Brief History of Santa Pola

Santa Pola's history extends back to ancient times when it served as the port for the inland Roman city of Ilici (modern Elche). Known as "Portus Ilicitanus," it was an important maritime trading hub on the Mediterranean coast. The area later saw Moorish settlement before the Christian Reconquest in the 13th century.

The town's most prominent landmark, the Castle-Fortress of Santa Pola, was built in the 16th century as a defensive bulwark against Berber pirate raids that plagued the Spanish coast. This Renaissance fortress became the nucleus around which the modern town developed, with fishing families and salt workers forming the core community. The adjacent salt flats have been harvested since Roman times and remain in operation today.

Throughout the 20th century, Santa Pola evolved from a quiet fishing village into a bustling coastal town while maintaining its working port and traditional fishing fleet. The salt lakes became a protected natural area, attracting flamingos and other migratory birds. Today, Santa Pola balances tourism, commercial fishing, and salt production, offering visitors beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, the historic fortress, and unique natural landscapes, all while retaining its authentic maritime character.