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Välkommen till Polop
If you love the Costa Blanca but also crave the peace and quiet of a traditional Spanish village then try Polop; it’s near Benidorm but feels a world away.
Famed Spanish writer Gabriel Miró Ferrer described Polop as an ‘Oasis on the Costa Blanca’. That’s even more true today than it was in Miro’s time. This pretty town is just 15 kilometers away from the bright lights and tower blocks of Benidorm but couldn’t be more different.
In Polop you’re never far from a breathtaking view or slice of history. Climb the zig zag path to the ruined castle at the top of the town and you’re rewarded with views of the sea and the Leon Dormido the famous ‘sleeping lion’ mountain. Look a little harder and you might find the cave where the military leader El Cid is said to have sheltered during the wars between the Moors and Christians.
Polop is a traditional ‘white and blue’ village of the region where you can happily spend days getting lost in its winding streets or rest in the town square and drink natural water direct from one of its 200 fonts. Take a stroll into the countryside and you’re quickly surrounded by scents of citrus, olives and almonds and, if you’re lucky, a sighting of some enchanting wildlife including eagles, wildcats and even the occasional wild boar.
Plats
Community
Some distance from the coast, Polop appeals mainly to people looking for something a little quieter with a traditional Spanish feel. The village has a population of around 4,500 and just over a third of those are expats.
Property
Traditional village townhouses contrast with the modernist white cubes which now scatter the hillside, but they blend to create a pleasing whole. You’ll find a mixture of apartments and villas at prices that are reasonable considering the beauty of the location.
Amenities
Around the main square there are bars and restaurants, with food shops located throughout the village. Other useful services include a bank, post office and a small market every Wednesday.
Transport
It’s around an hour’s drive to the airport at Alicante and 20 minutes to the coast. If you are without your own transport there are regular buses around the region, including an hourly service to Benidorm.
Health
While there is no health centre in the village, near neighbour La Nucia has its own clinic, pharmacy and dentist where you will find staff who speak a variety of languages including English. The nearest hospital is in Benidorm.
Cost of Living
This may not be the cheapest part of the Costa Blanca, but you are within easy reach of a variety of shops and will be able to visit Benidorm to shop around for even greater bargains.