Welcome to Calpe, one of the most beautiful towns on Costa Blanca and a great travel destination in Spain. It can be a perfect option if you’re planning a longer stay in the area, but also a great destination for a one-day sightseeing trip or just sunbathing on one of the best beaches in Calpe.
Calpe is most famous for Peñon de Ifach mountain, a mighty rock that dominates the landscape and gives the area a very unique look. It also stands out for its colorful old town, picturesque sandy beaches, small hidden coves, and… pink flamingos! Let’s go and discover the 10 best things to do in Calpe, Spain.
Yes, it definitely is. Charming Old Town, spectacular landscape dominated by the mighty Peñon de Ifach mountain, and great sandy beaches make Calpe a great travel destination. Calpe is also quite a calm town, perfect for relaxation, totally different from the nearby Benidorm, which is buzzing and full of tourists. While in the area, don’t hesitate and put Calpe on your list – you won’t regret it.
Calpe is located in Spain, in the province of Alicante in the Valencian Community on the Mediterranean coast known as Costa Blanca.
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10 Best things to do in Calpe, Spain
Parque Natural del Peñon de Ifach
Without a doubt, Peñon de Ifach is the undisputed star of Calpe, and probably of the whole of Spain’s Mediterranean coast. This limestone rock is 332 meters high and together with its surroundings is a national park since 1987. Fun fact: with an area of only 53 hectares it’s one of the smallest national parks in Spain.
There are plenty of stunning views on the path to the Penon de Ifach top but it consists of two parts. The first one is very easy, and suitable for the whole family but the second part is more demanding, as it’s typical mountain hiking. If you plan on going up to the summit take your mountain shoes and appropriate sports clothing with you. No matter how far you’ll go, spectacular views over the coastline will accompany you the entire time.
Also, Peñon de Ifach is a place that attracts climbers. So if you’re into climbing be sure to check more information about it. Note: Only 300 visitors a day can visit the route to the Peñón de Ifach summit. Be sure to book your visit HERE.
Las Salinas de Calpe
Las Salinas de Calpe is located really close to Peñón de Ifach, in the middle of the town center. It was used to make salt out of seawater and played an important role during Roman times, as salt was used to preserve food (fish and meat). The exploitation of salinas continued until 1988, and in 1993 Las Salinas was declared a maritime zone and a protected natural area. Today this place is home to many migratory birds that find a resting place here. Amongst them, you can spot the beautiful and elegant pink flamingos and white storks. Moreover, you can enjoy the beauty of the area thanks to a circular walking trail that will lead you around the flats. Advice: put the binoculars in the backpack so you can see the birds really well.
Calpe Old Town
Old Town is situated on a small hill and is another must-see during your visit to Calpe. Small cobbled streets decorated with colorful murals and mosaics invite you to explore them. One of the most characteristic places here is the colorful Calpe Staircase, located on the Calle Puchalt.
Another place you can’t miss in Calpe Old Town is Plaza de la Villa with the Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves.
Few steps from Plaza de la Villa you’ll find town walls and Torreó de la Peça, which was part of a whole defensive system that consisted of a double wall belt surrounding the city. It protected the city from numerous pirate attacks in the 16th and 17th centuries. “La Peça” means a piece of artillery that has defended the urban center and was hidden in the tower. Currently, the wall is rebuilt and has two English cannons at its feet.
Calpe Best Beaches
Among the best things to do in Calpe, you can’t miss chilling on the beach (especially on a sunny day). Everyone will find a beach perfect for themselves, as the town has a lot to offer – from beautiful wide golden sandy beaches, through more intimate and secluded beaches to rugged coves. And all with great views of mighty Peñón de Ifach and crystal clear, blue sea waters.
Playa La Fossa is the most famous beach in Calpe, which was awarded a Blue Flag. Another beach with this title is Playa del Arenal Bol, located really close to the Calpe old town. Other noteworthy beaches and caves are Playa del Cantal Roig, Cala El Racó, Cala La Calalga, Platja Mascarat, and Cala La Calalga.
Los Baños de la Reina
Los Baños de la Reina, Baths of the Queen, is an archeological site dating back to the Roman period. It was built between the 2nd and 4th centuries and served as a royal SPA. But nowadays you too can take a dip in these royal baths, with a view over Peñón de Ifach behind your back. Los Baños de la Reina lies about 200 meters from the end of the Playa del Arenal Bol, the closest beach to Calpe’s old town, and is available free of charge.
