the bus station.
  • Ask for a ticket to the port (puerto) which is the stop after the castle. From there, you can wander up the prom and enjoy some well-earned tapas and a drink from one of the café bars there.

Enjoy a stroll along the pier looking at the luxury yachts etc before, making you way up the street behind and onwards to the bus station, a ten minute walk. (see map below.)

Santa Pola Town Centre

Bus from Santa Pola to Gran Alacant.

Buses from Santa Pola to Gran Alacant generally run every half hour, on the hour and half hour. (Check local timetable.)

Gran Alacant To Santa Pola Town Centre.

Another delightful walk! Walking shoes/trainers/sandals should be worn although generally it is a smooth track/road! It takes 1-1½ hours to reach Santa Pola.

From near the top of Avda Escandinavia, just past the new walkway to the paragliders’ launch site, turn right up a track there. At the signpost turn right, walk the short distance to the next signpost then turn left. Follow this path across the countryside and enjoy the panoramic views as they emerge! In approx. 20 mins you will reach the long and straight, tarred road.

Turn right and walk down to the next signpost and turn left. (There is a car parking area here.) Follow the road to a junction where the road veers round to the right, approx. 10 mins. This is the old road to the lighthouse.

There are one or two information boards on this road with details of some of the history of the area. Straight ahead is an area known as ‘Foia Roja’, No 29 on map. It is worth the short detour to see the red and rich soil colours here.

Continue your walk to Santa Pola, enjoying the different vistas!   (Be mindful that you could meet cyclists and/or one or two vehicles.)

When you reach the town, approx 30 mins, cross over the peripheral road/roundabout and make your way down towards the town centre and/or the port. Note how the streets run parallel and the main ones lead you directly down to the port! You can catch the bus at the Baile’s bus at the station. Buses from Santa Pola to Gran Alacant generally run every half hour, on the hour and half hour. (Check local timetable.)

Map showing suggested walks from Gran Alacant to Santa Pola

In the centre of the town stands the most impressive castle and fortress in the area – Castillo Fortaleza de Santa Pola. It dates back to the 16th century and is still used today. Opposite the entrance to the castle is the Plaza de la Glorieta, a 20th century construction that offers shade and somewhere to eat, drink & relax!