Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 20:00
Saturday 10:00 to 13:30
Polop de la Marina, also known as the Barony of Polop, or simply Polop, is a small inland village on the northern Costa Blanca, Alicante, belonging to the region of Marina Alta. Polop sits at the foot of the ruins of an old castle that dates back to the medieval period. To the east of the village are the coastal towns of Albir and Altea, while further south is the seaside resort city of Benidorm.
Here is some drone photos to give you a good perspective of where Polop is in relation to Albir, Altea and Benidorm.
Polop is a quaint, traditional Spanish village with a church and plaza in its village center, a local market, and a surrounding urbanization made up of mostly Tosca stone houses and narrow cobble streets. Many houses feature small window balconies with metal railings adorned with lovely vines or pots of colorful flowers. The neighborhoods—and even the town center—are quiet and peaceful, and walking through its streets you get the feeling of what it would be like to live in an old Spanish village a century or 2 ago.
Because of Polop’s close proximity to the town of Albir, it is easy to head down to one of the beaches for a sunset cruise or a lovely dinner by the coast. Polop also provides a perfect contrast to the bustling seaside metropolis of Benidorm, offering a charming and quiet place to stroll, relax or take a refreshing hike. Those who would want to retreat to a place of tranquility and nature after spending the day in Benidorm will surely find Polop to be idyllic.
Polop is also a healthy place to live as the Mediterranean climate allows for amiable temperatures ranging from 18°C – 28°C, even during the supposedly cold winter months or the very hot summer season. There is plenty of sunshine which lasts nearly all-year round, and the abundance in nature of Polop’s hilly countryside provides clean, healthy air. In fact, Costa Blanca’s microclimate has even been considered by the World Health Organization as one of the healthiest in the world.
Recent residential developments consist mostly of spacious and modern villas and townhouses with plenty of green areas and private pools. The villas are often designed with large glass windows, solariums or terraces in order to provide gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, mountains and green hills.
Although a relatively quiet, peaceful and charmingly historic town, Polop offers many amenities for the convenience of its residents and visitors. Restaurants, bars, shops, clinics, pharmacies, and even schools can be found in the village center or across various places near residential areas, so those living in Polop can easily shop or visit the nearest restaurant in just a few minutes’ walk or drive. For those who want to visit the many attractions of Benidorm and experience its lively nightlife, the city is less than a 20-minute drive from Polop, and various means of transportation are available.
Strolling through the Characteristic Streets
Polop is an ideal place for a relaxing stroll, as the streets offer plenty of lovely sights, such as traditional Spanish houses with pots of colorful flowers, and plant boxes on the side of the cobblestone streets filled with unique local flora. The village center where the church stands also offers a lovely place to take an evening walk. There is a wide plaza and benches where people can sit and breathe the fresh, healthy air.
Hiking to the Top of the Castle Hill
A zigzag trail from the village center of Polop leads to the top of the main hill, where the ruins of an old castle remain, surrounded by a medieval stone wall. At the top you are rewarded with majestic views of the countryside, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Leon Dormido—a large mountain in the shape of a sleeping lion which sits behind the village of Polop. On a clear day, hikers will also be able to see the towns of Albir and Altea on the coast, as well as the towns of Callosa and the Sierra Bernia mountain further inland.
Shopping at the local Market
A large outdoor market is where one can find many good deals in Polop. The market, which opens every Sunday from 8:00AM – 2:00PM, features stalls and booths selling a wide variety of goods and services. These include cured meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, bargain clothes and books, handmade accessories, leather items, and much more. Parking spaces are available on the streets around the market area. It is advised to come early in order to secure a good parking spot and to be able to have a good first look at the freshest produce and the best bargain items.
ADDRESS: Carrer de la Teuleria, 3, 03520 Polop, Alicante
Dining and Drinks at the Village Plaza
Plaza de la Ermita is a town square in Polop with a number of restaurants, cafés and bars surrounding the small plaza where visitors can stroll or sit at one of the benches. Patrons can have a cup of coffee in one of the outdoor cafés while watching the world go by and enjoying the lovely views of the surrounding towns and hills. Restaurants serve a variety of cuisine, including tapas (Spanish appetizers served with a drink). A few shops are also located nearby.
Revisiting the Past in a Medieval Fair
Early June of each year, Polop hosts a Medieval Market or Fair. Locals—and even tourists—dress in medieval costumes, and the streets of the village are decorated to look like that of an old-fashioned medieval feast, wholly creating an atmosphere set in the Middle Ages. Some kiosks and market stalls will be selling handicraft souvenirs, clothes and costumes, decorative items, and even food that go well with the theme, such as breads, cheeses and sausages. The festival runs for about a week, and also serves as a perfect avenue to support local village artisans and showcase many of their beautiful handiworks.
By Car:
Benidorm is approximately 13 kilometers from the Barony of Polop, and can be reached in around 17-20 minutes via the CV-70 road, depending on the traffic conditions.
By Taxi:
A taxi ride will take approximately 17-20 minutes, and the fare will range from €16 – €20 one-way.
By Rideshare:
Ridesharing is the cheapest option for transportation. Fare will only be at €2 one-way, however, travel time may be longer, at around 26-30 minutes, as other passengers will have to be picked up or dropped off on the way.
By Bus:
When travelling by bus, one will first have to take the Line 18 Bus which runs from Gabriel Miró 8 in Polop, to Av. La Carretera 18 in La Nucia. The travel time will be around 2 minutes, and fare is at €1. From La Nucia, a Line 16 ALSA Bus can then be taken, which will take its passengers directly to Benidorm. Travel time is around 20 minutes, and the fares ranges from €3 – €5, with the lesser being for children and pensioners. The bus leaves every 3 hours.
By Car:
The coastal town of L’Albir, or Albir, is approximately 11.5 kilometers from the village of Polop, and will take 15-17 minutes of travel time via the CV-70 road, depending on the traffic conditions.
By Taxi:
A Taxi from Polop to Albir will take around 15 minutes, and the fare ranges from €16 – €20 one-way.
By Bus:
One must first take the Line 18 Bus from Polop to La Nucia when deciding to travel to Albir via bus. The ride will only take 2 minutes, and fare is at €1 per person. From La Nucia, a Line 16 Bus to Benidorm will have to be taken. Travel time is around 20 minutes, and fares range from €3 – €5. Once the bus reaches its stop at Av. Mediterráneo 26 in Benidorm, passengers will have to change buses to the Line 10 Bus which will take them directly to Av. Oscar Esplá 4 in Albir. Fare is only at €2, and the bus leaves every 20 minutes, with a travel time of 25 minutes.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 20:00
Saturday 10:00 to 13:30