Discovering the Charm of Gran Alacant and Santa Pola
There’s something truly special about the south-eastern coast of Spain. Between the bustle of Alicante and the salt flats of Torrevieja lies a gem that many visitors discover and never want to leave: the beautiful area of Gran Alacant and Santa Pola.
What makes this region so captivating isn’t just its stunning Mediterranean views, pristine beaches, or year-round sunshine – though these certainly help! It’s the extraordinary sense of community that has blossomed here over the decades, as people from across Europe and beyond have made this corner of Costa Blanca their second home or permanent residence. This is why we want to start a small group with our English Priest – The Gran Alacant & Santa Pola English Church on the Costa Blanca.
Gran Alacant, perched on its clifftop with panoramic views of the Mediterranean, has transformed from a holiday destination into a thriving multicultural community. Walk through its streets and you’ll hear conversations in English, Spanish, German, Dutch, and a dozen other languages. Yet somehow, this diversity has created not division but a unique sense of unity – a place where different cultures don’t just coexist but genuinely blend and celebrate one another.
Nearby Santa Pola, with its working fishing port, historical fortress, and traditional Spanish charm, complements Gran Alacant perfectly. Together, they offer residents and visitors the best of both worlds: the authentic Spain of yesteryear alongside the international, inclusive community of today.
A New Spiritual Community for English Speakers – English Church on the Costa Blanca
It’s within this remarkable international setting that Costa Blanca English Church is delighted to announce plan: establishing a spiritual community in Gran Alacant to serve English speakers throughout the area.
We recognize that spiritual needs don’t disappear when people relocate to a new country. In fact, finding meaningful community often becomes even more important when living abroad. Whether you’re a permanent resident, a long-term visitor, or someone who splits their time between countries, having a spiritual home can provide both anchor and wings – grounding you while also helping you connect with the broader community.
Our vision is to create a warm, welcoming space where people can explore faith, ask questions, find support, and build genuine friendships. This isn’t about transplanting a particular denomination or tradition from the UK or elsewhere – it’s about creating something authentic that meets the unique needs of this diverse international community.
Our Values: Traditional Faith with Open Arms
At Costa Blanca English Church, we balance respect for Christian tradition with a thoroughly modern understanding of how faith works in today’s world. We are guided by the belief that God’s love is radically inclusive, extending to everyone without exception.
Our approach in Gran Alacant & Santa Pola is grounded in:
- Following Jesus’s example of radical love, inclusion, and compassion
- Reading the Bible thoughtfully, recognizing its historical context
- Welcoming questions, doubts, and spiritual exploration
- Creating a spiritual family where everyone belongs without judgment
- Celebrating the diversity of human experience
- Supporting each other through life’s joys and challenges
We believe that faith is a journey best travelled together, and we welcome everyone wherever they may be on that path – including those who haven’t felt at home in traditional church settings.
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
We’re starting this new initiative with humility and openness. Rather than arriving with a predetermined plan, we want to listen to the community and shape our presence based on real needs and interests.
Initially, we’re looking to connect with English speakers in the Gran Alacant and Santa Pola area who might be interested in being part of this new community. This might begin with informal gatherings – perhaps coffee and conversation, or small group discussions. If interest grows, we’ll explore options for regular services in a suitable venue.
Meet Reverend Steven – Your English Priest on the Costa Blanca
Leading this new initiative is Reverend Steven, your English priest on the Costa Blanca, who brings not just theological training but also the invaluable perspective of someone who has called this region home for many years. His understanding of both local Spanish culture and the expatriate experience makes him uniquely qualified to build bridges and foster community.
Beyond organized gatherings, Reverend Steven is available for pastoral care across the full spectrum of life’s journey – from joyful occasions like welcoming new babies and celebrating marriages, to providing comfort during illness, hospital stays, or bereavement. His ministry extends beyond any building or formal service to meet people where they are, when they need support most. Reverend Steven is an English Priest covering the whole of the Costa Blanca with special roots to Gran Alacant & Santa Pola.
