Calpe is a Spanish picturesque town, on the Mediterranean Sea, gem of Costa Blanca and it has been a popular tourist destination.  

Calp is famous for its beautiful beaches, rich history, spectacular natural beauty, and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Costa Blanca. 

Calpe has a long and rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. 

The region was occupied by people who were invaded over two thousand years ago, and each nationality that lived there had impacted the culture and architecture of Calpe. Because of its strategic seaside location, the town is home to several Iberian, Roman, and Arab archaeological remains. 

The 24 km region includes some of its notable landmarks, such as the ruins of Els banyas de la Reina (the queen’s baths), the flooded salt lakes with beautiful flamingoes, a bird sanctuary for migrating birds, and the 18th-century cylindrical bastion Torreó de la Peça. 

Calpe is a little town with a population of 30,000 people, so it is a pretty calm and relaxing town, as well as comfortable and safe. 

The Peñon de Ifach rock is a famous landmark and city symbol. This massive and impressive rock is 332 meters high and is considered one of the tallest rock formations in the Mediterranean Sea. 

The second spectacular highlight of the city is the Salt Lake with beautiful flamingos, which is in the heart of the city. There is a trail around the lake with an observation viewpoint, but you won’t be able to get too close to it. However, you will be able to see these delightful birds very well. I absolutely loved the view.  The scenery was mesmerizing. 

What to Do and See in Calpe: 

Calpe has a range of entertainment options for tourists of all ages.  It offers more than 10 km of coastline, with beautiful beaches with white sand, stunning panoramas, and a relaxing atmosphere. Archaeological monuments, a picturesque old town, and gastronomy with a strong fishing tradition are all sights to enjoy. 

Beaches

Calpe is well-known for its gorgeous beaches, which have white sand, clear blue water, and turquoise, rocky coves.  

Playa de la Fossa 

The most popular beach is Playa de la Fossa. It is a stunning sandy beach with crystalline calm water and surrounded by a promenade lined with chic restaurants and local stores.  

The beach has received the EU’s Blue Flag for cleanliness, safety, and accessibility. 

Playa La Fossa is also a popular destination for jetski fans, with a rental stand. 

Playa del Cantal Roig 

Playa del Cantal Roig is another lovely local beach located between the fishing harbor and Peñón de Ifach. It offers a variety of local restaurants and is great for families with children. While sunbathing on Cantal del Roig beach, you may watch the boats come or dock at the scenic harbor, visit fish auctions, and enjoy local food at cafes. 

El Racó Wild Cove 

You may also spend a pleasant day in El Racó Wild Cove. Located at the foot of the Peñón de Ifach, this little, pebbly cove provides spectacular views, tranquil waters, and the perfect diving and snorkeling experience. This lovely beach includes amenities and is easily accessible from the port and Príncipe de Asturias promenade. 

Cala El Racó is another excellent underwater exploration destination. This cove near Peñón de Ifach offers excellent snorkelling opportunities with diverse fish species. 

Cala Del Morelló

Cala Del Morelló and Baños de la Reina beach is a notable landmark on the Spanish Mediterranean coast for ancient Roman remains. This archaeological complex includes carved pools into the rock that are connected by canals. It is believed that Romans used these pools as baths and relax in privileged and luxurious surroundings.   

This small beach features shallow and quiet waters, making it ideal for young swimmers. This cove is accessible via the Infanta Elena Promenade.  

Cala El Racó is another excellent underwater exploring site. This cove near Peñón de Ifach offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. 

Playa Del Arenal Bol  

Playa Del Arenal Bol is another fantastic beach in Calpe, located on the opposite side of the Rock I’fach Playa de la Fossa. It features turquoise waters and stunning white sandy beaches. The beachfront here is flat and wide, making it ideal for strolling and outdoor activities. Arenal Bol Beach is also a popular destination for watersports, where you can surf or rent a boat. This beach is perfect for a family holiday where children can spend their days building sandcastles or splashing in the sea. 

Cala Les Bassetes 

Calpe is ideal for water sports fans since it offers an endless variety of aquatic activities. Cala Les Bassetes is a tranquil bay next to the Bassetes marina, ideal for diving and fishing. 

Les Bassetes Dive Centre and Las Antipodas Water Sports Centre are also located there. Both centers provide kayaking, sailing, diving, surfing, and paddleboarding. You may also take underwater diving classes, ride a catamaran, or enjoy the sea on guided boat cruises and snorkelling tours. 

Peñon de Ifach 

One of Calpe’s most famous landmarks is the iconic Peñon de Ifach rock, which gives spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and is the symbol of the city.  

In 1987, the Rock of Ifach was designated as a natural park, making it Spain’s smallest national park (45 acres) and preserving a unique ecosystem. The park is home to several rare local plants and 300 different animal species. The rockès fauna at Peñón de Ifach is a remarkable feature, since it serves as a nesting area for birds. You may walk up the rock with or without a guide, following different trails to the summit. The stunning views from the summit are certainly worth seeing 

You may enjoy the beautiful scenery along the routes, and those who appreciate extreme tourism can climb to the top of the cliff.  

This 332-meter-high and kilometer-long limestone monolith is a challenge to even the most experienced climbers, but the views from the summit are breathtaking.  There are many other rock-climbing routes for all skill levels. 

The trail begins at the base of the rock and continues all the way to the top. The first sections will take you via La Pobla d’Ifach, a medieval settlement built in the 13th century through a tunnel.  This viewpoint provides a stunning view of the sea and harbour. 

The next destination will be the Interpretation Centre. If you choose to climb to the top of the rock, please book an appointment and fill out the free form so that the rescue crew knows you’re there in case of an emergency.  

