For a long weekend, Santa Pola's marina hands itself over to the people who actually work the sea. It pulls together the fishing crews of the town, Torrevieja, Guardamar and little Tabarca, and the easiest way in is simply to wander the harbour and watch. There are sailing and rowing regattas, including the old lateen-rigged boats leaning into the wind, plus a quick-painting contest where you can stand behind the easels as the harbour takes shape on the canvas. Kids get their own cookery contest and a naval-modelling display to gawp at.
Along the Paseo Adolfo Suarez, a merchant fair runs the length of the front, and Saturday night brings live music down by the boats. Most of it is free, and it has the unhurried feel of a town fiesta rather than a tourist show. The festival alternates with Torrevieja, so Santa Pola's next turn falls around 2028.
