Artisans in Oaxaca Mexico: Vacation Travel

Self Catering Holiday in Santa Pola Spain

Santa Pola is a hidden gem in the Costa Blanca. It is Spain's equivalent to Bournemouth. During the summer months it is full of Spanish holiday makers, that were very welcoming to us considering we were one of a very few English families there. We stayed with my husbands Spanish Grandma at her apartment just one block back from the beach in the centre of Santa Pola.

We flew into Alicante airport which is just ten minutes from Santa Pola and it cost next to nothing by taxi from the taxi rank at Alicante airport. The first time we visited Santa Pola we hired a car, but this time we didn't bother as you really don't need one. Everything is on your doorstep for a relaxing family break.

Just across the road from us was a gorgeous Spanish bakery that sold sweet pastries for breakfast. We would typically head for the beach as soon as were up and ready each day. The beach has golden sand and stretches the length of the resort. The waters have always been very clean, and are good for young children. There are plenty of lifeguards, but I have never seen a lifeguard with an emergency. The people watching on the beach is wonderful, everyday you see the old men playing dominoes, smoking cigars, and betting, whilst the women walk up and down the waters edge whilst chatting before heading back home to prepare for a slap up Spanish lunch. The children all make friends, even if they do not speak the same language it does not stop them communicating in the slightest, if anything they confidence grows from having to communicate without words. The beach facilities are very good, from several playgrounds, clean loos, and cafes and restaurants, to pedaloes and sun beds with umbrellas for hire. Then just as the midday sun appears and everyone's appetite is beginning to emerge the whole beach is emptied. We usually go back to Danny (my husband) Grandma's apartment for a traditional and amazing Spanish three course lunch and siesta (afternoon nap).

In the evening Danny, his Grandma, and our two boys all head outside for a walk along the promenade with her little dog Pecky. Every other Spanish Grandma in Santa Pola also has a little dog that is being walked at this time with an equally cute name. We often stop for an ice cream, or at one of the many playgrounds, whilst the women chat before heading back home to prepare yet another exquisite dinner. The aroma around Santa Pola is quite something from all the meals being cooked throughout the day!

At around the time the children would typically be going to bed at home we choose restaurant at random and settle down just the four of us for dinner. The restaurants in general at Santa Pola are of a very high standard indeed, and the bill is usually around a third of what you would pay in an English tourist resort close to Santa Pola. They are very liberal with children at restaurants, and we are never on edge about what the boys are doing in the restaurant. It is great to be able to relax and switch off. After our evening meal we either head to a ball park, the night market, or the square where the children run around in the warm evening having great fun, and we have a night cap before bed. Red wine and goats cheese is often a great dessert in the bar overlooking the pedestrianised square and Santa Pola castle.

If you do fancy heading out of Santa Pola for a day trip there is plenty to see and do including catching a glass bottom boat from Santa Pola marina to the island of Tarbarca. Heading to Alicante city for the day (buses leave regularly from Santa Pola). Or visiting the local water park Aquapolis towards Torrevieja.

All in all I happily visit Santa Pola again and would recommend it as a completely different type of Spanish holiday to any English family.

Santa Pola Apartments

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