Polop - from ancient history to modern houses and residences in Polop Hills.
Polop is one of the oldest towns with a settlement in the province of Alicante. Its history goes through the Iberian period, the Roman period, the Moorish period, the Middle Ages to modern times. Today the town is developing into an area of very modern housing outside the city center, including Polop Hills as an exclusive residential area.
In Polop and the surrounding areas, settlement and Iberian culture were probably established as early as the 5th–4th century BC. The area has been part of Rome and was an important agricultural area for many centuries for all who ruled the city. Already in the Moorish period (711-1245), advanced irrigation and water systems were built. Polop's name is believed to derive from the Arabic "Bulub", which means "place with many water sources". The Moors established Polop as a fortified city. They built the castle that is known today as Castillo de Polop , which served as an important defensive structure.
The location of Polop
The location of Polop was important historically because it was easier to defend due to the surrounding mountains, and because of the proximity to natural water sources. Polop is also close to the Mediterranean Sea (about 10 km) which has always been important for trade and communication with coastal communities. Polop's location is still important today, but perhaps for other reasons. The proximity to the larger sports town of La Nucia means that it is a short distance to many activities. La Nucia was once part of the barony of Polop, but La Nucia became a separate municipality in 1705. The towns are so close that it is actually a bit difficult to tell when you leave Polop and drive into La Nucia. In addition to the proximity to the sports town of La Nucia, it is a short distance to attractions such as Terra Mitica https://www.terramiticapark.co... Terra Mitica is one of Europe's largest and most popular theme parks. Here there are both roller coasters and gladiator fights. The 1000-acre park has much more. Terra Natura and Mundomar are other attractions in the area. It is not very far to Benidorm and Altea (15-20 minutes) and Aqualandia https://www.aqualandia.net/en/ either. And we must not forget that not far away is the popular mountain town of El Castell de Guadales t and not to mention the water park in the cold springs with pools, streams and waterfalls in Fonts de L'algar. Here the river Rio Algar comes to the surface after traveling underground for 100 kilometers from the mountains where the temperature is much lower. The proximity to the mountains and nature reserves such as the Sierra de Bernia also makes Polop an idyllic place for nature lovers.
Typical homes in Polop
Traditional village houses: Homes in Polop's old town are often rustic and have retained many of their historic features, such as stone walls, wooden beams and small courtyards. These homes appeal to buyers seeking authenticity.
Modern Villas: Outside the city centre, there has been a surge in new construction, particularly modern villas with private pools and minimalist designs. These homes are attracting international buyers and those looking for a more luxurious lifestyle. You will find a large number of such homes built in the Polop Hills, which are located directly below or next to one of Polop's large mountains.
Apartments: Apartment buildings are less prevalent in Polop compared to the coastal towns, but there are alternatives, especially in newer developments.
Fincas and rural homes: In the countryside around Polop you will find traditional fincas (farmhouses) and properties with large plots, ideal for those who want a quiet lifestyle surrounded by nature.
Prices in Polop are generally lower than in coastal towns, making the area attractive to homebuyers looking for value for money. Modern villas with private pools often start around €250,000, while traditional houses in the old town can be even more affordable, depending on condition. Rural properties and larger plots vary in price depending on size, location and amenities. Many foreign buyers, especially from Northern Europe, choose Polop because of its pleasant climate, peaceful atmosphere and proximity to popular tourist areas. Polop attracts families who want a safe and quiet place to live, with access to schools, services, leisure opportunities and attractions. With increasing interest in the area and the growth of the tourism industry, investors are looking at Polop as a location with potential for short-term rentals or resale.
Homes in Polop Hills
Polop Hills is a very exciting area in development that has received a lot of attention in recent years. This modern residential area is located on the outskirts of Polop and combines luxurious homes with outstanding nature and facilities. Polop Hills is known for its new construction projects, which mainly consist of modern villas and townhouses. These homes often have a minimalist design, large windows that let in natural light, and functional floor plans. Many of the new homes are designed with a focus on sustainability, with energy-efficient materials, solar panels and modern insulation technology. The area offers everything from spacious family homes to smaller detached houses and apartments, which appeal to different target groups. Many of the homes in Polop Hills have private swimming pools, gardens and parking spaces. In addition, the area offers communal facilities such as: swimming pools, gyms, children's playgrounds, social areas such as clubhouses and barbecue areas. Polop Hills often has gated communities with 24-hour security, which makes the area popular with both families and retirees. Polop Hills is located at the foot of the mountains, and residents can enjoy spectacular views of both the mountains and the Mediterranean. The area provides easy access to hiking trails and nature experiences, especially in the Sierra de Bernia. The developers of Polop Hills have placed emphasis on preserving green zones and integrating natural elements into the design of the area. Although Polop Hills is a modern development, it is close to the traditional village of Polop, which offers culture, history and local amenities. Polop Hills is expected to continue to grow in popularity, which will contribute to further development and increased investment in the region. From Polop Hills it is a short drive to Benidorm (approximately 15 minutes) and other popular coastal towns such as Altea and Calpe. This makes it easy to combine peaceful surroundings with the amenities of the coast. The main road up to the famous mountain town of El Castell de Guadalest runs right below the mountain in Polop Hills. Polop is truly on its way to becoming a very attractive residential area in the Alicante province.