Since 2020, it is mandatory to make a reservation in advance to access this Red Route of the Natural Park. Moreover, the number of visitors per day is limited to 300, which helps to preserve the natural environment. If you venture out without booking, you can be fined up to 6000 euros. 

From Interpretation Centre, the trail becomes more difficult and dangerous, and I would only recommend it for experienced climbers. 

If you decide to climb, you will be rewarded with an incredible panorama. It is a highly desired and popular tourist destination, as well as one of the most picturesque geological features of the Mediterranean coast.    

I hiked to the top, and the view is well worth seeing. But THIS IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. You should be physically fit and prepared, bringing lots of water, a hat, sunscreen, and, of course, suitable shoes. 

Salt Lake and Flamingos 

Calpe is home to the stunning saltwater lake Las Salinas de Calp, which is a protected nature reserve with a diverse bird population (173 species) and a colony of beautiful and elegant pink flamingos. 

This saltwater lake was formed by Calp’s salt mines. 

The salt mines were very important during the Roman era because salt was used to preserve food (fish and meat). The flats had been cultivated until 1988, and in 1993 they were declared as a maritime zone and became a protected natural reserve.  

Several wooden trails have been built around the lake, allowing birds to be seen from a very short distance. 

The lake is also a great spot for birdwatching and photography.  

Conjunto Arqueológico Los Baños de La Reina 

Calpe’s other feature is the historic Conjunto Arqueológico Los Baños de La Reina. This is a small area surrounded by stone walls. Water enters the bath through four holes, allowing a person to relax in quiet water and enjoy stunning views. Traces of an old Roman house, which was an important element of the Royal Baths, were also discovered.  

Unfortunately, the waves are steadily eroding the building, which cannot be repaired. So, if you want to view these magnificent baths, get to Calp as soon as possible. 

The old town of Calpe 

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, explore an old town located atop a hill.  The historical part of the town is well worth visiting. 

Calpe was formerly a fishing village created by ancient settlers who wished to stay away from pirate attacks. 

Nowadays, you may wander around the old town, which has many charming narrow streets, ornamented stairs, beautiful architecture, traditional Spanish cafes, souvenir shops and small local stores. 

The popular attractions are the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, the Torreó de la Peça converted into the Museo del Collecionismo, and mural paintings and mosaics by Spanish artist Gastón Castelló. To discover more about Calpe’s past, visit the Museo de Historia y Arqueología de Calpe. 

Calpe hosts several museums, including the Casa de la Señoreta Lithography Museum, the Museum of Festive Costumes, and the Museum of Collectibles.  

Calpe is a wonderful place to learn about Spanish history and culture via the celebration of holidays and festivals held throughout the year.  

The most popular is the Día de Andalucía (‘Day of Andalusia’), which honors the 1980 Statute of Autonomy of Andalusia in Spain. Celebrations include a variety of festive decorations, music and dance, entertaining cultural events and competitions, and a gastronomy day when you may sample the Spanish traditional cuisine. 

Each October, Calpe hosts the German Oktoberfest Beer Festival. 

The Virgen de las Nieves Fiesta celebrates historical heritage, culture, and art. During the Virgen de las Nieves celebration, fireworks will light up the city. 

Calpe is also an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, cycling, sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling, as well as the chance to relax on stunning beaches with breathtaking views. 

Food  

Calpe has a fantastic atmosphere and a great selection of seafood restaurants that offer fresh fish and seafood right from Calpe Market.  

Lively restaurants can be found on both the seashore and in the old town where tourists may taste real Spanish food. 

Calpe’s cuisine is mainly focused on the delicious fish and seafood from the Mediterian sea (monkfish, mackerel, octopus, sardines, etc.).

The town’s traditional meals prepared with fish, potatoes, and tomatoes, and a seafood paella Arròs del Senyoret.  Don’t miss out on experiencing the famous sweet and savory cocas, which are baked daily, as well as the delicious handcrafted pastries. 

Climate

Calpe has a mild climate and 280 days of sunshine a year, making it a great destination for outdoor activities.  

There are almost no winters and summer lasts for most of the year. The temperature varies from +5ºC in the winter to 35-40ºC in the summer. 

Summer usually starts in April and lasts until October. 

There is also quite low air humidity, which creates an ideal environment. 

So, if you want to relax on the beaches or enjoy outdoor sports, choose the summer and hot months (July-September), but if you want to see architecture, museums, take walks in old cities, and so on, or go on a day trip to Valencia, Alicante, Benidorm, and so on, choose a cooler month (April-beginning of June, October, etc.) when you can walk and explore the beauty of Costa Blanca. 

How to get to Calpe: 

Alicante Airport is the closest airport to Calpe, with easy bus and taxi options available for the trip. Calpe is around 75 km from Elche Alicante International Airport and 62 km from the province’s capital, Alicante. 

From Calpe to Alicante, there are several transport options:  

• By Car: 55 min drive
• By Bus: The ALSA bus company offers you the connecting service. It takes around 1:hr 30 min -2 hour to get to Calpe. The fare is around €15 one-way, per person.
• By Taxi: The taxi fare to Calpe is €85 to €95, depending on various conditions such as time of the day, number of passengers and amount of luggage

Depending on your route, the trip might take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.  

Calpe is well connected to other resort towns with a broad roadway system that includes the N-332, A-7, and AP-7 roads.  

The closest major transport hubs to Calpe are: 

• Alicante: Port and train station.  
• Denia: Port with ferries to the Mallorca.
• Valencia: Port, train station, and international airport. 

This makes travelling to and from Calpe straightforward and accessible, ensuring a smooth start to your trip. 

In conclusion: Calpe is a hidden gem on the Costa Blanca that offers something for everyone. Calpe is a must-see destination for anybody visiting Spain, with its beautiful beaches, rich history and culture, outdoor sports, and delicious food. So, pack your bags and discover the charm of Calpe. 

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