Port of Calpe
Port is located at the foot of the Penon de Ifach. In Calpe, around 1.700 tons of fish are caught per year, using the trawling or trammel (triple dragnet) methods. Each day, from Monday to Friday between 5 PM-8 PM, the fish auction at the port’s fish market takes place. During this very popular event, local fishermen sell their fresh goods.
Right next to the port you can also find a harbor for leisure boats and a few restaurants that serve fresh seafood.
El Racó Cove
After coming down from Peñón de Ifach or after visiting the port you can go and see El Racó Cove. It’s a 70-meters cove with crystal waters that attract many divers. The interesting fact is that El Racó Cove has an underwater trail, with signs showing the way, so if you’re into diving you probably will appreciate this place.
El Paseo Ecológico Príncipe de Asturias
From El Racó cove the lovely promenade, El Paseo Ecológico Príncipe de Asturias, begins. It’s about a 15-minute walk (one-way) at the foot of the rock of Ifach, available for pedestrians only. During the walk on one side, you can admire Penon de Ifach, and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. You’ll also be able to observe a great variety of local fauna, especially the resident birds, such as the Yellow-legged gull, Common kestrel, or Eurasian collared dove.
Mirador Morro de Toix
Mirador Morro de Toix is a viewpoint located on a hill, about 5km west of Calpe’s town center, however, you can get there easily by car. From the top, you can enjoy spectacular views over the coastline.
Practice water sports
Calpe offers many water sports opportunities. So diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing are readily available. If you’re a water sports enthusiast you’ll definitely find something for yourself.
Now you know all the best things to do in Calpe, so be sure to check it out while visiting Spain. We’re sure you won’t be bored in this charming town with many places to see and things to do. We wish you a great trip! 🙂
How to get to Calpe, Spain?
Calpe is located about 25km from Benidorm, 10km from Altea, and 65km from Alicante. The easiest way to travel is by car or by tram.
Where to park in Calpe?
There are some parking lots in Calpe, paid and free. We recommend leaving the car in this free parking lot, located just 5min away from Old Town, and 15min from Arenal Bol beach.
Airport near Calpe
The nearest airport to Calpe is in Alicante, about 75 km away. From the airport, you can get to Calpe by:
- bus – take bus line from the company ALSA; the journey takes about 2h and costs €8-12,
- tram – for this first you have to travel to Alicante, and from there you can catch the tram headed to Calpe from Mercado stop. There’s also a changeover in Benidorm. The tram stop in Calpe is located on the outskirts, so you will need to take another bus to get to the center. The journey takes about 2.5h and costs about €6-8.
- taxi, which will take you to your destination in fifty minutes for a price of €120-150.
To Calpe by tram
You can also get to Calpe by tram. For example, a trip from Benidorm will cost you about €1-3, from Altea €1-2, and from Alicante €6-8. But remember that the tram stop in Calpe is located on the outskirts, so you will need to take another bus to get to the center.
To Calpe by taxi
You can also get to Calpe by taxi, but it will be the most expensive choice. For example, a trip from Benidorm will cost you about €30-40, from Altea €17-21, and from Alicante €100-130.
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Calpe?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Calpe:
Where to sleep in Calpe?
Hostel SEA&DREAMS
Hostel SEA&DREAMS is a cozy and modern hostel located just 200 meters from the Arenal Bol beach in Calpe, Spain. The hostel offers private rooms and shared dormitories, a terrace with sea views, and a communal kitchen for guests to use.
Port Europa
Port Europa is a beachfront hotel located in the heart of Calpe, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean sea and the famous Ifach rock. The hotel features comfortable rooms, outdoor pool, direct access to the beach, and an on-site restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
Apartment Corbeta
Apartment Corbeta is a cozy and modern accommodation option located in Calpe with a private terrace offering stunning views of the sea and the famous Penon de Ifach rock. The apartment is fully equipped with all the necessary amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.
AR Diamante Beach Spa Hotel
AR Diamante Beach Spa Hotel is a luxurious 4-star hotel located offering a wide range of facilities such as an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant. With modern and stylish rooms, this hotel is perfect for those looking for a comfortable and relaxing stay in Calpe.
Galeon Boutique Hotel
Galeon Boutique Hotel is a luxurious beachfront hotel in Calpe offering stylish and modern rooms with stunning sea views. The hotel features an outdoor pool, spa, and a gourmet restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.
