Polop de la Marina doesn’t show up on any “most famous villages in Spain” list. It doesn’t need to. Those who know it tend to keep it to themselves. This small town in the Marina Baixa (Alicante) sits between the sea and the mountains, just 15 minutes from Benidorm and 45 from Alicante city — yet it feels worlds away from the noise.
Polop is small, yes. No beach. No shopping centres. But it has water, nature, a good climate and a quietness that’s hard to find anywhere else on today’s Costa Blanca. Here you can hear the wind in the trees, water running through the fountains, and footsteps on old stone.
Where exactly is Polop?
Polop sits in the north of Alicante province, in a valley at the foot of Monte Ponoch (known as “El León Dormido” — the Sleeping Lion), flanked by the Aitana and Xortà mountain ranges. It belongs to the Marina Baixa comarca and is connected by road to:
- Benidorm → 10 km (15 min by car)
- La Nucía → 5 km (7 min)
- Altea → 13 km (15 min)
- Guadalest → 20 km (25 min)
- Alicante city → 45 km (40–45 min via AP-7)
Although it’s officially classed as an inland village, in practice you’re just minutes from beaches, coves, shopping centres, hospitals and nightlife along the coast.
Why choose Polop to live or spend a few days?
Because it has what you need, without the excess:
- Supermarkets, pharmacies, health centre, school
- Modern residential areas well integrated into the surroundings
- Clean air, good mobile coverage and fibre optic internet
- Real peace and quiet, without mass urbanisation
Because it’s more affordable than Benidorm or Altea:
- Lower rents (housing from around €550/month)
- Buying in a residential complex costs between €130,000 and €200,000
- Lower local tax burden than other tourist towns
Because it’s well connected:
- The CV-70 takes you everywhere
- Frequent interurban buses from Benidorm
- Taxi or transfer from Alicante or the airport (45 min away)
Because it has the soul of a village but an open mindset:
Many residents are expats — British, Dutch, German, Norwegian — living alongside locals at the market, in the bars, at the local festivals. Nobody looks at you sideways for not speaking Valencian or for having solar panels.
Who is Polop for?
- People who want a quiet life without feeling isolated
- Those looking for a dry, stable climate year-round
- Remote workers, families or retirees who don’t want the chaos of Benidorm
- Hikers, climbers and cyclists who want to be close to the action without the noise
Where to stay (or live) in Polop de la Marina
Polop isn’t a chain-hotel destination. No resorts, no mass-market apartment blocks. Its accommodation offer is small but genuine — designed for people who come looking for rest, nature and silence. And that’s exactly what makes it special.
ACCOMMODATION FOR VISITORS
Rural houses and boutique stays
Polop has a small but carefully curated selection of rural houses and guesthouses. Most are run by local families or expat residents who offer:
- Rooms with breakfast
- Whole houses for groups or families
- Views of Monte Ponoch and the valley
- Garden, terrace, pool or BBQ area (depending on category)
Some well-reviewed places in the area:
- Casa Rural Ravalet 21 – in the old town, right next to the fountain
- La Era del Señorito – rural stay with its own vegetable garden, ideal for families
- Polop Paradise B&B – Scandinavian style, run by a Norwegian couple
Airbnbs and holiday apartments
On platforms like Airbnb or Booking you can find:
- Studios and apartments from €45/night
- Full houses from €70–90/night (depending on season)
- Recommended areas: old town, Xirles, hilltop residential areas with views
Tip: If you’re coming in high season (April–September), book ahead. The offer is limited and fills up fast.
HOUSING FOR FUTURE RESIDENTS
Residential areas and developments
If you’re looking to live in Polop year-round, the most popular and established areas are:
Old town
- Historic terraced houses, some fully renovated
- Walking distance to shops, bars, school, pharmacy
- Ideal for anyone who values traditional character
Polop Hills development
- Growing area on the outskirts of the town centre
- Modern homes, smart-home features, many with private pool
- International community (British, Scandinavian, German)
- Spectacular views and drier climate than the coast
La Alberca / Xirles
- Quieter, more traditional area
- Mix of long-term residents and expats
- Access to walking routes, without the main town’s traffic
Prices (approximate, 2025–2026)
- Renovated flat in the old town: from €85,000
- Terraced house in a complex with pool: from €135,000
- Detached villa with plot: €180,000–280,000
- New build in Polop Hills: from €199,000 (2025)
Important: Polop does NOT have high property taxes or inflated urban fees. It’s cheaper than Altea, La Nucía or Villajoyosa.
