Santa Pola Fish Market is a fascinating place to go and to watch the local fisherman in action.

The market is located on Calle del Muelle by the harbour and is run like a well-oiled machine. After watching the fishing fleet race for the harbour in order to be the first to get their catch on the conveyor, head inside to watch the fascinating auction. To the casual eye, when the conveyors start rolling it looks like pure pandemonium but is in actual fact very well organised. Tiered seating gives bidders a clear view of the crates of catch as they come into the auction house. Large digital displays show the weight of the fish in each crate. Depending on what catch is being displayed, the price starts high and gradually decreases until someone successfully bids.

Outside the Fish Market there are a number of stalls where locals and visitors can get in on the action. Although you won't be bidding, it doesn't hurt to do a bit of haggling. Some of the fresh fish and seafood you may find on the stalls includes sea bream, bass, red snapper, sardines, octopus, squid, crabs, prawns, lobster, langostines, mussels and clams. Keep an eye out for the small bright red prawns prized for their wonderfully sweet flesh that can cost an arm and leg in the supermarkets.