Calpe — The Mediterranean and the Peñón de Ifach

Around an hour and a half by car from Orihuela Costa, on the northern Costa Blanca, you will find Altea — a beautiful Mediterranean town known for its whitewashed houses ...

Calpe — The Mediterranean and the Peñón de Ifach

Around an hour and a half by car from Orihuela Costa, on the northern Costa Blanca, you will find Calpe — a Mediterranean town dominated by the spectacular Peñón de Ifach. Rising 332 metres above the sea, this huge limestone rock is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Costa Blanca. With beaches, a historic old town, salt flats, a fishing harbour and plenty of places to enjoy the Mediterranean, Calpe makes an excellent day trip from the coast.

The Peñón de Ifach

The first thing you notice when arriving in Calpe is the Peñón de Ifach. The rock is now a protected natural park and is one of the most popular natural attractions in the region. A walking route leads up the mountain, passing viewpoints and a tunnel cut through the rock before continuing towards the summit. The full route takes around 2–3 hours and becomes more demanding after the tunnel. It is worth choosing suitable footwear and checking the current access arrangements before going, as reservations are required for the route. You do not have to climb to the top to enjoy the Peñón, however. Even from the beaches, harbour and promenade, the views of the rock rising from the Mediterranean are impressive.

Beaches, Sea and the Salt Flats

Calpe has a long Mediterranean coastline, with two large urban beaches — Arenal-Bol and La Fossa — as well as smaller coves and rocky sections of coast. One of the more unusual places to see is the Salinas de Calpe, a saltwater lagoon right in the middle of the town. The area has a long history connected with salt production and today provides an important habitat for birds, including flamingos. It is a nice place for a slower walk and gives you a completely different view of Calpe beyond the beach and high-rise buildings.

A Taste of History

Calpe also has a history that goes back much further than its modern tourist image. At the Baños de la Reina, next to the sea, you can see the remains of a Roman coastal settlement and fish-salting complex. The site shows how important the sea and salt were to the local economy many centuries ago. The old town is also worth exploring. Behind the modern coastal areas, you will find narrow streets, colourful walls and remains of the medieval defensive walls that once protected Calpe from attacks by sea. It is a good place to slow down, have a coffee and see a quieter side of the town.

How Long Do You Need?

You can see the main parts of Calpe in a few hours, but a full day gives you much more time to enjoy the town. If you want to climb the Peñón de Ifach, allow several hours for the walk. Otherwise, you can combine a visit to the rock with a walk around the salt flats, the old town, the harbour and one of the beaches. Calpe also works well as part of a longer trip along the northern Costa Blanca, especially if you want to combine the coast with places such as Altea.

A Different Side of the Costa Blanca

Calpe brings together many of the things that make the Costa Blanca interesting. There is the Mediterranean, long beaches and a traditional fishing harbour, but also mountains, nature, history and a town with a very different character from the resorts further south.

And wherever you are in Calpe, the Peñón de Ifach is never far from view. It is one of those places that reminds you how varied the Costa Blanca really is.

Calpe is definitely worth putting on your list.

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