Neither Altea nor Jávea: the beautiful town in Alicante that tourists still don't know and is next to the best beaches.

The Costa Blanca is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Spain during the summer months, with towns like Jávea, Altea, Calpe, and Benidorm filling up between July and August with tourists looking to enjoy a few days of tranquility on the shores of the Mediterranean. Therefore, those looking for a little relaxation and to avoid the crowds may have a tough time in these spots in the province of Alicante, but just a few kilometers away, they find a true paradise.

You don't have to leave the Marina Baja region to find a town where tranquility reigns. The town of Polop, despite not being right next to the crystal-clear waters of the Mare Nostrum, is a perfect place to relax. Close to both Alicante's incredible beaches and the region's tourist centers, this municipality combines magnificent architecture with stunning landscapes, creating a picture-postcard image that amazes the few tourists who see it.

Polop, a secret on the Costa Blanca just a stone's throw from Altea

The town of Polop is built on the slopes of a hill, crowned by its ancient castle of Muslim origin. The circular fort dates back to the 12th century, and although not much remains today (especially its wall), it remains one of the main monuments of this town of 5,600 residents. In fact, its materials were used to construct other buildings, but the cistern and tower can still be seen in this ancient double enclosure.

Once in the town center, tourists discovering this village will encounter sublime historic buildings, such as the magnificent 18th-century Church of San Pedro Apóstol and the Santuario de la Divina Autora, which is directly opposite. Near these two treasures is the Plaza de los Chorros, located in the heart of the street network and one of the town's nerve centers. It is dominated by a sublime fountain with up to 221 jets, creating a unique atmosphere.

After strolling through Polop's narrow streets and discovering all the secrets hidden within, you can always leave the town center to explore the wonderful natural landscapes surrounding the village. Near the town, there are several hiking trails that are perfect for trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers to indulge their passion, exploring breathtaking spots like Mount Ponoig.

Furthermore, its proximity to some of the most famous spots on the Costa Blanca (it's 20 minutes from Benidorm and Altea) makes Polop a perfect place to enjoy the Mediterranean beaches, avoiding the large tourist crowds of these towns while still being just a few kilometers from them and their wonderful sandy beaches.

How to get to Polop

The village of Polop is less than an hour by road from the city of Alicante. To get there, take the AP-7 to the outskirts of Benidorm, then follow the CV-7673 and CV-70, which lead directly to this spectacular Alicante town that is often overshadowed by its neighboring towns.