For digital nomads and remote workers
- Fibre optic available across almost the entire municipality
- Cafés with stable WiFi on the village square
- Very quiet for focus work, but close to coworking spaces (Benidorm, Albir)
In summary
- Rural getaways → look for charming houses near the old town
- Living year-round → Polop Hills or hilltop areas with views
- Working from home → good connection, dry climate, no distractions
- Older residents → peace and quiet, international community, no stairs in new developments
How to get to Polop and get around the area
Polop’s advantage is clear: it’s in the middle of everything, without any of the noise. No train station, no airport, no tram — and it doesn’t need any of them. Everything here revolves around one well-connected road: the CV-70, which links it to Benidorm, Altea, La Nucía and Guadalest.
From Alicante (city or airport)
- By car: take the AP-7 towards Benidorm, exit at La Nucía/Polop. About 45 minutes.
- By bus: take the ALSA/VECTALIA line towards Benidorm, then connect to Polop. Around 1h 15 min total.
- Taxi or transfer: around €55–70 from Alicante Airport directly to Polop.
From Benidorm
- By car: 10 km via CV-70, about 15 minutes.
- By bus: there are interurban services connecting Benidorm and Polop several times a day.
From Valencia
- By car: approximately 2 hours via the AP-7, taking the Altea or La Nucía exit.
Getting around Polop
Within Polop, a car is almost essential if you’re staying in one of the residential areas or the outskirts. The old town is walkable, but the distances between areas — and to the coast — make a vehicle very useful.
- Parking in the old town: limited spaces, narrow streets. Possible, but not everywhere.
- New area: wide streets, free parking.
- Residential developments: each property has its own garage, carport or unregulated street parking.
- Town centre: marked P zones near the sports centre and Casa de Cultura.
Public transport within the municipality
Polop isn’t the best-connected place for those without a car, but it’s not cut off either. The main bus line connecting Benidorm–La Nucía–Polop runs several times a day and is a real option for those who prefer not to drive.
- Line: Benidorm → La Nucía → Polop (VECTALIA/ALSA)
- Frequency: several times daily (less frequent on weekends)
- Useful for: shopping, appointments, day trips to the coast
There are also rural cycling tracks towards Altea la Vella, Xirles and the CV-70 with cycle lanes on some stretches.
- Many locals use e-bikes to get around the area.
In conclusion
- Have a car? You’re set.
- No car? You can get here by public transport, but with more patience.
- Moving here? A car is almost essential if you choose a residential development.
Safety, services and quality of life in Polop
One of the main reasons so many people quietly move to Polop is simple: life here is good. No stress, no rush, no feeling of insecurity or tourist overload. Life here is practical, calm and has everything you need within reach.
Is it safe to live or visit Polop?
Yes. Polop is one of the safest municipalities in the Marina Baixa. The crime rate is low, the community knows each other, and there’s a visible police presence without being oppressive. Many expats mention this as one of the main reasons they chose Polop over other Costa Blanca towns.
Healthcare
- Local health centre with GP and nursing care
- Pharmacies open daily
- District hospital in La Vila Joiosa (20 min by car)
- Private clinics in Benidorm and Altea (10–15 min)
Education
- State school in Polop with early years and primary
- Secondary school in La Nucía (school bus available)
- Private and international schools in Altea, Alfaz and Benidorm
Banking and post
- ATMs (CaixaBank, Sabadell)
- Post office in the village
- Administrative support offices (gestorías) available for paperwork
Digital connectivity
- Fibre optic installed across the entire urban centre and main residential areas (Polop Hills, La Alberca…)
- Good 4G coverage with all providers
- Fast installation available (many expats are connected within 24–48 hours)
Ideal for remote work, international calls or simply watching Netflix without interruptions.
