Summer seaon: Santa Pola’s plans focus on fun, safety and accessibility

Santa Pola is getting ready for another bustling summer season, with major celebrations, enhanced beach safety measures and seasonal traffic restrictions all set to shape the months ahead. As thousands of residents and holidaymakers head to the coast, local authorities are focusing on improving safety, accessibility and the overall visitor experience while supporting some of the town’s most popular traditions.

Summer celebrations return to Playas Lisa and Tamarit

One of Santa Pola’s most popular summer celebrations will return next month as the Playa Lisa and Tamarit neighbourhood fiestas take over Avenida de Ronda from 2 to 5 July.

The annual event promises four days packed with live music, dance performances, children’s entertainment, fairground attractions and traditional activities for all ages.

Now celebrating more than 15 years, the fiestas have become a firm fixture on the summer calendar.

Throughout the four days, visitors can enjoy performances by local dance, guitar and theatre groups, alongside a packed programme of live music. Highlights include local rock band Blacknight, One More Time, Cuatro Gatos, Candela, Lady Marian and Camelot.

Families are also well catered for, with children’s entertainment, a magic show and the popular Clown Edy performance.

Among the traditional highlights are the Water and Fruit Festival on Saturday morning, the Virgen del Rocío pilgrimage through the neighbourhood on Sunday, and the popular Cabasset community dinner which brings the celebrations to a close.

With food stalls, fairground rides and entertainment running throughout the weekend, organisers are expecting another strong turnout.

Seasonal traffic restrictions now in force

Drivers heading into central Santa Pola this summer are being reminded that seasonal traffic restrictions are now in force and will remain in place until 15 September.

The annual measures are designed to create a safer and more pedestrian-friendly town centre during the busiest months of the year.

From Monday to Saturday, vehicle access to several central streets will be restricted between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM. On Sundays, public holidays and during certain events, some areas may be closed to traffic all day.

The restrictions affect Calle Almirante Antequera, Plaza de la Glorieta, sections of Calle Elche, Calle Dean López and Calle María López.

Residents with approved garage access permits will still be able to reach their properties during restricted hours, while drivers entering pedestrianised zones without permission risk receiving fines from Local Police.

Enhanced beach safety for summer visitors

Santa Pola has expanded its beach lifeguard service for the summer season, with longer operating hours, more staff and improved facilities now in place across the coastline.

Until 6 September, lifeguards will be on duty daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at all beaches and coves. At the busiest bathing areas, Levante and Gran Playa, coverage has been extended from 10:30 AM until 8:30 PM.

The new contract increases municipal investment in beach safety from €610,000 to around €780,000 and will see almost 40 lifeguards deployed across Santa Pola’s coastline.

Accessible beach points at Levante and Gran Playa will operate daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM throughout the summer, while public toilets, sunbeds, parasols and pedalos are also available at several beaches.

Historic treasure in Santa Pola

Visitors can now step inside one of Santa Pola’s most recognisable historic buildings as Villa Adelaida opens its doors for free guided tours.

Built in 1910, the striking property combines Modernist and colonial architectural styles and has long been considered one of the town’s most distinctive landmarks.

For decades, Villa Adelaida remained a private residence before owner Maribel López Pérez-Ojeda donated it to Santa Pola Town Hall in 2012. Her wish was for the building to support young talent in the fields of art, science and literature.

Today, the property operates as the Hans-Maribel-Shami Centre for Arts, Sciences and Letters, following an extensive restoration project completed in 2025.

The refurbishment cost almost €500,000, including €400,000 in funding from Alicante Provincial Council, and transformed the building into a cultural centre while preserving its historic character.

Visitors can explore the restored rooms and learn about the history of the house, its architecture and the life of Maribel López, who went on to become a respected academic at the University of California, Berkeley, while maintaining strong ties to her hometown.

Free guided tours are available Tuesday to Saturday at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, and on Sundays at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM.

To reserve a place, call (+34) 678 358 237.