Calpe is a scenic town with a massive rock upon the Costa Blanca. Ancient ruins, pristine beaches, world-class fish restaurants, and a thriving nightlife can all be found here. Its streets are lined with Moorish and European architecture, and it offers a nice Mediterranean climate all year. Take a look at Calpe, a beautiful city.
Calpe or Calp used to be a fishing village until it became a popular tourist attraction. Iberian tribes, Roman conquerors, Moorish settlers, and pirates have all landed on its shores. The city is made up of a village and a beach town, with fishing and tourism as its main industries. The Peón de Ifach (Rock of Ifach) is located here, and it is a gigantic rock formation on the shore that provides great panoramic views of the Costa Blanca.
Calpe is also a popular tourist destination for archaeologists, as remains of the city’s historic history may still be seen today. Calpe has been hosting people from all over the world since the 1930s. Calpe is now one of the most sought-after towns in the province of Alicante, with a population of over 13,000 people.
Climb to the top of the Penón de Ifach.
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Calpe’s big rock is likely to be the first thing you notice. This volcanic rock formation, which stands roughly 332 meters tall (0.20 miles or 1,089 feet), is a sight to behold. People travel from all over the world to see and climb this natural wonder, which is sometimes compared to the much larger Gibraltar. Climbers range from novices to experts, although individuals with health issues or a fear of heights should avoid the climb. The path above the tunnel is quite difficult to navigate.
The view from the top, however, makes the roughly two-hour trek well worth it. Even Ibiza may be seen on clear days. Aside from being Calpe’s most recognizable feature, Peón de Ifach also has its own natural park and conservation area, which is home to over 300 kinds of animals and plants native to the area. Migratory marine birds use it as a nesting location every year. A Maritime Terrestrial Zone, the Calpe Salt Mines, is also nearby. These dead salt flats are home to a variety of birds, including the flamingo.
Explore The Historic Center of Calpe.
Calpe’s old town, perched atop a steep hill, is lined with winding cobblestone lanes and exquisite Moorish-European architecture. The Torreon de la Peca, a centuries-old wall intended to protect the town from North African pirates, greets visitors to the ancient town. Take a leisurely stroll past sidewalk cafes, bodegas, museums, and churches such as the lovely Iglesia Antigua, which is a magnificent example of Gothic-Mudejar architecture.
San Juan de la Cometa Ermita
The Ermita de San Salvador, a Gothic-style 18th-century hermitage a few feet from the old town, was built to celebrate the re-conquest of Calpe on San Salvador’s feast day. The hermitage also serves as a superb vantage point, with spectacular views of Calpe. The Ermita de San Juan de la Cometa, a hermitage built in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, is located just outside of town. Every year on June 24, it hosts the feast of St. John.
Have a Eating Adventure In Calpe
Aside from its many seafood restaurants, Calpe is also known for a variety of Mediterranean dishes and Spanish staples like tapas, paella, and sangria. Local handcrafted pastries and desserts, like as Jijona ice cream made with Alicante almonds, are also available. In terms of gastronomy, the old town has a lot to offer. Salsa’s Tapas Bar, a restaurant that provides Mediterranean, Spanish, and international cuisine, is located there. There’s also live music, which adds to the lively vibe. Locals recommend La Via de Calpe, which serves seafood and Mediterranean meals and has a lovely romantic setting. If you’re on a budget, the exquisite Resto-Bar Tu Sitio, which specializes in tapas, is a good option.
Purchase A Souvenir
The Saturday market, which runs for about one kilometer (0.62 miles) between Avenida del Norte and Avenida Puerto de Santa Mara, allows tourists to shop to their hearts’ content. Half of the market is dedicated to fresh produce, while the other half includes everything a person might possibly desire to take home. Visitors can peruse over 250 stalls for clothing, shoes, furniture, and knickknacks.
Participate In a Fish Auction
From Monday to Friday, La Lonja de Calpe (Calpe Fish Market) hosts a fish auction that starts from dusk and runs to the evening. Although it is entertaining to watch, the bidding is limited to restaurants and wholesalers such as supermarkets. Shellfish, octopus, squid, whiting, red mullet, mackerel, grouper, and gilthead are among the foods available. The fast-paced fight of bidders can be seen from the viewing gallery. There is also a public fishmonger counter where visitors can purchase the same fish that are being auctioned, but they have already been cleaned. Following the auction, guests can wander to the harbor, where they will find a variety of affordable seafood eateries serving local specialities.
Enjoy A Cocktail At A Seaside Bar
The Eden Bar is a popular beachfront chiringuito near the main promenade and Playa de la Fossa (beach). Aside from being the perfect spot for a lazy sunny day, guests seem to like its fast service. Another chiringuito worth visiting is Bar Morena, which offers stunning views of the beach and Peon de Ifach. If you want to avoid the crowds, go to the seafood restaurants, marina, or Peon de Ifach. Long tiled promenades stretch from the beach to the town in the area. Visitors going through it will see a variety of sights, including rollerbladers, cafes, sand artists, and other attractions.
Archaeological Sites to Visit
One of the nicest things about this city is how well preserved some of its historic ruins are. Calpe is both an archaeological gem and a picturesque party town, with vestiges of the past dating back to the Roman invasion still visible today. The Baos de la Reina (Roman Baths) are a seaside enclave near the Playa Arenal Bol and the Calpe History and Archeology Museum that is truly a sight to behold. It is made up of three parts: the Roman Vicus, Muntanyeta Thermal Complex, and Roman Fish Farms. It is thought to be the baths of a Moorish queen. The ruins previously had spectacular architecture and housed exquisite art, according to excavations. Around a quarter of the surface has been excavated so far, revealing the ancient past of a palatial mansion suitable for a queen. At the western end of the Roman Baths lies the Torre Moli del Morello, an 18th-century flour mill and watchtower. It was originally utilized to guard the city against pirates due to its strategic location by the sea. The Pobla d’Ifach, established in the 1300s at the foot of the Peon de Ifach, is a medieval settlement with roughly 90 burial sites. Calpe Castle, a late-16th-century watchtower intended to fight against Berber pirates, is another architectural gem. It can be reached through a short climb on Calpe’s mountain side.
Relax Upon A Pristine Beach In Calpe
Calpe is known for quality beaches, some of which have earned Blue Flag status. Despite being a busy seaside destination, Calpe’s beaches and coves have retained their purity and calm waters. Calpe is ideal for beach hoppers because its most beautiful beaches are barely 5 minutes apart. The modest and tranquil Cantal-Roig Beach is located near the fishing port and Peón de Ifach. Despite its proximity to numerous seafood restaurants, it manages to be a tranquil sanctuary in the midst of the bustling city. La Fossa or Levante Beach is also close to the cliff, with a long promenade and a variety of pubs and cafes. Arenal Bol, the most popular and largest beach, is ideal for people looking for a lot of action and excitement. There are numerous stores and restaurants in the area, as well as an unbeatable view.
