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Santa Pola
This fishing town, which has nearly 15 km (10 mi) of mainly fine-sand and safe beaches with shallow, clear water, is an ideal location for families with children. The closest mainland city to Tabarca Island, Santa Pola has the port for several boats that make regular trips here.
There are records showing that people have lived in this area since the 4th century BC, when a fortified city was built to protect the settlers who fished and traded with other Mediterranean societies. Many of the fortifications seen today, including the town's castle, date from the 16th century and were built to defend the town from raids by the Barbary Pirates, who had taken over nearby Tabarca Island.
