With Zuky through Puerto de Santa María

At the beginning of the year, our motorhome journey took us to historic Puerto de Santa María, a port city on the Atlantic, just a few hours from the Costa Blanca. As soon as we entered the old town, the white façades shone brightly in the sun, giving the whole place an air of seafaring tradition and Andalusian joy of life.

Zuky and I began our walk along the Guadalete River, where small fishing boats rocked gently on the water. The air was filled with the scent of salt and fresh catch, while seagulls circled above. Zuky looked at the water with curiosity, as if he wanted to hop onto one of the boats. We continued into the narrow streets of the old town, past colorful balconies with wrought-iron railings, where locals leaned out to chat with neighbors.

Our path led us to the impressive Castillo de San Marcos, a fortress from the 13th century. Its massive walls seemed to hold centuries of the city’s history. Sadly, dogs are not allowed inside, so we remained outside, admiring the stonework and imagining what lay within. Still, it was a memorable moment – history could be felt even from outside, and Zuky waited patiently at my side, as if he understood the importance of the place.

We then made our way to the harbor of Santa María, alive with activity. Fishermen were mending their nets, children played along the quay, and tourists, like us, soaked in the atmosphere. I stopped to watch the lively scene, while Zuky eagerly sniffed at all the new scents in the air.

In the afternoon, we took a break at a small street café. I ordered tapas – garlic shrimp paired with a glass of sherry, for which the region is famous. Zuky was given a bowl of water and rested peacefully under the table, while passersby smiled at him.

As evening came, we strolled through streets filled with tapas bars and bodegas. The buzz of conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the music drifting from homes created an unforgettable atmosphere.

For me, Puerto de Santa María once again showed how convenient it is to live on the Costa Blanca: just a few hours by car, motorhome, or bus, and you find yourself in a completely different part of Spain. And for those traveling without a motorhome, there are plenty of apartments available on Airbnb or Booking – just like our clients often find in Alicante. Many travelers fall so deeply in love with Spain on such trips that they eventually decide to buy their own home on the Costa Blanca.

Rainer Schmitz