What is the community like?
Very mixed — and that’s a real strength. You’ll find:
- Spanish residents (young people, retirees, families)
- Long-term expats from all over (British, Scandinavian, German, Dutch…)
- Remote workers, retirees and mixed-nationality families
It’s an open, respectful and relaxed village. Many neighbours get to know each other at the local market, at the fountain, or simply walking the streets. Nobody is in a rush. Nobody is performing.
What to see in Polop de la Marina
Polop doesn’t sell itself with big attractions. It doesn’t have a cathedral, a massive museum or a famous theme park. What it has is something better: a handful of authentic places that are actually worth visiting — without queues, without entrance fees, without the crowds.
The castle of Polop
It’s small, partially ruined and not very well signposted. And yet, it’s worth every step. The views from the top — over the valley, the mountains and the coast — are genuinely impressive. On a clear day you can see as far as Benidorm’s skyscrapers and Puig Campana.
The Fountain of the 221 spouts
Yes — literally 221 water spouts that never stop running. Each one bears the name of an Alicante municipality. The challenge is finding yours.
- Refreshing and photogenic
- Located in the Plaça dels Xorros
- Right next to the Casa Museo Gabriel Miró and a small shaded seating area
Tip: bring an empty bottle. The water is fresh and good to drink.
The old town
- Narrow whitewashed streets
- Small squares with bars and terraces
- Local craft and food market on Sundays
- Church of San Pedro Apóstol — worth a peek inside
Hiking and nature routes
Polop is a great base for hiking in the area. The terrain around the village offers routes for all levels:
- Monte Ponoch — the iconic “Sleeping Lion”, visible from Benidorm and Altea. Demanding but rewarding.
- Sierra de Aitana — the highest peak in the province at 1,558 m. Access from several points near Polop.
- Local trails — shorter routes through orchards and terraced hillsides, ideal for families.
Local festivals and events in Polop
Polop has no nightclubs. No electronic music festivals. What it does have are popular festivals that are still alive because the people of the village make them happen, for the people of the village. And if you’re a visitor, you can feel that.
There are many celebrations throughout the year, but the main ones are:
Festes del Porrat (August)
The Festes del Porrat take place every year around 15 August, in honour of the Virgin of the Assumption. They are the most colourful and lively.
- Craft markets and food stalls
- Evening dances with live orchestras and local groups
- Fancy dress parade, children’s games, competitions and religious events
- Celebrated in the streets, with lights, flags and a real atmosphere
- Both young and old take part — locals and expat residents alike
Tip: if you’re in the area in August, don’t miss them. Events happen in the evenings and afternoons. Parking can be tricky, so arrive early.
Patron saint festivals (October)
In honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron of the village. Celebrated in the first week of October, with the main day on 4 October.
- Processions
- Main mass, procession of the saint
- Cordaes (night-time fireworks)
- Cultural events: theatre, poetry, exhibitions
- Children’s activities and communal meals
These festivals have a more intimate and spiritual tone, but are just as welcoming for visitors and residents alike.
Frequently asked questions about Polop de la Marina
Where is Polop de la Marina?
Polop de la Marina is in the north of Alicante province, on the inland Costa Blanca. It’s just 10 km from Benidorm and about 45 km from Alicante city.
Does Polop have a beach?
No, Polop is a charming inland village. However, the nearest beaches — Benidorm, Altea or La Vila Joiosa — are less than 20 minutes away by car.
How do I get to Polop from Alicante?
From Alicante, you can reach Polop by car in about 40–45 minutes via the AP-7 motorway, taking the La Nucía/Polop exit.
How do I get to Polop from Benidorm?
From Benidorm, it takes about 15 minutes by car (10 km) along the CV-70. There are also interurban buses connecting both towns.
What can you see in Polop in a day?
In a day visit you can explore the Fountain of the 221 Spouts, the castle of Polop and enjoy a walk on Monte Ponoch. It’s also great to combine with a trip to the nearby beaches.
Is it a good place to live?
Yes, especially for those looking for peace, nature, a good climate and a close-knit international community. It offers a quality of life that’s hard to match at these prices on the Costa Blanca.
