The first resort you reach as you head south from Alicante, Santa Pola is both a big fishing town and a lively resort with good sporting facilities, some attractive buildings and a lively street market.

South of the town lie miles of clean sandy beaches lined by pine forests and eucalyptus trees. Behind them are huge salt flats which form part of a natural park, home to all sorts of birds, including flamingoes, and flora and fauna. Conservation is an important part of life on this part of the coast.

In one of the town's two 16th century watchtowers is the cultural centre. Or for a different kind of attraction there is the popular aquarium. In the afternoon you can catch the daily fish market. By night, Santa Pola's streets are a buzzing mishmash of locals and visitors in the various cafes and fish restaurants.

A studio overlooking the beach costs around £75,000 or apartments in older blocks 100m from the beach from £60,000. Two-bed townhouses in Santa Pola cost from £85,000 and apartments in the more exclusive area of East Santa Pola with views across to Tabarca Island start at £110,000.