In the height of summer, Santa Pola transforms into a bustling hub for tourists from all over Spain, with a particular draw for travelers from Madrid eager to soak up the Mediterranean sun. Amid its beaches and promenades lies a place that breaks the town’s coastal monotony—a spot that carries a name echoing throughout the world of football: Avenida Santiago Bernabéu, home to a cove bearing the same name.

The connection between Santa Pola and Santiago Bernabéu, the iconic player, coach, and president of Real Madrid, might seem like a mere anecdote, but it is far more profound. This corner of Alicante became a personal paradise for Bernabéu, offering him a sanctuary from the relentless demands of the football world.

Bernabéu's love affair with Santa Pola began nearly a century ago during the foundation of Elche Club de Fútbol. As Santiago Gambín, a renowned journalist closely linked to the Elche club, recalls, it was in the 1920s when the newly-formed club invited Real Madrid to play two matches at their ground, known then as the Don Jeremías field. Football was just beginning to establish itself in Spain, and these early expeditions had a sense of adventure about them.

It was during one such visit in 1924 that Bernabéu first laid eyes on Santa Pola’s untouched beaches. He was immediately struck by the area’s deserted charm and tranquil atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling life he knew in Madrid. "What we know today as Avenida Santiago Bernabéu was an uninhabited place back then," Gambín notes. The serene environment captured Bernabéu's heart, and he soon made Santa Pola his summer retreat.

Over time, Bernabéu purchased a beachfront property in Santa Pola, which became a gathering spot for friends and fellow football enthusiasts. Prominent journalists from the region, including Pascual Verdú, Juan Gerona, and Paco Más, often joined him for meals and football discussions on the porch of his summer home. Gambín recalls, "It was common to see him there every summer. He always greeted us in a very unceremonious manner, with his shirt unbuttoned and wearing shorts—something unimaginable today due to the formalities imposed by press offices."

Despite his fame, Bernabéu’s lifestyle in Santa Pola was simple. He didn’t own a yacht or a grand boat; instead, he found joy in a small fishing boat named ‘Saeta Rubia,’ a nickname also given to Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stéfano. For Bernabéu, the simplicity of life in Santa Pola offered the perfect escape from the pressures of leading one of the world’s most famous football clubs.

Originally from Almansa, Bernabéu found in Santa Pola a perfect refuge away from the hustle and bustle of Madrid. So much so that, while still managing Real Madrid, he decided to make the town his permanent residence. In a 1974 interview at his beach house, when his wife was asked where her husband was in a better mood—Madrid or Santa Pola—she replied that it was the Alicante town, as he had fewer "worries" there.

Bernabéu’s presence in Santa Pola didn’t just provide him with a personal retreat; it also transformed the town into a focal point for Real Madrid fans and football lovers. His summer home became an informal meeting place for friends, journalists, and even players, where discussions and even transfer negotiations would take place. The town gained national fame as a result, becoming a popular destination for Madrid residents who viewed this small part of the Alicante coast as a place of pilgrimage.

The media frequently covered Bernabéu’s visits to Santa Pola, offering free publicity that boosted the town’s tourism. The stories of his stays at his estate "El Palmar," his summer dealings with players, and his impact on local life have now become part of Santa Pola’s rich folklore. Santiago Bernabéu’s legacy extends far beyond the football field, leaving an indelible mark on this small seaside town that continues to resonate today.

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