Facts, figures and handy tips

  


Getting around


 
Taxis: Taxis cost the euro equivalent of ~ £2 per mile and can be flagged down in the streets. If you want a taxi for a specific time, you should order it by 'phone from the taxi company. If you need help in Spanish, try the Tourist Information office near the Police Station.
Very few taxi drivers speak English.

Buses: Buses are extremely cheap and can be caught near the apartment for both Alicante and Elche. The main bus parade is near the market.

Trains: Santa Pola does not have a train station - the nearest isare in Alicante or Elche.

Car hire: We suggest you organise a hire car at Alicante airport on or before arrival. There are many hire companies with offices in the arrivals concourse.  See links on our 'Getting here' page.
 
Where to eat Santa Pola has a large selection of bars, cafeterias and restaurants all within walking distance and most have very comprehensive menus. The Spanish tend to have their main evening meal later than the British and don't generally get going until after 9 p.m. This gave rise to the concept of tapas, and most bars have a good selection to keep you going during the early evening.

Vegetarians don't have a lot of choice. Tuna and ham are not classified as meat, so salads are garnished with these as a matter of course! We recommend cafeteria 'Vero y Alba' for light snacks and 'La Góndola' restaurant for pizza & pasta. 'El Rancho' has vegetarian options.

All are on the same road as the apartment and within 5 minutes walk. Costs range from €10 to €30 for a 2 course meal for two including wine.
 
Useful telephone numbers

Emergency number is
 112

Local Police -  092
Ambulance (Cruz Roja) -  96 541 69 36
Fire Brigade (Bomberos) - 080
Health Centre (centro de salud) - 96 669 17 57
(Don't forget to take your EHIC or you will be charged)
 
Newspapers & Media English newspapers are available in most paper shops - ask for 'Periodicos Inglés' - Normally cost about 2 or 3 times the U.K. price.

Two local English language newspapers worth getting are Costa Blanca News (€1.50)and Euro Weekly News (Free).

English language radio stations are Spectrum FM with DJ Tommy Vance and others of similar vintage, or the BBC World Service. Frequencies are shown in CBN.