Join Us on This Journey
We’re excited about the possibilities this new initiative holds, but we can’t build it alone. Whether you’re a long-time resident of Gran Alacant or Santa Pola, a recent arrival, or someone who visits regularly, we’d love to hear from you.
- Are you interested in being part of this new community?
- What kind of spiritual gatherings would be meaningful for you?
- How might a church community best serve the needs of English speakers in this area?
This is just the beginning of a conversation – one we hope will grow into a vibrant, supportive community that adds another dimension to the rich tapestry of life in Gran Alacant and Santa Pola.
Ready to connect? Here’s how to reach us:
If you live in or visit the Gran Alacant/Santa Pola area and would like to be part of this new spiritual community, we’d love to hear from you! Click here to be taken to the contact details page.
Whether you’re interested in attending gatherings, need pastoral support, or simply want to learn more, Reverend Steven would be delighted to meet for coffee and conversation. Don’t hesitate to reach out—building community begins with a single connection!
We look forward to meeting you and exploring how we can grow together in faith and friendship.
Costa Blanca English Church is an inclusive spiritual community where all are welcome, regardless of background, identity, or past experiences. Rooted in Jesus’s teachings of radical love and compassion, we create a warm, judgment-free space where questions are valued, doubts are honoured, and authentic spiritual growth is nurtured.
Where is the English Church in Santa Pola / Gran Alacant?
That´s a great question and the answer at the moment is that we are just starting out a group in the area and so we have no fixed meeting place. Depending on numbers we will either meet at a mutually agreed location for the more intimate size groups or if enough people show an interest we have a number of venue options at our disposal.
Is Reverend Steven Catholic?
No, you can read more about Reverend Steven – your English Priest on the Costa Blanca through the “about” section but his upbringing went from Evangelical roots to Methodist early years and then CofE before moving to a more accepting group. In recent years his faith and spirituality have lead him to start independent ministry in his own right. Ordained through the United Life Church he provides a truly holistic approach to English speaking religious and spiritual guidance and accompaniment right here on the Costa Blanca.
Do you make profit?
No not at all, we don´t even take “donations” directly, Reverend Steven has a true calling to the ministry and does all of his work within the ministry at no charge (which includes weddings, funerals etc). When anyone wants to make a donation we ask kindly that this goes to an animal charity of your choice.
We are in the infancy of establishing the Costa Blanca English Church and if we gain a following then we will register it as a religious entity in it´s own right but for the time being everything that we offer in our English Church is free of charge (you are welcome to bring tea bags and biscuits if you want to!).
Can I Get Married in English on the Costa Blanca
Absolutely, as long as you meet the criteria to marry in Spain, Reverend Steven offers wedding services in English on the Costa Blanca. It is worth pointing out though that the “civil” part needs to take place through the registrar but this is a simple signing of papers and then your dream wedding in the eyes of God and those you love can be carried out by Reverend Steven at almost any location on the Costa Blanca.
If the Costa Blanca English Church available in times of need & Sadness?
Yes of course. For funerals please see the dedicated page for English Funerals on the Costa Blanca because availability is a factor but we will liaise with you, your family and your Tanatorio.
Like marriages, a funeral can be as “religious” or as contemporary as you wish and we will always make a beautiful ceremony for your loved one that aligns with their beliefs and those of the family.
Reverend Steven also welcomes contact from anyone who is struggling and needs spiritual guidance or just someone to talk to. Just reach out.
When will the first meeting take place?
We are not too sure yet, we need to see what sort of response we get so please contact us if you are interested in finding out more and then we can keep you in the loop.
Outside of the planned groups, does Rev Steven offer private pastoral care?
Of course. We are your English Speaking Church with a native English Priest on the Costa Blanca and are available whatever your spiritual, religious or pastoral care needs are. Just reach out.