Santa Pola, a gem on the Costa Blanca, offers surprisingly good surf sessions. This spot is known for its long, gentle waves, making it a paradise for longboarders and those new to the sport. With its warm waters and uncrowded beaches, Santa Pola is
The Vibe
Santa Pola is a charming fishing town on Spain's Costa Blanca that has a growing reputation as a laid-back surf destination. The vibe here is super relaxed and friendly. You'll share the water with a mix of local surfers, kitesurfers, and windsurfers, all enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean setting. The town itself has a lovely Spanish feel, with a bustling port, great restaurants, and a relaxed pace of life. It's the kind of place where you can surf in the morning, enjoy a long lunch with fresh seafood, and then relax on the beach in the afternoon.
The Waves
Santa Pola is primarily a beach break, with a sandy bottom that makes it a safe and forgiving place to learn and progress. The waves here are not the most powerful or consistent in the world, but when the conditions are right, you can get some really fun sessions. The spot is best known for its long, peeling waves that are perfect for longboarding and cruising. The main surf spot is a large, open beach, so there's plenty of room for everyone and you don't have to worry about crowds. The waves are generally soft and mellow, which is ideal for beginners and intermediates.
When to Go
The best time to surf in Santa Pola is during the autumn and winter months, from October to March. This is when the Mediterranean Sea comes to life, with easterly swells generating the most consistent and powerful waves. The water temperature is still pleasant during this time, so you can surf in a 3/2mm wetsuit. Spring and summer are less consistent for surfing, but you can still get some small, fun waves, especially in the mornings. These seasons are perfect for learning, longboarding, or stand-up paddleboarding.
Who is it For?
Santa Pola is an excellent destination for beginner and intermediate surfers. The gentle waves and sandy bottom provide a safe and fun environment to learn and improve your skills. Longboarders will also love the long, peeling waves that are perfect for cruising and cross-stepping. The town is also very family-friendly, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. If you're an advanced surfer looking for powerful, hollow waves, Santa Pola might not be the best choice, but for a relaxed surf trip with a great vibe, it's hard to beat.
What Makes it Special?
What makes Santa Pola special is its unique combination of a relaxed surf scene, beautiful scenery, and authentic Spanish culture. It's a place where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a more laid-back surf experience. The town's fishing heritage is still very much alive, and you can enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the region. The nearby salt flats are a protected nature reserve and home to a large population of flamingos, which is a beautiful sight to see. Santa Pola offers a complete surf and travel experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Santa Pola is a year-round surf destination, but the best conditions are typically found during the autumn and winter months, from October to March. During this period, the Mediterranean Sea produces more consistent easterly swells, resulting in fun, peelings waves. The water temperature is still pleasant, usually requiring a 3/2mm wetsuit. Spring and summer offer smaller, gentler waves, making it an ideal time for beginners to learn and for longboarders to enjoy cruisy sessions.
Santa Pola is perfectly suited for beginner and intermediate surfers. The main surf spot is a sandy beach break that offers gentle, forgiving waves, creating a safe environment for learning and progressing. The long, mellow waves are also a dream for longboarders. While advanced surfers might find the waves lacking in power, it's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a relaxed surf trip in a beautiful setting.
The water temperature in Santa Pola varies throughout the year. In the summer months, from June to September, the water is warm, averaging around 25°C (77°F), and you can comfortably surf in boardshorts or a bikini. During the prime surf season in autumn and winter, the water cools down to an average of 15°C (59°F), so a 3/2mm wetsuit is recommended to stay comfortable during your sessions.
For a surf trip to Santa Pola, you'll want to pack your surfboard and a wetsuit appropriate for the season (a 3/2mm for autumn/winter and a spring suit or boardshorts for summer). Don't forget essentials like high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect you from the Spanish sun. Also, bring a beach towel, comfortable clothing for exploring the town, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Santa Pola is a charming fishing town with a rich cultural heritage. The vibe is relaxed and authentically Spanish. The town is famous for its delicious, fresh seafood, which you can enjoy at the many restaurants near the bustling port. Be sure to try the local specialty, 'caldero', a traditional fish stew. The local market is also a great place to experience the local culture and sample some regional produce.
Santa Pola is a relatively affordable surf destination compared to other spots in Europe. The cost of your trip will depend on your choice of accommodation, dining preferences, and activities. You can find a range of options from budget-friendly apartments to more comfortable hotels. For surf camp options in the region, you can explore Surf Camps in Valencia to find something that fits your budget.
Yes, Santa Pola is considered a very safe destination for travelers. It's a family-friendly town with a low crime rate. The locals are friendly and welcoming to tourists. As with any travel, it's always wise to take standard safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping your valuables secure, but you can generally feel very relaxed and safe while enjoying your time in Santa Pola.
When you're not in the water, Santa Pola offers plenty of other attractions. You can visit the 'Salinas de Santa Pola', a beautiful nature reserve and salt flats that are home to a large population of flamingos. Explore the historic castle-fortress in the town center, or take a boat trip to the nearby island of Tabarca, a marine reserve with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. For more variety, the vibrant city of Alicante is just a short drive away.
